Job description
* Shape the Future. Influence Change. Advocate with Us
* Split your time between the office and WFH
* Competitive salary with significant salary packaging benefits
ABOUT CHF
As the national peak body for Australian health consumers, Consumers Health Forum of Australia has an ambitious agenda to expand our reach and influence. CHF is committed to ensuring consumers are engaged and supported to co-design and advocate for a better health system. We represent consumers’ needs and amplify their voices.
As an employer, CHF also has a person-centred approach that listens and supports. We are committed to building an inclusive culture that values diversity, collaboration and trust. We will give you the flexibility to bring your best self to work but need team members who can work both independently and across functions.
Most of all, we need people who can be relied upon to get the job done.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Advocacy Officer reports to the Manager, Communications and Advocacy. This role can be based in either Melbourne or Canberra, with hybrid working arrangements available. The role may involve some occasional interstate travel.
You will support the delivery of CHF’s advocacy agenda across policy, communications and consumer engagement. You will play a key role in coordinating advocacy activities, campaigns, external engagement and events/webinars that advance better outcomes for health consumers. You will work closely with our policy, research and consumer engagement colleagues to ensure that consumer voice, lived experience and evidence all inform CHF’s advocacy.
ABOUT YOU
You will be committed to achieving and upholding CHF’s vision, mission and values.
ESSENTIAL
You should have:
* Experience in advocacy, campaigns, government relations, community organising or a related field, ideally in the community or public sector.
* Ability to build productive relationships with government, members, community organisations and sector partners.
* Strong written communication skills across media releases, briefings, speeches and presentations, web or social content and advocacy materials.
* Confident communicator who can represent CHF in meetings and consultations and support spokespeople with preparation and messaging.
* Ability to understand and interpret policy issues, legislation and reform processes with support from policy specialists.
* Skill in translating complex information into clear messages and practical advocacy asks for broad audiences.
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines and stakeholders in a dynamic environment.
* Commitment to social justice and CHF’s mission to amplify consumer voice.
* Ability to work respectfully and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, including First Nations peoples and people with lived experience of health issues.
* Proficient level of computer literacy in the use of Microsoft Office products.
DESIRABLE
* Experience working in or with government, parliament, peak bodies or media.
* Experience with digital campaigning tools, CRM systems or social scheduling.
* Knowledge of health or social policy issues.
* Relevant tertiary qualifications in public policy, social sciences, communications, law or similar, or equivalent experience.
BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH CHF
* Our 2025 staff engagement survey results provided positive employee sentiments.
* Generous salary packaging arrangements
* Generous and additional paid leave entitlements (personal and festive season leave).
* Share your working time between our office and home.
* Melbourne or Canberra based.
* A strong commitment to your professional growth and development.
Note: You must have the right to work in Australia and demonstrate the absence of a relevant criminal history to be appointed. A current Working with Children’s check and/or Working with Vulnerable People check is also required.
This role is offered on a full-time, two years fixed term basis, but for the right candidate a 0.8 FTE appointment will be considered.
A position description is attached. For more information, please contact Tom Johnson using the subject line: Advocacy Officer - Canberra / Melbourne enquiry via EthicalJobs
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a cover letter and a CV outlining why you believe you are the right person for this position.
Applications are to be sent via the Ethical Jobs portal at the \"Apply Now\" link.
If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or require an alternative format to any of the application materials, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed.
We thank you for your interest in the role and please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
A position description is attached.