The ACU is an international organisation dedicated to building a better world through higher education

We’re looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to help us engage and influence decision makers and other stakeholders with our work to champion higher education as a cornerstone of stronger societies. The postholder will bring policy development skills and the ability to provide analysis and insight to inform the ACU’s strategic communications and policy function. Working across the organisation and with partners, the postholder will deliver engaging and impactful policy work and public affairs for major activities and organisational priorities.

Working as a key member of the Policy and Strategic Partnerships team, the postholder will conduct research, analysis, monitoring, and reporting including on the SDGs, international higher education, and government policy, to inform the ACU’s policy priorities. This will involve a range of activities including researching priority topics, preparation of draft briefings, consultation responses, speeches, newsletters, and website copy. They will be expected to develop and nurture key strategic relationships and to help identify strategic opportunities that promote the value of universities to society.

They will be highly motivated and able to work with a high degree of autonomy to produce high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.

The postholder will have a good understanding of policy making process and how to influence decision makers at both a national and local level and demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills as well as strong writing skills, to provide high quality policy advice to the Head of Commonwealth, UN and Strategic Partnerships and other team members, and support the communication of the ACU’s policy priorities both internally, and externally.