Director of Policy and Advocacy – Australian Council for International Development
· A unique opportunity to join the peak-body for Australian international development NGOs in a leadership role and influence foreign policy and international development
· A salary ranging from Manager 1 ($127,733) - Manager 3 ($149,900) per annum, commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus additional 12% superannuation. ACFID staff are eligible to access a fringe benefits concession of up to $15,900.
· Canberra based only, with flexible working arrangements between the office and home and around carer needs. Generous leave entitlements.
· FTE, Permanent
· Applications close 5pm 12 January 2026
· View the position description
The Role
Are you a passionate about international development and human rights?
Are you committed to working for the greater good?
This is an exciting opportunity to work with the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), the peak body representing Australia's international humanitarian and development NGOs. We are seeking a highly experienced candidate to fill a permanent full-time position.
The Director of Policy and Advocacy is part of the Executive Team and will plan, manage, and lead the work of the Policy & Advocacy team in consultation and collaboration with ACFID's members and strategic stakeholders. The position will also support and coordinate relations with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The successful candidate will be a motivated and experienced international development worker, advocate, and have the ability to shape policy. They will have strong management and stakeholder engagement skills, a can-do attitude, and the ability to take initiative and be flexible in a fast-paced and changing environment. They will value diversity in the workplace and commit to ACFID's values as outlined in our Strategic Plan. An understanding of the context of ACFID members' work and experience working in a not-for-profit is desirable. Media, political experience and knowledge of Parliament and the public services is highly desirable.
About ACFID
The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) is the peak body for Australian non-government organisations (NGOs) involved in international development and humanitarian action. Our vision is Australia acting with compassion and fairness for a just, sustainable and equitable world. Our purpose is to lead, unite and support international development and humanitarian organisations to realise our vision.
Connection and Community: At ACFID we don't just talk about our values, we aim to live them. This means our workplace is one where you'll find a genuine sense of connection to the people around you. We build relationships on our sense of meaning in the work that we do, and naturally we attract people (like you) who care about sustainable global development. ACFID is a place where staff can build, learn and lead - both with each other, and alongside the wider community of our members. We challenge ourselves to continuously improve our culture and invite mutual accountability. We believe a diversity of views, background and lived experience enables an organisation like ours to thrive.
Work with Purpose: At ACFID we're driven by the work that we do – and knowing that you do something that matters is worth showing up for every day. ACFID staff gain opportunities for leadership and exposure at all levels. We represent our members at Parliament, with senior government officials, within international fora, in the media and across the diversity of ACFID's members. We extend these opportunities beyond the executive, giving you visibility, understanding and skills that offer much more than what you might expect from a peak body. We punch above our weight in Canberra. The quality of our work ensures we hold weight in the discussions of decision makers, so we can work for real change, enabling our members to get on with their important work around the globe.
Flexibility: At ACFID we know there's more to you than just work, and we also know that you'll thrive here when you've got that balance right. We're a workplace of diverse skills and interests – we are artists, authors, dancers, parents, partners, pet-lovers and more. We want everyone to bring 100% to all that they do, but we want you to have a healthy work-life balance also. We offer a 35-hour week FTE with a mix of WFH and F2F options that can be tailored to your role and preferences. Additionally, we close the office for an extra week over the new year period allowing you up to an extra 5 days leave each year. Did we mention we also have free coffee and parking?
Diversity: We value diversity in the workplace and model our commitment to the values outlined in our strategic plan. ACFID is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability status or national origin. Individuals of diverse backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions regarding accessibility.
How to Apply
Taking into account ACFID's core competencies and the required functional competencies of the role as detailed in the position description please send a 1-2 page covering letter and your Resume by filling in this online Application for Employment form.
Applications will close 5pm AEST 12 January 2026
Applicants will then be shortlisted and invited to interview. Interviews can be conducted remotely at the candidate's preference, though the successful candidate must be available to commence as soon as possible and be based in ACFID's office in Canberra.
ACFID's preference is for the Director of Policy & Advocacy to work full time (flexible work arrangements to be negotiated). Applicants are asked to provide their preferred working arrangements within the provisions outlined, and all applicants and their preferred working hours will be considered.
Any offer of employment will require a National Police Check. To be eligible for this position you must have a legal right to work in Australia.
For a confidential discussion about the role please contact ACFID on