POLICY ANALYST JOB DESCRIPTION August 2010 Location: Hours of Work: Responsible to: National Office, Auckland 30 hours per week Executive Director The NZAF has an expectation that all staff will: Demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, work principles that are based on the philosophy of health promotion (hauora) outlined in the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion (1986), social marketing as a key method to achieve behaviour change, and our strategic goal of working to improve our commitment in progressing biculturalism. Agree and work with stated vision, mission, purpose, values and goals of the NZAF (as stated in the NZAF Strategic Plan), and to abide by NZAF operational policies and procedures. Incorporate the principles of continuous quality improvement into all activities and contribute to meeting the objectives of the NZAF's quality accreditation programme. Comply with all health and safety procedures to ensure own safety and the safety of others in the workplace and actively participate in maintaining a safe working environment at the NZAF. JOB ENVIRONMENT This is a full time position based at the New Zealand AIDS Foundation National Office in Auckland. All employees are required to agree and work within the stated vision, purpose, values and goals of the NZAF (as stated in the NZAF Strategic Plan), and to abide by its Ethical Code of Conduct, operational policies and procedures. All programmes and services work within the framework of health promotion outlined in the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion(1986). Social marketing is used as the method of achieving behaviour change and the NZAF is committed to progressing biculturalism. JD Policy Analyst (August 2010) 1
The primary group most affected by HIV and AIDS is gay and bisexual men, and many of our services are targeted to this population. This requires an acceptance of sexual diversity, sensitivity to the special health needs of men who have sex with men, and the creation of a working environment supportive of takatāpui tane, gay and bisexual men. NZAF Positive Health Services are focused on the needs of anyone living with HIV and AIDS; gay, straight, transgender, male or female, adult or child, in effect the communities living with HIV, their families and whānau. The NZAF HIV prevention initiatives are focused on those who are most at risk of HIV. The NZAF is strengthening its communications capacity. The HIV Prevention and Communications group includes all of the NZAF HIV prevention initiatives and a strong team of communications professionals that work across the NZAF and manage a range of work including a membership programme, media, fundraising, events support, social marketing and all general communications for the NZAF. The NZAF is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in the communities most at risk of HIV and has been in existence since 1985. The legal structure is a charitable Trust with a Board of Trustees and all employees are members of the NZAF but do not have the right to vote at the Annual General Meeting or on any other matter referred to the membership. PRIMARY OBJECTIVES To provide clear and concise policy advice which reflects the NZAF position across all areas of the NZAF Strategic Plan To foster strong relationships across the health, welfare, international development and related sectors to strengthen the position and ability of the NZAF to fulfil the aims and objectives outlined within the NZAF Strategic Plan. FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS Responsible to: Responsible for: Relationships with: INTERNAL NZAF Executive Director The NZAF Policy Analyst reports to the NZAF Executive Director, who will provide day-to-day operational, strategic guidance and supervision and ongoing professional support. This position has no staff responsibilities National Executive Team (NET) NZAF National Communications Co-ordinator NZAF Programme Manager Social Marketing NZAF Programme Manager African Communities NZAF Senior Researcher NZAF Librarian JD Policy Analyst (August 2010) 2
EXTERNAL Public, Community and Voluntary sectors The NZAF Policy Analyst will work collaboratively with a wide range of organisations and individuals from the public sector as well as developing and managing relationships with other public health NGOs. The NZAF Policy Analyst is expected to contribute positively to the development and maintenance of these ongoing relationships. Other HIV and AIDS stakeholders The NZAF works with other organisations and individuals involved with issues related to HIV and AIDS, most of whom are either from or representive of diverse groups. The NZAF Policy Analyst is expected to contribute positively to the maintenance of effective working relationships with these groups. International Development Organisations The NZAF provides policy comment and guidance to the NZAID, other domestic international development organisations, UNAIDS and other regional bodies on issues of concern and relevance in HIV and AIDS in the Pacific, Asia/Pacific region and globally. The NZAF Policy Analyst will work with other NZAF staff to provide advice to international development partners. KEY TASKS Key Tasks Provide policy advice to the Ministry of Health on HIV and AIDS and related issues Draft submissions on legislative or other public policy issues relating to HIV and AIDS prevention and healthcare Respond to requests for policy advice or assistance on HIV and AIDS and related issues from other external agencies including international policy and presentations to overseas delegations as required Expected Results quarterly, or as otherwise required medical, research, and policy data. quarterly, or as otherwise required. medical, research, and policy data. quarterly, or as otherwise required. medical, research, and policy data. JD Policy Analyst (August 2010) 3
