Policy and Project Officer Position Description

POSITION TITLE:

Policy and Project Officer

BACKGROUND

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is the peak representative and lobbying body for Victorian councils. The MAV was formed in 1879 and the Municipal Association Act 1907 anointed the MAV the official voice of local government in Victoria.

The MAV is committed to employing people who are passionate about the work they do and about local government. Today, the MAV is a driving and influential force behind a strong and strategically positioned local government sector. Our role is to represent and advocate the interests of local government, lobby for a 'fairer deal' for councils, raise the sector's profile and help ensure its long-term security. Our services include policy advice, strategic advice, capacity building programs and insurance.

The success of the MAV stems from its people and the MAV prides itself on its quality team of staff and consultants who work to ensure that the needs of our members are met, and that the MAV is well positioned to fulfil its purpose.

The staffing profile of the MAV includes:

staff funded from membership subscription whose primary focus is policy support and advice, capacity-building programs and representation of Victorian councils

staff funded from State or Commonwealth grants to deliver specific programs and support to Victorian councils

specialist consultants to supplement the skills of the staff within the organisation and provide support across a range of functions including finance, insurance scheme management and business development

Victorian councils plan and deliver services to their communities across a broad range of areas. Policy areas of relevance to this position include:

public health regulation such as tobacco control

emergency management services such as disaster and recovery

infrastructure services, such as managing stormwater, regulation of onsite domestic wastewater

environment policy and services such as climate change adaptation and mitigation, waste and resource recovery, energy efficiency, and natural resource and coastal management.

We support councils through policy analysis, advice and advocacy, capacity building projects and by building collaborative relationships with other levels of government and key stakeholders.

We also host capacity-building and networking events and topic-based workshops.

POSITION PROFILE

The purpose of this document is to clearly articulate the key responsibility and accountability areas for this position. Position profiles within the MAV are reviewed on a regular basis. This approach ensures that they are relevant, useful and clearly reflect current strategic objectives of the organisation as well as role- specific accountability areas, tasks and desired outcomes.

CONDITIONS:

Full-time. The position is for two years and subject to a six month probationary period from the commencement date.

TOTAL EMPLOYMENT COST:

A total Employment Package between $50,000 $60,000 will be offered to the successful applicant. [This is a total salary package comprising the base salary + superannuation at 9.5%]

REPORTS TO:

Manager, Water and Public Health

DIRECT REPORTS:

None

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

EXTERNAL:

Local government officers and councillors

State government departments

Other relevant industry bodies and associations

INTERNAL:

Policy Managers

Policy Team

Communications

Events

Corporate services

THE POSITION

PURPOSE AND KEY DUTIES

The position contributes to the objectives of the MAV by providing support to three policy managers of Water and Public Health, Environment and Regulatory Services, and Emergency Management. A common theme in the policy areas is sustainability in the broadest sense - environmental, as well as community resilience and wellbeing.

You will be required to:

Provide policy advice and support across a broad range of policy areas, including water, emergency management, environment, public health and other regulatory issues.

Collate and prepare regular policy updates for councils about the projects being undertaken by the MAV policy team

Prepare submissions to State and Commonwealth policy and legislative intiatives

Administer MAVs tobacco control service agreements with councils as part of the MAV/Department of Health and Human Services partnership project on tobacco education and enforcement

Assist with arranging forums and providing meeting support, such as preparation of agendas and minutes of meetings, maintenance of committee databases

Devise and prepare presentations

Contribute to MAV strategic policy development

Undertake other duties as may be required by the MAV.

CONTEXT

The work and priorities of the Policy and Project Officer will be confirmed through the Manager of Water and Public Health. A work plan is prepared annually and reviewed periodically with the Managers of Water and Public Health, Environment and Regulatory Services, and Emergency Management. Priority issues for the MAV are articulated in the MAVs Strategic Plan and MAV State Council Resolutions. Issues may be brought to the attention of the officer through direct contact with councils, the Board, CEO or other networks.

This position will suit an applicant who is willing to learn, is flexible and who is seeking professional development opportunities in public policy.

BOUNDARIES

The level of decision making for this position is defined by:

The level of complexity of the issue

The degree of strategic judgement involved

The extent of resourcing (staff or financial)

The implications for the approved work plan

Issues communicated to the officer should be passed to the Manager of Water and Public Health when:

They are perceived to be high-risk in terms of publicity, staff relations or other organisational impact;

Have yet to be sufficiently tested within local government;or

Are sensitive for any othe reason

POSITION SPECIFICATION SELECTION CRITERIA

SELECTION CRITERIA

The position requires:

Strong writing skills

Good conceptual thinker, with excellent analytical skills, the ability to research and investigate issues and synthesise complex stakeholder feedback and data into clear, high quality written reports and briefs and presentations

High level interpersonal and relationship building skills and the ability to work with diverse groups of people effectively and professionally

Strong organisational skills including task prioritisation and time management, attention to detail

Willing to work across a range of policy areas

Demonstrated ability to perform within a team environment

Required qualifications:

Tertiary qualification related to public policy, economics or other relevant field

Computer/IT competencies, including in Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint

Desirable skills:

An understanding of government and the political context in which the MAV operates

Familiarity with social media communication

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LOCATION

This role is located at Level 12, 60 Collins Street Melbourne. Some travel to rural locations in Victoria may be required.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The MAV is an EEO employer committed to fairness, diversity and respect.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

In the context of Occupational Health and Safety policies, procedures, training, and instruction, employees are responsible for ensuring that they:

Follow reasonable instruction

Cooperate with their employer

At all times, take reasonable care for the safety of others in the MAV workplace

Application process

Applications are due on Monday 13 March 2017, 5.00pm.

Please send your application with a cover letter, an address to the key selection criteria, curriculum vitae and a sample of your written work (for example a report, submission, etc).

Note that applications that do not address the key selection criteria will not be considered.

Applications and queries to:

Rosemary Hancock

Manager Water and Public Health

Municipal Association of Victoria

GPO Box 4326

Melbourne VIC 3000

Email to: rhancock@mav.asn.au

Telephone 9667 5520

Privacy Notification

The MAV is bound by Victorian privacy laws. For information on our privacy practices email astandish@mav.asn.au or call 03 9667 5555.

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