Senior Policy Officer - Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

Job Description

The Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) is seeking an experienced and culturally responsive Senior Policy Officer - Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) to lead the development and implementation of Indigenous-led monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworks that strengthen evidence-informed policy, advocacy and strategic decision-making across the organisation. 

About AIDA

The Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) is the national body representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors and medical students, focused on equitable health and life outcomes for Indigenous people.  We do this by working towards reaching population parity of Indigenous medical students and doctors; and supporting a culturally safe healthcare system. 

Key Responsibilities 

As the Senior Policy Officer – Monitoring Evaluation & Learning (MEL), you will:

Lead the design and implementation of MEL and evidence frameworks that integrate monitoring, evaluation and structured data analysis, grounded in Indigenous methodologies and cultural safety principles. 

• Ensure program logics, indicators and analytical approaches reflect Indigenous definitions of success and change and avoid deficit-based interpretation. 
• Design monitoring approaches that generate both practice-based learning data and aggregate evidence, supporting continuous improvement and sector influence
• Synthesise data across multiple programs to identify emerging patterns, enablers, barriers and system-level insights relevant to AIDA’s strategic priorities. 
• Undertake a range of qualitative and quantitative data analysis activities that privilege Indigenous ways of knowing and contextual interpretation
• Translate analytical findings into clear, policy-relevant insights for use in reporting, advocacy, program improvement and strategic decision-making 
• Support evaluations and analytical work that strengthen the evidence base underpinning AIDA’s policy positions, advocacy and system reform agendas. 
• Develop accessible tools, templates and guidance that support Indigenous-aligned data analysis and learning, rather than narrow performance measurement. 

Essential Skills and Experience 

• Deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, values, and health issues, and the ability to work respectfully within these communities. 
• Proven commitment to culturally safe practice and improving self-determination and health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 
• Demonstrated experience in monitoring, evaluation and learning, including analysis of qualitative and quantitative data in Indigenous health, workforce or community-controlled contexts. 
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to synthesise diverse data sources into coherent, policy-relevant insights. 
• Deep understanding of Indigenous methodologies, cultural safety and Indigenous Data Sovereignty. Ability to critically assess Western evidence hierarchies and apply Indigenous-centred interpretive approaches.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including translating complex analysis into accessible narratives.

Desirable  

• Experience contributing to evidence bases used in policy advocacy or system reform. 
• Experience analysing program data to support learning, improvement and strategic influence (not just acquittal). 
• Experience working in or with Indigenous-led organisations, particularly in workforce or cultural safety domains. 
• Postgraduate Degree: A postgraduate qualification in public health, medical education, or a related field, with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health or knowledge translation.  

Personal Attributes:

• Culturally aware, inclusive in approach and respectful of all others at all times.
• Calm and highly organised, with a structured yet flexible working style and adept at reprioritising workflows to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to actively nurture collaborative working relationships and demonstrates initiative and drive to improve workplace processes.
• Exceptional standards of personal integrity and who ensures that sensitive matters are handled  discreetly and diplomatically.
• Effective communicator, including written and verbal, and with both individuals and groups.
• Strategic thinker, able to make connections and plan for the future.
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimal guidance.
• Flexible and adaptive team player 

This role is pivotal in ensuring a strong evidence base, grounded in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges, is effectively used to enhance medical education and training and improve healthcare delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

In return, you will receive:

• Flexible working arrangements, including work from home options. 
• A competitive salary  
• Salary packaging. 
• 15% superannuation, which is 4.5% higher than the Superannuation Guarantee rate. 
• 20 days annual leave, plus complimentary Christmas/New Year shutdown leave that is not deducted from leave entitlements. 
• Ongoing training and development opportunities. 
• The opportunity to join a forward-thinking not-for-profit with a strong workplace culture where you will be a valued team member.  

How to Apply 

To apply, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, including your relevant skills, experience and interest in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors undertaking specialist training. 

For Further Information 

For further information about this position or AIDA, please contact Justine Law, Corporate Operations Coordinator, on justine.law@aida.org.au using the subject line: Senior Policy Officer - Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning enquiry via EthicalJobs.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Please note that only applicants short listed will be contacted.