Senior Policy Officer - Strategic Policy & Legislation

Overview
The Senior Policy Officer – Strategic Policy & Legislation role sits within the Strategic Policy team which plays an important role in the LGAQ’s Advocacy work. The team is comprised of a number of subject matter policy experts and draws on external expertise as required, to shape and deliver the Association’s advocacy strategy on behalf of Queensland councils. The team takes both a proactive and reactive approach to advocacy by advancing local government issues and responding to State and Federal government policy/legislative priorities and emerging issues.
  
As Senior Policy Officer – Strategic Policy & Legislation you will be a team player, maintain strong relationships and use your excellent research, policy analysis and communication skills to support the delivery of high-quality advice and outcomes for Queensland councils across a range of policy, program and funding initiatives.

This role provides opportunities for travel and will provide support to, and work in collaboration with the Manager, Strategic Policy and various Policy Leads across the team, to enhance LGAQ’s advocacy capacity role.
  
This is a full time role based in Newstead, Qld. Applications from people with diverse lived experience and identities are strongly encouraged, as the more diverse our team is, the better we are able to represent our diverse membership. 
  
Key Responsibilities
This role will assist in advancing Queensland local government’s policy, legislative and funding priorities across all levels of Federal and State Government through the following key responsibilities.

• Plan, implement, and monitor policy projects as required, to achieve outcomes within required timeframes.
• Work collaboratively across the Strategic Policy team and Advocacy team to advance a range of local government agreed policy and legislative priorities, including those articulated through the LGAQ Policy Statement.
• Provide high level support and take action to progress and track relevant motions/resolutions passed at LGAQ Annual Conferences and provide timely updates to councils on advocacy progress.
• Undertake research and analysis in collaboration with councils and internally, to identify workable options and solutions to relevant policy and legislative reforms.
• Prepare, and contribute to the delivery of high-quality submissions, briefing notes, policy advice, strategies, reports, presentations and/or other material as required, to advance advocacy outcomes.
• Support member consultation, engagement and communication processes including through LGAQ-led reference/advisory groups, webinars and events, and contributing to campaigns as required.
• Share information within LGAQ on relevant policy issues as required, and represent the interests, viewpoints and attitudes of LGAQ and Queensland local governments to other spheres of government, the private sector and the community.
• Provide appropriate information to local governments on existing or emerging policy issues, legislation, programs and funding opportunities as required. 
• Positively influence the loyalty of our members by participating and working collaboratively in a LGAQ ‘segment’ team as required.
• Attend and present at LGAQ events, Regional Organisation of Councils (ROC) meetings, Elected Member Updates (EMU), LGAQ Policy Executive meetings and other external meetings, if required.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and networks with councils and across all levels of government and key stakeholders as required.  
• Undertake project work and/or periodic travel as required.

About You
The successful candidate will have:

• Demonstrated knowledge, or the ability to rapidly acquire knowledge, of diverse and contemporary issues and challenges for local government.
• Proven experience in analysing emerging policy issues and legislation, developing new or alternative policy solutions, and/or providing robust policy advice.
• Excellent research, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
• Sound understanding of policy and legislative frameworks and decision-making processes across different levels of government.
• Tertiary qualifications or in public policy, law, economics (or a related discipline) and demonstrated continuous learning approach to personal and professional development.
• Proven ability to establish effective working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders and collaborate to achieve outcomes.
• Proven ability to adjust to changing priorities, meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• A resilient mindset and composure in fast-paced or high-pressure situations.
• Well-developed interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), organisational and negotiation skills and the ability to apply these skills in a diverse range of forums and settings.
• A current driver’s licence and the ability to travel as required.

About LGAQ 
The LGAQ is the peak industry body and registered industrial employer organisation for Queensland’s 77 local councils, a sector that employs in excess of 44,000 Queenslanders across circa 250 various professions. We advocate for our members’ interests at a state and federal level and support their drive to innovate and improve service delivery.   
  
We have an inclusive and caring culture underpinned by our CARE Behaviours@LGAQ. LGAQ people demonstrate Caring Accountable Respectful behaviours and our leaders are Engaged. As an equal opportunity employer, LGAQ encourages applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds. We are also a pet friendly workplace.  
  
We embrace flexible working arrangements in a hybrid model with options for time in the office, working from home and some time travelling to our member councils.  
  
LGAQ may undertake a range of pre-employment screening including Police Check and psychometric assessment as part of the selection process.  
 
Your Application 
  
Use the link to send us your CV and an optional one page cover letter highlighting your fit for this role. We will commence discussions with suitable candidates as applications are received. 
 
If you have any further questions after reading the role responsibilities above, please call our People and Culture team on 3000 2222.