Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services – Canberra ACT
23d ago , from Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council
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
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 adviceBuild 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
Career development and career progression
Work within a purpose-driven, community-led organisation
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Assistant Director Policy & Advocacy (Canberra)
🏢 Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services
📍 Canberra