Part-time (0.80 FTE) | Canberra preferred | Flexible working

About Optometry Australia
Optometry Australia is the peak professional membership body for Australian optometrists, representing approximately 85% of all registered optometrists nationally.

We are the influential voice for optometry, working to advance the profession and improve access to high-quality eye care across Australia. As the national body within a federated group of state-based organisations, we lead evidence-based advocacy, policy development and strategic reform across the workforce, scope of practice and health system integration.

We offer a flexible and supportive work environment and value collaboration, integrity and forward thinking.

About the Role
We are seeking a Policy and Advocacy Officer to support Optometry Australia's national policy and advocacy agenda, with a particular focus on Commonwealth Government engagement and national health policy development.

Working within the Optometry Advancement team and reporting to the Director, Strategy & Policy, this role contributes to the development and delivery of evidence-based policy positions, advocacy initiatives, submissions and briefing materials that strengthen Optometry Australia's national influence.

The role supports priority reform areas including scope of practice, workforce, funding models and health system integration, and provides high-quality policy, advocacy and secretariat support across national initiatives.

Remote. Based in Canberra (preferred), this role supports engagement with Commonwealth departments, parliamentarians and national stakeholders. Applicants based in other major cities will also be considered. Some interstate travel may be required from time to time.

Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:

• Support the drafting of policy submissions, briefing notes, consultation responses and internal papers aligned with Optometry Australia's strategic priorities;
• Undertake desktop research, analysis and environmental scanning to inform policy development and advocacy initiatives;
• Support engagement with Commonwealth Government, parliamentarians, regulators and external stakeholders through the preparation of briefs, correspondence and meeting materials;
• Provide secretariat support to advisory committees and working groups, including meeting coordination, agenda preparation, minute taking and action tracking;
• Work collaboratively within a national team to support effective policy development, consultation and advocacy outcomes.

About You
We are seeking a capable and motivated policy professional with a strong interest in health policy and advocacy. You will bring:

• A tertiary qualification in public policy, politics, economics, health or a related discipline;
• Experience or a strong demonstrated interest in government relations, public policy and parliamentary processes;
• Excellent written communication skills, with experience supporting the preparation of policy submissions, briefs and advocacy materials;
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesise evidence clearly and concisely;
• Sound organisational skills, including the ability to coordinate meetings, committees and competing priorities;
• The ability to work both collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced policy environment.
• Experience in health policy, advocacy, professional associations or not-for-profit organisations will be highly regarded.

Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to work in a purpose-driven national organisation and contribute to meaningful health system reform that improves access to eye care for communities across Australia.

We offer:

• A part-time (0.80 FTE) ongoing role;
• Flexible working arrangements;
• A collaborative, supportive team environment; and
• The opportunity to work closely with government and national stakeholders on high-impact policy issues.

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV (maximum three pages) and a cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining your skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the role to applications@optometry.org.au

Applications will be assessed as they are received.

Position Description
Position: Policy and Advocacy Advisor
Reports to: Director, Strategy & Policy
Reportees: Nil
Hours: 0.8 FTE

Location: Remote, Canberra preferred; however, other major cities will be considered. This role supports direct engagement with the Commonwealth Government and national policy stakeholders. Some interstate travel may be required from time to time.

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As the profession’s peak body, Optometry Australia (OA) represents the largest community of optometrists in the country. Optometry Australia is a national body of a federated group of five Divisions (state membership organisations), each a member of Optometry Australia with individual optometrists as their members. Optometry Australia supports the Divisions through national policy and advocacy and other core member services. Our organisation offers a flexible work environment.

Role Overview and Position Summary

The Policy and Advocacy Advisor plays a key role in supporting Optometry Australia’s national policy and advocacy agenda, with a particular focus on Commonwealth Government engagement and national policy development.

The role contributes to the development and delivery of evidence-based policy positions, advocacy initiatives, submissions and briefing materials that strengthen Optometry Australia’s influence and advance the optometry profession.

