"We are seeking a Policy & Advocacy Officer to join our dynamic team as we advance the Transport Professionals Association (TPA) to the next stage of its journey. This exciting new position is crucial to delivering our policy and advocacy initiatives, which aim to foster safe, sustainable, and thriving communities by promoting integrated, future-proof transport solutions."

You will play a pivotal role in elevating and guiding the agenda for our policy work by engaging effectively with the expertise present within our membership, collaborating with other professional and industry bodies, and building strong relationships with governments and universities nationwide. We are looking for someone that understands practical policy development that can provide decision makers with realistic and implementable policy recommendations that make a genuine difference to shaping transport outcomes.

As Policy & Advocacy Officer, you will be adept at identifying and connecting with transport experts, both to contribute to our policy and advocacy efforts and to enrich our continuing professional development program. Your responsibilities will include consulting and coordinating with members and stakeholders through a variety of engagement methods, including online platforms and coordinating in-person policy roundtables.

Who are we?
The Transport Professionals Association (TPA) is Australia’s peak body for transport professionals. Our members are professionals and practitioners who plan, design, engineer, deliver, operate, manage, measure and shape Australia’s transport systems.

As the collective voice of the transport community, we connect professionals from government, consultancy, industry, and academia, providing leadership in policy, advocacy, professional development, and knowledge sharing. We empower transport professionals to influence and shape cities and regions to be great places to live, work and play.

The Role
Central to delivering our mission, the Policy & Advocacy Officer is a new role as part of the growth of our membership association. The role is responsible for driving policy development and advocacy, coordinating expert volunteers and networks, and leveraging expertise to elevate the quality of our CPD content. The Policy & Advocacy Officer will operationalise the TPA Advocacy Framework, supporting our ambition to be the Voice of the Transport Professionals in Australia.

Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Policy Development & Submissions: Develop policy priorities, and evidence-based position statements and submissions through the coordination of volunteer groups and subject-matter experts in alignment with TPA’s principles. Track external consultations and review all submissions for consistency.
• Advocacy Planning & Implementation: Create and deliver advocacy plans on key issues, support national and branch campaigns, and promote TPA’s policy positions through various channels.
• Volunteer & Network Coordination: Establish and support active volunteer networks, clarify roles and deliverables, and provide training and guidance to volunteers grow their capability to support our policy and advocacy.
• Government & Stakeholder Engagement: Build relationships with government and key decision-makers, participate in consultations, and share opportunities and information with TPA members.
• Roundtables & Consultations: Organise and facilitate policy roundtables and stakeholder consultations, synthesise insights, and share outcomes with members and volunteers.
• Expert Engagement & CPD Contribution: Integrate policy priorities into educational programs, curate CPD activities, and involve members across the sector in content development and peer review.

Ideally you will have:

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in policy and/or advocacy.
• Demonstrated experience in public policy, transport planning, infrastructure, or related fields.
• Proven ability to coordinate volunteers and facilitate policy roundtables or consultations.
• Strong stakeholder engagement across government, industry, and professional bodies.
• Ability to manage issues and projects.
• Demonstrated record of preparing and editing structured reports, policy documents and submissions.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Good verbal communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work in a small team, virtual environment and be able to develop effective relationships internally and externally.
• Ability to be self-motivated, to work on your own with limited supervision.
• Ability to undertake multiple tasks at the same time and meet competing deadlines.
• A suitable work from home environment.

What we offer
At TPA, you will find more than a job; you will become part of a dedicated team and a respected association of professionals committed to making a meaningful impact. We offer the opportunity to play an essential role in shaping policy and advocacy, supporting transport professionals to create thriving, healthy communities and flourishing economies. In this role you can:

• Experience a collaborative and supportive work environment that is purpose driven.
• Expand your national network and interact with a broad spectrum of experts and government representatives.
• Take advantage of fully remote work, reducing commuting time and costs while promoting flexibility and work–life balance.
• Collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Contribute to a positive, proactive culture that values autonomy and encourages ownership of your work program.
• Receive a competitive salary.

How to apply
If you're ready to use your skills to make an impact, we'd love to hear from you. Please submit your CV, a one-page cover letter addressed to the CEO outlining your experience and interest in the role, and an example of a policy document or submission that you have recently written to demonstrate your drafting skills. Regrettably, if you do not provide these things then your application cannot be considered.  Closing date 22 January 2026.