Policy officer

About AMSANT

AMSANT is the peak body for Aboriginal community controlled health services in the Northern Territory and advocates for equity in health focusing on supporting the provision of high quality comprehensive primary health care services for Aboriginal communities.

Why AMSANT

Lead policy work that directly supports Aboriginal community control and health equity

Competitive salary with generous benefits including salary packaging 6 weeks annual leave and professional development support

Strong organisational values collaborative culture and professional autonomy

Opportunity to influence reform across the Northern Territory

Flexible location across Darwin or Alice Springs

Benefits:

• Salary packaging up to $15899.94 pa.
• Employer superannuation contribution.
• Six weeks annual leave plus 17.5% leave loading
• Personal/carers leave up to 15 days per year.
• 10 days per year study leave can be negotiated.
• Professional development opportunities up to $3000 per year.
• 10 days ceremonial leave.
• Access to a free employee assistance program.
• Ex gratia leave of three paid days during Christmas close down (excl. casuals).

Contract Duration: Fixed term to 12 February 2027 with opportunity for extension

Contract Type: Full time

Work hours: Monday-Friday 08:00am 04:30pm

Location: Darwin or Alice Springs

Salary: $108746.60 $121936.19 pro-rata p.a plus superannuation

Applications close: COB Tuesday 3 February 2026

About the role

Want to work at the intersection of disability policy Aboriginal health and system reform

AMSANT is seeking a Policy Officer to support our advocacy and policy work with a focus on improving access and outcomes for Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory with disability or interacting with the this role you will:

• Contribute to policy development research and submissions on disability and NDIS reform
• Work closely with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services governments and sector partners
• Translate evidence and community priorities into clear practical policy advice
• Support sector engagement consultation and funded project deliverables

This role suits someone with solid policy foundations who enjoys collaborative work stakeholder engagement and tackling complex policy challenges in real-world settings.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to AMSANTs policy research and advocacy priorities with a particular focus on disability and NDIS-related reform impacting Aboriginal communities.
• Deliver policy research and engagement activities required under AMSANTs funding and contractual arrangements with NACCHO and the NDIA including agreed reporting consultation and sector support functions.
• Undertake policy analysis research and sector consultation to inform submissions briefings position papers and advocacy materials.
• Support engagement with AMSANT members governments and other stakeholders to strengthen coordinated policy and advocacy efforts.
• Represent AMSANT at meetings consultations forums and working groups as required under the direction of the Policy Research and Advocacy Manager.
• Assist with internal coordination governance and other functions across PRA-led committees forums and meetings.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of AMSANTs policy research and advocacy systems processes and ways of working.
• Other duties as agreed and directed.

SELECTION CRITERIA (QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES)

Essential

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in public policy social sciences health disability studies or a related field or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in disability health or social policy including the NDIS or demonstrated capacity to develop expertise in complex policy and funding environments.
• Strong policy analysis and writing skills with the ability to produce clear high-quality briefs submissions and advice for a range of audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and build effective relationships with Aboriginal organisations community-controlled sectors governments and other stakeholders.
• Understanding of Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and the broader policy funding and governance environments in which they operate.
• Awareness of the social and structural determinants impacting the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to engage respectfully with Aboriginal people and communities.
• Sound organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet contractual and organisational deliverables.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and collaborative IT systems.
• Willingness and ability to travel including to remote locations.
• Knowledge of disability service systems the NDIS or related reform agendas.
• Experience contributing to funded projects or contracts with government or peak bodies.
• Knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures histories and contemporary policy issues.

Desirable

Experience working in or with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

Experience in management consulting strategy or system reform roles.

How to Apply:

Your application should consist of a resume and cover letter addressing the above selection criteria. Please address your cover letter to the Hiring Manager detailing why you wish to work at AMSANT and the attributes skills and experience you would bring to the role.

If you have any queries or would like any additional information about this role please contact the HR team at