Job Description
10th February, 2026
Position: Advocacy Volunteer - Policy Researcher
Program Area: Communications
Purpose / Objective
To support advocacy work with legal and policy research. Ensuring our campaigns are evidence-based is integral to the success of the ASC's growing advocacy program.
This volunteer position will involve desk-based legal and policy research on Australia's asylum processes and providing support to ASC's advocacy campaigns in 2026.
Days and hours required per week: One day per week (7.2 hours)
Commitment Period: Minimum 3 months
Location: ASC's office, Newtown/option to volunteer remotely
Duties & Responsibilities
Assist with desk research on policy matters related to the lives of people seeking asylum, including in the areas of health, housing, welfare, work rights and the legal landscape for people seeking protection in Australia
Support the Advocacy Lead with media and political monitoring related to asylum, migration and refugee policy
Support the development of the ASC's advocacy program
Conduct administrative tasks as required in support of the ASC's advocacy work
Regular progress check-in with Communications team (flexible timing)
Selection Criteria
Essential Criteria:
Strong knowledge of, or demonstrated interest in, Australia's political processes
Experience in working with people from various backgrounds and cultures
Ability to work collaboratively with other staff and volunteers
Flexibility and willingness to take on extra tasks as appropriate
Ability to adhere to policies in relation to code of conduct, boundaries and confidentiality
Desirable Criteria:
Lived experience as a person seeking asylum or from a refugee background
Experience conducting public policy research in academic, political or not-for-profit setting
Degree or ongoing study in the fields of law, politics or public policy
General Conditions
All ASC staff and volunteers are required to:
Adhere to ASC's vision, purpose and values
Act at all times per ASC's Code of Conduct, Boundaries and Child Protection Policies
Comply with Work, Health and Safety systems
Comply with Incident Management Procedures and emergency protocols
Demonstrate respectful and welcoming behaviour with all people at ASC in culturally appropriate ways
Undertake a NSW Working with Children Check before commencement and ensure it is up-to-date
Support a child-safe organisation by undertaking screening for suitability to work with children and vulnerable people and to comply with relevant state/territory legislative requirements
Return to Se
Position: Advocacy Volunteer - Policy Researcher
Program Area: Communications
Purpose / Objective
To support advocacy work with legal and policy research. Ensuring our campaigns are evidence-based is integral to the success of the ASC's growing advocacy program.
This volunteer position will involve desk-based legal and policy research on Australia's asylum processes and providing support to ASC's advocacy campaigns in 2026.
Days and hours required per week: One day per week (7.2 hours)
Commitment Period: Minimum 3 months
Location: ASC's office, Newtown/option to volunteer remotely
Duties & Responsibilities
Assist with desk research on policy matters related to the lives of people seeking asylum, including in the areas of health, housing, welfare, work rights and the legal landscape for people seeking protection in Australia
Support the Advocacy Lead with media and political monitoring related to asylum, migration and refugee policy
Support the development of the ASC's advocacy program
Conduct administrative tasks as required in support of the ASC's advocacy work
Regular progress check-in with Communications team (flexible timing)
Selection Criteria
Essential Criteria:
Strong knowledge of, or demonstrated interest in, Australia's political processes
Experience in working with people from various backgrounds and cultures
Ability to work collaboratively with other staff and volunteers
Flexibility and willingness to take on extra tasks as appropriate
Ability to adhere to policies in relation to code of conduct, boundaries and confidentiality
Desirable Criteria:
Lived experience as a person seeking asylum or from a refugee background
Experience conducting public policy research in academic, political or not-for-profit setting
Degree or ongoing study in the fields of law, politics or public policy
General Conditions
All ASC staff and volunteers are required to:
Adhere to ASC's vision, purpose and values
Act at all times per ASC's Code of Conduct, Boundaries and Child Protection Policies
Comply with Work, Health and Safety systems
Comply with Incident Management Procedures and emergency protocols
Demonstrate respectful and welcoming behaviour with all people at ASC in culturally appropriate ways
Undertake a NSW Working with Children Check before commencement and ensure it is up-to-date
Support a child-safe organisation by undertaking screening for suitability to work with children and vulnerable people and to comply with relevant state/territory legislative requirements
Return to Se
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Advocacy Volunteer - Policy Researcher position is now open for candidates interested in the Health Jobs sector. This role in Sydney offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Health Jobs is a plus.