Provide policy advice and assistance to the New Zealand AIDS Foundation on HIV prevention and healthcare issues as requested Provide policy advice, as requested by the NZAF Executive Director, on policy issues or advice to the NZAF Trust Board. Represent the NZAF, as requested by the NZAF Executive Director, in external forums that discuss HIV and AIDS, or related policy issues Develop relationships with other key government, NGO and private sector organisations working in sexual and reproductive health, particularly in relation to collaboration on policy development Submit a minimum of one conference paper per year on HIV prevention and healthcare policy issues To carry out other duties as required or requested by NZAF Executive Director quarterly, or as otherwise required. medical, and policy data. Contributions to the development of external HIV and AIDS policy are reported quarterly Contribution to the development of external policy is consistent with the principles of the Contribution is based on analysis of curren scientific, medical, research, and policy data Relationships with individuals responsible for policy development in key agencies are maintained Developments with key agencies are reported regularly to the Executive Director Two abstracts for conference papers are submitted during the year on HIV and AIDS policy issues; one local and one regional conference (dependent on priorities for resources) Duties carried out in a timely manner JD Policy Analyst (August 2010) 4
SUPPORT Supervision The NZAF Executive Director is responsible for ensuring that the NZAF Policy Analyst understands their role and tasks, and is supported in carrying them out. Supervision meetings will occur fortnightly. Performance Appraisal Performance appraisal according to a model that includes self, peer, and manager assessment will be carried out annually. Professional Development The value and advantage of education and staff development for both the worker and the NZAF is recognised. Adequate training, information and assistance will be provided to ensure that the NZAF Policy Analyst is able to meet the responsibilities of the position. Administrative Assistance Some clerical and administrative assistance will be provided, but the post holder is expected to be able to self-support. Conditions of Employment Terms and conditions of employment are set out in the Letter of Appointment and Individual Employment Agreement or Collective Employment Agreement. Organisational Support The NZAF Policy Analyst is expected to be self-supporting and able to produce high quality written documents. The NZAF supplies functional and, where appropriate, delivery support for the NZAF Policy Analyst. JD Policy Analyst (August 2010) 5
NZAF POLICY ANALYST PERSON SPECIFICATION These specifications strongly guide the short listing process for appointment to this position. QUALIFICATIONS ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES BICULTURALISM PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE Minimum of a tertiary degree in a related undergraduate discipline i.e. Law, Development Studies, Public Health, Health Economics, Social Sciences, Politics a) Knowledge of New Zealand human rights legislation and policy environment b) Understanding of the context for non-governmental organisations (NGO) within New Zealand c) Understanding and experience in international arena on HIV and AIDS policy issues d) Experience of government and government processes i.e. submissions and public policy position statements e) Well developed computer literacy skills particularly with regard to producing high quality written reports and submission documentation f) Ability to relate to, work and communicate effectively within gay and bisexual men s communities g) Well developed research skills h) Excellent oral and written communication skills in English i) Self motivated and ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as work effectively independently j) Ability to work flexible hours k) Understanding and ability to manage personal/professional boundaries l) Ability to prioritise work effectively, manage changing and conflicting demands and expectations m) Professional approach to sexuality and sexual issues n) Knowledge and awareness of people from a wide variety of cultural and social backgrounds including an understanding of relationship development and management o) Full and current New Zealand driver s licence The NZAF is committed to becoming a bicultural organisation. Prospective employees who already have some knowledge of tikanga Māori and te reo Māori are preferred, and it is essential that all employees demonstrate willingness to learning in these areas a) Experience and involvement in the gay men s communities b) Experience in policy work that challenges stigma and discrimination c) Knowledge of issues relating to HIV and AIDS, and the communities most at risk d) Understanding of social marketing, behaviour change and/or health promotion theory and practice. JD Policy Analyst (August 2010) 6