• A unique opportunity to join the peak-body for Australian international development NGOs in a leadership role and influence foreign policy and international development
•  A salary ranging from Manager 1 ($121,581) – Manager 3 ($142,681) per annum, commensurate with qualifications and experience. This includes a fringe benefits concession of up to $15,900, plus 11% superannuation. 
• Canberra-based, with flexible working arrangements
• 1 FTE, parental leave cover of up to one year
• Applications close COB 22 January 2024. Applicants are encouraged to apply before closing interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.    
• View the position description here

The Role 

Are you a passionate about human rights and international development?

Are you committed to working for the greater good? 

This is an exciting opportunity the peak body for Australia’s international humanitarian and development NGOs. 

The Australian Council for international Development (ACFID) is Australia’s peak body for NGOs involved in international development and humanitarian action.

We are seeking a highly experienced candidate to fill a permanent full-time position. 

The Chief of Policy & Advocacy is part of the Executive Team and will plan, manage, and lead the work of the Policy & Advocacy team in consultation and collaboration with ACFID’s members and strategic stakeholders; and guided by ACFID’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025 and Advocacy Agenda. The position will also support and coordinate relations with DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade), working alongside the Executive Team.

The successful candidate will be a motivated and experienced advocate. They will have strong management skills, a can-do attitude, and the ability to take initiative and be flexible in a fast-paced and changing environment. They will value diversity in the workplace and commit to ACFID’s values as outlined in our Strategic Plan. An understanding of the context of ACFID members’ work and experience working in a not-for-profit is desirable. Media, political experience and knowledge of Parliament and the public services is desirable. 

About ACFID  

The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) is the peak body for Australian non-government organisations (NGOs) involved in international development and humanitarian action. Our vision is of a world where all people are free from extreme poverty, injustice, and inequality and where the earth’s finite resources are managed sustainably. Our purpose is to lead and unite our members in action for a just, equitable and sustainable world. 

Founded in 1965, ACFID currently has 127 members and 20 affiliates operating in more than 90 developing countries. The total revenue raised by ACFID’s membership from all sources amounts to $1.26 billion (2021 – 22), $773 million of which is raised from over 1.1 million Australians. ACFID’s members range between large Australian multi-sectoral organisations that are linked to international federations of NGOs, to agencies with specialised thematic expertise, and smaller community-based groups, with a mix of secular and faith-based organisations. 

ACFID members must comply with the ACFID Code of Conduct, a voluntary, self-regulatory sector code of good practice that aims to improve international development and humanitarian action outcomes and increase stakeholder trust by enhancing the transparency, accountability, and effectiveness of signatory organisations. Covering 9 Quality Principles, 33 Commitments and 91 compliance indicators, the Code sets good standards for program effectiveness, fundraising, governance, and financial reporting. Compliance includes annual reporting and checks. The Code has an independent complaint handling process.

We value diversity in the workplace and model our commitment to the values outlined in our strategic plan.  ACFID is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability status or national origin. Applicants will be considered based on qualifications, merit, and business need. Individuals of diverse backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. 

How to Apply 

Taking into account ACFID’s core competencies and the required functional competencies of the role as detailed in the position description, please send a covering letter and your Resume by filling in this online Application for Employment form. The covering letter, including your response to the selection criteria, should be no longer than two A4 pages.

Applications will close COB 22nd January 2024 

Applicants are encouraged to apply before closing interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. 

Interviews can be conducted remotely at the candidate’s preference, though the successful candidate must be available to commence in or before March 2024 and be based in ACFID’s office in Canberra.

ACFID’s preference is for the Chief of Policy & Advocacy to work full time (flexible work arrangements to be negotiated). Applicants are asked to provide their preferred working arrangements within the provisions outlined, and all applicants and their preferred working hours will be considered. 

Any offer of employment will require a National Police Check. To be eligible for this position you must have a legal right to work in Australia.  

If you wish to discuss the role further, please contact the Chief of Policy and Advocacy Jessica Mackenzie  [email protected]  or 0478 085 593, or Business Director Nicola Gleeson [email protected] or 02 8123 2213 in office hours.