Working closely with and reporting to the Director, Strategy & Policy, the position provides high-quality policy, advocacy and secretariat support across priority reform areas, including scope of practice, workforce, funding models and health system integration. The position supports drafting, consultation processes, desktop research, stakeholder liaison and committee coordination across Optometry Australia’s policy priorities.

Based in Canberra (preferred) or another agreed location, the role supports effective engagement with Commonwealth departments, parliamentarians, and external partners, thereby strengthening Optometry Australia’s national influence and strategic positioning.

This position directly supports Optometry Australia’s objective of enabling optometrists to work to their full and evolving scope of practice through effective advocacy and strategic collaboration.

KEY RESULTS AREAS
Policy and advocacy support

• Assist in the drafting of policy submissions, briefing notes, consultation responses and internal papers aligned with Optometry Australia’s strategic agenda.
• Support advocacy initiatives through clear, well-researched and timely policy advice and written materials.

Research and evidence gathering

• Undertake desktop research and background analysis to inform policy development, advocacy priorities and strategic planning.
• Support the synthesis of evidence to underpin submissions, briefings and stakeholder engagement.

Secretariat and coordination

• Provide secretariat support, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, recording minutes, monitoring actions and supporting advisory and working group processes.
• Support consultation processes and cross-team coordination across Optometry Australia’s priorities.

Government and stakeholder engagement support

• Support consultation and relationship management with the Commonwealth Government, parliamentarians, departmental stakeholders and external partners.
• Assist in preparing briefs, correspondence and meeting materials to support government engagement activities.

Team contribution

• Work collaboratively as part of a high-performing team, demonstrating agility, professionalism and openness to innovation.

Health and Safety

• This role is expected to contribute to a safe and healthy working environment as it relates to all staff. Continued awareness of work surroundings to ensure safe practices will be continually maintained, including an awareness of Evacuation and First Aid policies and procedures.
• Staff health and welfare are paramount to Optometry Australia, with adverse causes of stress to be identified early, where possible and discussed with the CEO and/or the OH&S Committee for planning of required solutions.

Member Engagement

• Optometry Australia provides essential professional support in areas ranging from ethical advice to professional practice issues, business marketing and political representation, and offers a wide range of resources, publications, marketing materials and discount programs. Within a changing optometry sector, active member engagement is paramount across all roles.
• Each staff member of Optometry Australia is responsible for identifying and implementing opportunities to increase member input, awareness and understanding of what we do, and effective representation of the Organisation’s professional reputation along agreed lines.

KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Degree qualification in politics, public policy, economics, law or similar
• Experience or strong demonstrated interest in government relations, public policy and parliamentary processes
• Excellent writing skills and attention to detail
• Ability to draft high-quality policy submissions, briefing notes and advocacy material
• Sound organisational and coordination skills
• Confidence supporting meetings, committees and stakeholder engagement
• Solid knowledge of health systems, advocacy and government decision-making
• Sound desktop research and analytical capabilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Sound computer literacy skills
• Effective project planning and management skills
• Sound organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate meetings, committees and competing priorities
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities
• Ability to work independently.

VALUES
Embrace and work within Optometry Australia’s FIRST values:
Forward Thinking
We are at the forefront of change, and we accept that change never stops. We are excited about the future and the role we play in growing the optometry sector and advancing eye health care. Our approach means that we are always learning and adapting as we find new ways to collaborate, listen and communicate.

Integrity and Respect
We conduct our business according to the highest professional and ethical standards and practices. Fairness, honesty, openness, and trustworthiness are at the heart of all we do. We value diversity and treat everyone with respect and dignity. As industry leaders, we do not take our role for granted and understand that we are judged by how we act.

Responsive and accountable
We are committed to engaging with our stakeholders in a timely, proactive and accurate manner. We recognise that positive, long-term relationships result from being responsive, relevant and accountable.

Strategic vision Our plans are visionary, designed to achieve our individual and sector goals. We work with intent and build on our strengths to realise our strategic vision. We do not work alone; respecting the opinions of others and the power of a united voice.

Teamwork
We value, support and listen to each other. Our positive energy creates a dynamic workplace that inspires innovation, friendship and mutual respect