_{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

 

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