The Policy and Advocacy Officer is responsible for providing high level advice to the Systems Lead and the Commissioner on policy improvements and advocacy initiatives that will keep children and young people's needs and voices at the forefront of decisions that impact their lives.

Reporting to the Systems Lead and working closely with senior staff you will monitor and analyse state and federal government policy along with legislative and regulatory developments that impact on children and young people across South Australia.

This role ensures the Office of the CCYP has an up-to-date understanding of the SA public policy landscape and is positioned as a leading contributor to positive systems change for children and young people. You will leverage your government and non-government networks, knowledge of sectors that support children and young people, research and submission writing skills to influence government policy decisions in alignment with the Commissioner's strategic goals.

Role Responsibilities And Key Outcomes

Key responsibilities of the Policy & Advocacy Officer, include creating high-quality, evidence-based reports and policy submissions that directly contribute to the Office of CCYP's advocacy and strategic campaigns.

Working closely with staff across the Office, this role will ensure that reports, submissions and policy positions are underpinned by robust evidence that includes our direct engagement with children and young people, the perspectives of those who work to support them where appropriate, and contemporary national and international research and data. A willingness to build and maintain strong relationships and networks, undertake proactive investigation of emerging issues and recommend strategic actions that promote child rights will be vital to achieving success in this role.

Policy & Advice

- Preparation of well-research submissions/draft responses, correspondence, articles of briefings relating to major inquiries, proposed legislative change or other political, educational, or systemic change developments.
- Provide evidence-based advice and recommendations political and regulatory developments that may impact on families, children and young people.
- Draft and develop policy submissions, briefing notes, and position papers.
- Negotiate, develop, and provide recommendations, informed by research and evidence,



on fair and effective social policy from a child and youth perspective.
- Monitor passage of Bills in Hansard and report on Parliamentary debate where relevant.
- Contribute to the catalogue that captures positions taken, policies submissions and public comment, including tracking of outcomes from advocacy.
- Provide material, ideas, and support to the Communications team for use in newsletters and social media.
- Stay current with policy trends, legislative changes, and government decisions affecting children and young people, and the broader sectors that support them.
- Proactively work with the Commissioner to ensure the Office is relevant by providing analysis and insights to inform advocacy priorities and policy positions.
- Work closely with the systems, engagement and data team to translate research and data into compelling reports and advocacy campaigns that have children and young people at the forefront

Relationships & Stakeholder Liaison

- Maintain effective working relationships with government agencies and maintain a strong network of strategic alliances with stakeholders and partner organisations.
- Liaise with interstate and national colleagues on shared advocacy campaigns and support the Commissioner's attendance at ANZCCG with briefings and advice as required.
- Sourcing and connecting partners, stakeholders, experts, and other networks as required.

Collaboration

- Manage performance targets for yourself and in alignment with the objectives and workplan of your team through regular monitoring, feedback, and alignment with agreed objectives set by the Commissioner and Director.
- Demonstrate initiative, collaboration and open communication with team members across the office
- Contribute to maintaining a protected and healthy work environment, role modelling respectful behaviours at all times (noting the office employs and supports young people and volunteers experiencing their first work environment).
- Take personal accountability by identifying and reporting incidents, hazards,



and injuries in accordance with policy & procedure.
- Cooperate and comply with reasonable instructions of line management and WHS Officers.
- Work with a high level of personal and professional integrity and motivation.

Requirements

Essential

- Tertiary qualifications in relevant field
- Exceptional writing skills and proven success in communicating impactful policy and advocacy narratives for government, decision makers, children, young people and families.
- Established networks in state government departments, particularly in education, child protection, human services and health, justice and child protection
- Significant experience in researching and analysing a broad range of literature to interpret, review and respond to policies and plans to impact on systems and service design.
- Knowledge of government decision making processes and statutory frameworks.
- Proven ability to interpret and communicate quantitative and qualitative data and evidence.
- Effectively identify, collect, organise, and document data and information in ways that make the information most useful for subsequent assessment, analysis, and investigation.
- Build and maintain constructive and collaborative working relationships characterised by a high level of trust, acceptance, cooperation and mutual regard with a range of stakeholders, internal and external to government.
- Ability to work to very tight deadlines under broad direction only, including experience in successfully prioritising and managing complex project work and a range of related tasks.
- Effectively organises multiple tasks / assignments, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities, to produce work that is accurate, thorough and on time.
- A collaborative team player who models our values and our ethos as a learning organisation.

Desirable

- An understanding and ability to interpret legislation
- Experience in political advisory roles, public relations, or advocacy
- Desire to work as an advocate in area of child rights

Enquiries and Application As part of your application process, you will be required to submit a resume and a cover letter addressing the job requirements. Enquiries can be directed to Lynda Forrest - Director, Partnership and Impact Lead via email [email protected] or phone 08 8226 3355.

Applications close: 24/11/2026

📌 Policy and Advocacy Officer (Adelaide)
🏢 Commissioner for Children and Young People
📍 Adelaide