• Salary rates: ER1 – ER7, $92,098 – $110,517pa, EREGA 2024
• Research Officer / Policy and Parliamentary Adviser FOR GREENS MLC-ELECT SOPHIE MCNEILL
• Anticipated start date: May/June 2025
• Full Time
• Initial 6-month contract with a possibility of extension

THE OFFICE

Sophie McNeill is a Greens WA Member-elect for Western Australia, based in the Perth metropolitan area.

Her portfolio priorities will be Fossil Fuels and Climate Change, Resources, Multicultural Affairs & Anti-Racism, Education, Healthy Oceans, Anti-Nuclear, Peace and Non-violence and Social Justice.

THE POSITION

The Officer manages the Members’ parliamentary business and policy development, advocacy and engagement.

They will be a passionate, knowledgeable and highly skilled individual with a deep commitment to Greens values, who will provide policy expertise and strategic advice to the Member to ensure that parliamentary and policy work is conducted in line with the Members’ strategic goals.

The Officer will also oversee public-facing campaigns in conjunction with other staff and the Member.

They will assist in delivering a strong social media strategy; drafting media releases, and responding to media enquiries when necessary.

PAY AND CONDITIONS

The position is offered under the Electorate and Research Employees (CSA) General Agreement 2024.

Salary rates: ER1 – ER7, $92,098 – $110,517 per annum, EREGA 2024

A three-month probation period will apply.

KEY WORK AREAS

Parliamentary Business

• Manage the Parliament House office and the Members’ legislative agenda.
• Provide advice on, and prepare for Parliament and the use of Parliamentary processes including Amendments, Private Members’ Bills, Motions, Inquiries etc.
• Draft Parliamentary Questions, Estimates Questions, Speeches and Member Statements in line with the Member’s key portfolio areas and strategic objectives.
• Research and analysis of proposed legislation and recommendations on position, in accordance with Greens (WA) policy and expert stakeholder advice.

Policy Research and Engagement

• Policy development and updating key policy documents in priority portfolio areas
• Seek expert opinion and advice on key portfolio policy areas
• Develop advocacy and campaign strategies on key portfolio policy areas

Community Liaison & Campaign Coordination

• Attend leadership meetings on behalf of the Member
• Attend meetings and public engagements with or, on behalf of the Member
• Liaise with other MP offices and foster collaboration.
• Develop and lead community campaign work on behalf of the Member.
• Develop productive and lasting relationships with NGOs and other relevant stakeholders in relation to portfolio priority areas

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential Criteria:

• Strong research and analytical skills with an ability to deliver information in a written document.
• Well-developed organisational skills including the ability to prioritise and schedule work to ensure the completion of tasks to meet deadlines.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to respond to rapid changes and expectations on work routines.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise initiative in dealing with difficult situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills, particularly in dealing with complex and difficult situations and matters of confidential nature.

Desirable:

• Ability to understand the impact and implications of issues and problems which arise in the constituency or parliamentary processes and able to consider the feelings and needs of all parties involved.
• Knowledge of Government and Parliamentary procedures.
• Previous experience working in a parliamentary office
• Previous experience working on community campaigns
• Relevant tertiary qualifications