Assistant Director Policy & Advocacy
Job No:
310528
Location:
Remote (Australia-wide)
Shape the Future of First Nations VET Policy Across Australia
- Support national policy and advocacy that drives meaningful reform
- Translate complex policy into clear advice, briefs, and practical action
- Build trusted relationships that strengthen ICOVE’s influence and impact
A New National Chapter Begins
The Indigenous Centre of Vocational Excellence (ICOVE) is a First Nations-led national initiative established under the Australian Government’s National Skills Agreement, aligned with Closing the Gap reforms.
Delivered in partnership between Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS) and Tranby Aboriginal Co-operative, ICOVE has been created to strengthen how the vocational education and training (VET) system works for First Nations people enabling better pathways into meaningful employment through stronger policy, improved capability, and more effective system design.
More than a traditional peak body, ICOVE represents a new national architecture bringing together policy, research, innovation, and sector capability into a coordinated, system-level approach.
With ICOVE being built from the ground up, this is a unique opportunity to step into a foundational leadership role and shape a structure that will influence outcomes across Australia for years to come.
For more information, please visit:
Shape Policy. Support Influence. Drive Practical Outcomes
As Assistant Director, Policy and Advocacy, you will play a central role in supporting ICOVE’s policy function helping translate complex reform into clear, actionable outputs that influence national conversations.
Reporting to the Director of Policy, you will operate at the intersection of analysis, coordination, and influence, ensuring policy work is not only high quality, but timely, relevant, and impactful.
This role is best suited to someone who enjoys working in the detail while contributing to the bigger picture.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the development and delivery of ICOVE’s national policy and advocacy agenda
- Provide high-quality policy analysis aligned to national and jurisdictional reform priorities
- Prepare briefs, submissions, reports, and strategic advice
- Coordinate policy priorities, timelines, and outputs across the function
- Support senior leadership with high-level briefings and insights
- Represent ICOVE in selected forums, committees, and working groups
- Build and maintain relationships across government, community-controlled organisations, and stakeholders
- Monitor emerging policy trends, risks, and opportunities
- Support ICOVE’s positioning in national policy discussions
- Contribute to integrated delivery across policy, research, and capability pillars
- Support monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement
Build Capability and Influence from Day One
This role is about building context quickly and contributing with confidence.
In your first few months, you will:
- Immerse yourself in the national VET and Closing the Gap policy landscape
- Develop an understanding of ICOVE’s priorities and operating model
- Support delivery of briefs, submissions, and policy responses in a fast-paced environment
As you grow in the role, you will:
- Produce high-quality outputs that inform national discussions
- Translate complex information into clear, practical advice
- Build trusted relationships across government and sector stakeholders
- Identify emerging issues and policy opportunities
- Contribute to major publications and strategic outputs
Success in this role comes from consistency, clarity, and credibility becoming someone others rely on for well-informed, thoughtful policy input.
A Culture Built on Partnership and Purpose
ICOVE is being built with intention as a values-led organisation, grounded in:
- Inclusion
- Respect
- Partnership
- Community connection
The environment is:
- Collaborative and relationship-driven
- Intellectually rigorous but practical
- Focused on real outcomes, not just outputs
You will be working alongside a team that values curiosity, integrity, and shared purpose, where different working styles are respected and strong relationships underpin success.
Your Capability and Contribution
To succeed in this role, you will bring a balance of policy capability, critical thinking, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Essential Experience
- Experience in policy analysis, development, or advisory roles
- Strong written communication skills, particularly in briefs and submissions
- Ability to work across complex and evolving policy environments
Highly Regarded
- Experience working within or alongside government
- Understanding of VET, workforce policy, or Closing the Gap frameworks
- Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations
- Exposure to national or cross-jurisdictional policy work
What Sets You Apart
You are:
- Analytical and intellectually curious
- Able to distil complexity into clear, structured thinking
- Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities
- A strong communicator who builds credibility with stakeholders
- Collaborative and adaptable in a fast-moving environment
- Just as important as technical capability is how you work with others this role requires someone who is approachable, thoughtful, and able to contribute positively to a high-performing team.
Your Expertise and Influence
In recognition of the impact, scope, and national significance of this role, you will receive a salary package $152,077 (Superannuation Inclusive), alongside:
- Flexible, remote working arrangements
- Canberra location preferred for policy engagement
- Opportunity to work on nationally significant reform
- Exposure to high-level policy and decision-making forums
- Travel opportunities across Australia
- Professional development and career progression
- Work within a purpose-driven, community-led organisation
What’s on Offer
If you are motivated to contribute to meaningful national reform and want to play a hands-on role in shaping policy outcomes for First Nations communities, we encourage you to take the next step. Apply Now.
