Policy and Advocacy Officer Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia location Perth.

Exciting opportunity to join WA's peak body for young people and the youth sector. Use your policy and advocacy skills to contribute to our vision of a WA where all young people are respected, valued and enabled to shape the world they live in.

About YACWA The Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia (YACWA) is WA’s peak non-government youth organisation. YACWA operates primarily as a human rights organisation that seeks to address the exclusion of young people in a rapidly changing society. YACWA strives to be a leading force in social mobilisation and communication around youth issues in Western Australia.

YACWA is looking for a dynamic and motivated individual with a passion for policy and advocacy to drive social change. Previous experience in a political office, policy environment, or working in state government will be highly regarded.

YACWA strives to be a leading force in policy development surrounding youth issues in Western Australia. This role is essential to ensuring YACWA develops sound evidence-based policy positions. These are utilised to advocate for effective changes to social policy and in doing so engage directly with, and connect to our members, the youth sector and young people on a broad range of issues.

Key functions of this role include driving a positive advocacy agenda, including influencing and advocating for young people. Working collaboratively with YACWA organisational members, networks and young people.

Designing campaigns, producing research papers, and developing member-driven and evidence-based documents that help reduce inequality and disadvantage for young people in WA. Working strategically to challenge existing systems, with a solution-focused approach to all tasks and activities undertaken. If you have an interest in improving outcomes for WA's young people and the sector that works with them, then this opportunity is for you.

Who we are looking for even if you don’t feel you meet all the criteria, we would love to hear from you and welcome your application. We recognise the importance and unique expertise that comes with community connections, cultural qualifications and lived experience and encourage applicants who bring these to the table.

Experience and knowledge (essential) demonstrated experience in the areas of policy analysis, advocacy, lobbying and campaigning, including the ability to adapt strategy to a rapidly changing government policy and political environment.

Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including an ability to develop clear, targeted messages and to communicate with influence, and to engage stakeholders in consultations. Proven analytical and research skills. Relevant tertiary qualifications. Strong computer literacy skills.

Experience and knowledge (desirable)experience working in the youth sector and with young people. Experience working in a policy role, state government, or a political environment. An understanding of the Youth Work Code of Ethics.

Attributes and skills a commitment to support and promote the overall objectives of YACWA. A commitment to the National Principals for Child Safe Organisations. Self-motivation and ability to deal with a high level of responsibility. Exceptional organisational, prioritisation, and time management skills. Adaptability and the ability to work collaboratively within a small team. Nothing about us without us.

We strive to be representative of the community we are working with. We strongly encourage applications from people of colour, those who identify as LGBTIQA+, people living with disability, First Nations people, people from culturally diverse, refugee and migrant backgrounds and those with lived experience.

What YACWA offers a respectful, open, and supportive team that values equity, fairness and mutual support. Additional paid time off up to 2 weeks (pro-rata) during the end of calendar year office shutdown period. Flexible working arrangements. Links to extensive networks in the youth and community services sector.

Access to a free and confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Learning and development opportunities to build your skills and develop your potential, as well as opportunities to contribute across portfolio areas in the organisation.