Senior Policy Officer - Leadership and Advocacy Team

_{04th September, 2026}

About CATSINaM
 
The Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives (CATSINaM) is
the national peak membership body representing and advocating for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander nurses, midwives and students.
Established in 1997 and guided by the principle of Unity and Strength through Caring,
CATSINaM works to strengthen the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing and
midwifery workforce and improve health outcomes through advocacy, leadership,
partnerships and workforce development.
 
About the role
 
We are looking for a Senior Policy Officer who brings strong policy capability, but also
curiosity, initiative and a willingness to get involved beyond a traditional policy remit.
As part of a small, purpose-driven organisation, this role will suit someone who is
comfortable working across different priorities, navigating ambiguity and contributing
wherever their skills can add value. You might be developing a policy position one day,
exploring an emerging workforce issue the next, working with stakeholders to understand
what is happening on the ground, or helping turn an idea into something practical and
actionable.
You will lead and contribute to policy initiatives affecting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander nursing and midwifery workforce, drawing together evidence, sector insights and
stakeholder perspectives to inform CATSINaM's advocacy and strategic direction.
Importantly, we are looking for someone who enjoys asking questions, making
connections and working through complex issues where the answer is not always
immediately clear.
 
What you'll be doing
 
- Develop and contribute to evidence-based policy, workforce and advocacy
initiatives.
- Explore emerging issues, trends and opportunities affecting Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander nurses and midwives.
- Translate research, evidence and stakeholder insights into clear, practical policy
positions and recommendations.
- Prepare submissions, briefing papers, position statements, presentations and
strategic advice.
- Engage with members, government, sector partners and other stakeholders to
understand different perspectives and inform CATSINaM's work.- Identify opportunities for CATSINaM to influence policy, contribute to sector reform
and strengthen workforce outcomes.
- Work closely with the CEO, COO and broader team on organisational priorities that
may extend beyond a traditional policy portfolio.
- Contribute ideas, solve problems and help progress projects in an environment
where priorities can evolve.
- Support and mentor colleagues and contribute to a collaborative, capable and
adaptable team.
What we're looking for
You may come from policy, government, health, workforce development, advocacy,
research or another related environment. More important than having followed one
particular career path is your ability to think critically, learn quickly and turn complex
information into useful action.
You will ideally bring:
- Experience developing, implementing or evaluating policy, strategy, advocacy or
related initiatives.
- Strong critical thinking and an ability to work through complex or ambiguous issues.
- Intellectual curiosity and a genuine interest in understanding how and why things
work.
- The confidence to ask questions, challenge assumptions and explore different
approaches.
- Strong written communication skills and the ability to make complex information
clear and accessible.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills and an ability to build trusted relationships
across different environments.
- Initiative and the ability to identify what needs to happen rather than waiting for
every step to be defined.
- Adaptability and a willingness to wear different hats in a small organisation.
- Sound judgement and the ability to balance competing priorities.
- Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,
cultures and communities, with a commitment to culturally safe ways of working.
- Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent professional experience.
- Willingness to travel when required.
 
Why CATSINaM?
 
- Join a national, purpose-driven organisation supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander nurses and midwives.- Work on issues with the potential to create meaningful and lasting sector impact.
- Have genuine autonomy and exposure to a broad range of strategic priorities.
- Work closely with the CEO, COO and a small team where your ideas and
contribution will be visible.
- Opportunity to shape work, explore new ideas and contribute beyond the
boundaries of a conventional job description.
- Salary packaging options.
- Flexible working arrangements, including flexibility around hours and hybrid work.
- A culturally safe and supportive working environment.
 
CATSINaM is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and strongly encourages
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.