Job description An exciting opportunity to join our team in developing legal policy and advocacy strategies that improve outcomes for women, their children, and the community. Women’s Legal Service Victoria - Melbourne CBD - Immediate start - Hybrid working model - Full time or Part time - negotiable (minimum 0.8 FTE) - Ongoing Be a part of a feminist community legal service supporting Victorian women. Your expertise will directly contribute to building a more gender-equitable society. Competitive remuneration, 5 weeks annual leave and flexible work arrangements. About Us For over 40 years Women’s Legal Service Victoria (Women’s Legal) has championed women’s rights to live free from violence. We are a dedicated team with a passion for working with women and non-binary people to live free from violence and discrimination by: Providing high quality integrated legal services for Victorian women and non-binary people who are victim-survivors of family violence and disadvantaged or marginalised by structural and systemic barriers. Building the capacity of professionals who work with women and non-binary people, to better understand the law and navigate the legal system safely. Advancing gender equality by challenging unsafe and discriminatory policies and laws and informing and advocating for legal and policy initiatives that respect and promote the rights of women and non-binary people. About the Role The Policy and Advocacy Manager harnesses Women's Legal's evidence and expertise, monitors and develops legal policy, and leads advocacy strategies. They provide timely and critical legal analysis of laws and policies related to Women’s Legal practice areas including family violence, child protection, family law, migration, crime, victims of crime assistance, and sexual violence. With a strong focus on engagement and collaboration, this role will work with external stakeholders in Victoria and nationally to drive systems change and improve outcomes for women and non-binary people. This role will contribute to the organisation's strategic and law reform advocacy objectives, with particular focus on family law, economic security, victims of crime and sexual violence. Produce high-quality legal policy and advocacy materials, including but not limited to policy briefs and submissions, budget submissions, campaign messaging, articles and other materials, as needed, that target key decision-makers and audiences; Monitor and identify prevalent and critical systemic issues through research and collaboration with practitioners and external partners; Develop and implement advocacy campaign strategies to respond to systemic law and policy reform issues, applying an understanding of the points of leverage and engagement; Develop and strengthen Women's Legal networks, building coalitions to advance policy objectives and engaging the support of policymakers and other key stakeholders; and Contribute to and implement campaigns that involve effective engagement and advocacy to achieve change. About You You will have knowledge and understanding of the legal assistance, family violence or sexual violence-related sectors and equity issues affecting women and non-binary people in the legal system. You will be able to think laterally and identify and analyse problems and develop appropriate policy solutions. Key to your success is your: Demonstrated ability to produce high quality submissions and other documents that are compelling, evidence-driven and credible Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the capability to describe complex issues in plain language Demonstrated legal research skills, including the ability to understand relevant legislation; Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, capable of working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders Highly organised, with experience in project management You will: Have a minimum of five years' experience in a similar policy and advocacy role; and Hold a degree in a relevant discipline Why Women’s Legal? In return for your dedication, we offer: Competitive remuneration 5 weeks annual leave, plus bonus leave between Christmas and New Year! Paid parental leave and reproductive health leave Cultural leave A strong commitment to your professional development, personal development, and wellbeing A hybrid working model and a flexible working environment that supports work/non-work balance NFP salary packaging benefits (up to $15,900 in tax-free pay every year) plus meal and entertainment benefits (up to $2,650 tax-free pay per year) Fresh fruit available in the office Access to our Employee Assistance Program To apply Click "Apply Now" . Submit a resume and covering letter to tell us how you are the right candidate for this role. Please ensure the cover letter addresses how you personally align to Women’s Legal values as described in the attached position description. Research shows that women are less likely to apply for roles if they don’t meet 100% of the selection criteria. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the criteria, but this role sounds like a good fit for you. All successful candidates will be required to produce a national criminal history check prior to the commencement of their employment. Disclosure of a criminal record does not necessarily preclude appointment by Women’s Legal, but if needed, we invite applicants to address this issue early in the application phase. Should a criminal record disclosure be advised by a candidate, Women’s Legal will endeavour to provide clarity over whether the conviction would preclude a candidate from being able to carry out the position duties. Please note, all staff employed by Women’s Legal Service Victoria are required to comply with Section 121 of the Legal Profession Uniform Law. Enquiries Enquiries can be emailed to Ruth McKendrick, HR Officer at hr@womenslegal.org.au using the subject line: Policy and Advocacy Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs . Equal Opportunity Employer We recognise our work benefits greatly from the unique knowledge, skills, and expertise of individuals with diverse experiences, including people who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, with disability, with lived experience of family and sexual violence, and from migrant, refugee, culturally and racially marginalised backgrounds. If this is you, we strongly encourage you to apply. Women's Legal relies on an exception under the Equal Opportunity Act to employ women only.
