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 $15,899.94 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 $3,000 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: Ongoing, dependant on funding
Contract Type: Full-Time, 38 hours/week
Work hours: Monday-Friday 08:00am - 04:30pm
Location: Darwin or Alice Springs
Salary: $115, $129,140.92 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 NDIS. In 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.
Are you an experienced policy professional ready to lead and influence reform at a system level?
Responsibilities
Policy and advocacy leadership
* Lead the development of high-quality policy advice, submissions, briefs, and advocacy positions aligned to AMSANT's strategic priorities.
* Provide strategic oversight and quality assurance across all policy outputs.
* Translate evidence, sector experience, and member priorities into clear, actionable policy positions.
* Support the PRA Manager in setting and driving the policy and advocacy agenda.
Team leadership and management
* Provide day-to-day leadership and line management for policy staff.
* Support capability development, workload prioritisation, and performance across the policy team.
* Foster strong collaboration across policy, research, communications, and project delivery streams.
Stakeholder engagement and influence
* Build and maintain strong relationships with AMSANT members, governments, sector partners, and other key stakeholders.
* Represent AMSANT in high-level forums, consultations, and committees as required.
* Support coordinated sector engagement and consultation processes.
Strategic support and governance
* Contribute to executive, Board, and member briefings as required.
* Support secretariat functions where relevant to policy and advocacy priorities, including the Northern Territory Aboriginal Health Forum.
* Act as a senior delegate for the PRA Manager when required.
* Undertake other duties as agreed with, and directed by, the Policy, Research and Advocacy Manager.
Selection criteria (qualification and attributes)
Essential:
* Tertiary qualifications in public policy, public health, social sciences, or a related field, or equivalent senior professional experience.
* Demonstrated experience leading policy and advocacy work in complex environments.
* Strong understanding of government policy processes and decision-making.
* Proven ability to produce high-quality policy advice for senior decision-makers.
* Demonstrated leadership and people management capability.
* Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Ability and willingness to travel within the Northern Territory and interstate.
* Desirable
* Experience working in or with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
* Experience in management consulting, strategy, or system reform roles.
* Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field.
* Knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, and contemporary policy issues.
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