Senior Policy Advisor – Gender-Based Violence

Make a real impact on women’s safety and gender equality.

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Policy Advisor – Gender-Based Violence, to join the Working with Women Alliance, proudly led by YWCA Canberra.

This pivotal role reports to the Executive Director, Working with Women Alliance (WwWA) and is responsible for delivering key outcomes under the activity work plan approved by the Office for Women and guided by the Governance Committee of WwWA.

About Working with Women Alliance:

Proudly led by YWCA Canberra, the Working with Women Alliance (WwWA) is one of the five National Women’s Alliances that play a key role in ensuring women’s voices are central in the policy development process by providing evidence based, intersectional gender equality advice and civil society expertise to government on areas of most impact and influence to Working for Women: A Strategy for Gender Equality.

About YWCA Canberra:

YWCA Canberra is a respected feminist, not-for-profit community organisation which has been providing community services and representing women’s issues in the Canberra community since its establishment in 1929. Today, we provide leading and innovative services to women and the broader Canberra community in the areas of children’s services, community services, housing, youth services, personal and professional training, and women’s leadership.

About the Role

As Senior Policy Advisor for Working with Women Alliance, you will lead policy development on women’s safety and gender-based violence, influencing national policy to eliminate all forms of violence against women. You will manage the Policy and Advocacy Advisory Committee and collaborate with sector leaders, government, and individuals with lived experience to drive meaningful change.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior, evidence-based policy advice on women’s safety and gender-based violence.
• Develop and implement policy positions, submissions, advocacy campaigns, and communication strategies.
• Recommend and shape policy and advocacy priorities for women’s safety.
• Build and maintain strategic alliances with stakeholders, including government, sector organisations, and members.
• Manage the Gender-Based Violence Policy & Advocacy Advisory Committee and ensure effective governance practices.
• Support growth and engagement of WwWA membership, representing the women’s safety sector nationally.
• Work collaboratively and consultatively in a dynamic environment ‘with and through’ WwWA advisory committees, team members, individual members, community partners, and organisations such as the National Women’s Alliances, Our Watch, ANROWS, 1800Respect, and others.
• Participate in reporting and meeting the Activity Work Plan as set by the Office for Women, including contract reporting and mid-year reviews.
• Prioritise and meet deadlines and work independently without direct supervision.

About You

You are an experienced policy professional with a strong understanding of gender equality and women’s safety issues. You bring:

• Demonstrated experience in policy development and advocacy at a senior level.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and ability to influence national policy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including speechwriting and campaign design.
• Ability to manage governance committees and foster collaborative relationships.
• Proven ability to work autonomously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

The right person will have

• Tertiary qualifications or equivalent level experience in policy, advocacy, research, government relations, or campaigning.
• At least 2 years’ experience working in policy at the federal level.
• Demonstrated experience in developing policy strategy.
• Extensive knowledge of women’s safety issues.
• Established network of relationships within the relevant sector.
• Experience chairing committees and managing diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience developing evidence-based policy submissions and advice.
• Experience in writing for and managing a range of content platforms and publications including newsletters, websites, media releases, and social media content.

What’s in it for you?

Working at YWCA Canberra offers more than just a pay cheque. Here, you’ll find a job with real purpose, where your efforts directly contribute to improving lives in our community. Whether you’re involved in early childhood education, housing support, or any of our other programmes, you’ll see the tangible results of your work.

• Work on initiatives that make a tangible difference in women’s lives.
• Collaborate with passionate professionals and sector leaders.
• Be part of a national movement driving systemic change.

YWCA Canberra offers:

• Competitive base salary
• Flexible working options to support work-life balance including a 9-day fortnight, 4 day compressed work week and varied working hours to accommodate work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development and further study through our in-house registered training organisation.
• Salary packaging options that can improve your take-home pay by $5K annually
• Generous parental leave entitlements, 3 days extra paid annual leave between Christmas and New Year, annual flu vaccinations.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program for guidance and counselling

Join Canberra’s ONLY Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (WGEA).

 How to Apply

1. Visit https://ywca-canberra.org.au/about-us/careers/ to access the position description and job demands checklist. 

• Applications including a CV and cover letter responding to the selection criteria should be submitted through our recruitment portal here: https://candidate.aurion.cloud/ywca/production/signin

Want more information?

For a confidential discussion or further information please contact Gemma Killen via email at gemma.killen@wwwa.org.au

Applications close on 13 February 2026

Make a difference with us.

At YWCA Canberra, we’ve been championing change since 1929, empowering women and promoting gender equality for nearly a century. Our legacy isn’t built on words alone; it’s rooted in real action. Every day, we transform lives through our community services, affordable housing programs, early childhood education, and leadership initiatives. Whether it’s providing a safe home through YHomes, supporting survivors of domestic violence, or nurturing the next generation of leaders, we walk the talk. Our impact is tangible, and our commitment to building an inclusive, equitable future remains stronger than ever.

YWCA Canberra reserves the right to close this role early if a suitable candidate is found prior to the closing date.

YWCA Canberra is committed to the safety of children and young people. As such, successful applicants will be required to participate fully in all child protection risk management recruitment processes and ongoing character checking and assessment processes.

YWCA Canberra is an equal opportunity employer. People from diverse backgrounds and with diverse life experiences are encouraged to apply. We specifically encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.