Application Guide

How to Apply for Policy & Advocacy Coordinator

at Fred Hollows Foundation

🏢 About Fred Hollows Foundation

The Fred Hollows Foundation is unique as an international development organization specifically focused on preventing blindness and restoring sight, carrying forward Professor Fred Hollows' legacy of ensuring quality eye care for all, regardless of location. Working here means contributing to tangible, life-changing outcomes in global health, particularly for underserved communities, with a strong emphasis on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health.

About This Role

This Policy & Advocacy Coordinator role involves developing and implementing government relations strategies and policy positions specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health, while building key stakeholder relationships to drive sector priorities. It's impactful because it directly influences policy and practice changes at national and state/territory levels, aiming to improve eye health outcomes for Indigenous communities in Australia.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve drafting a policy briefing on Indigenous eye health disparities, attending a virtual meeting with government stakeholders to discuss advocacy strategies, and collaborating with team members on a discussion paper for an upcoming national forum. You could also spend time researching sector priorities and networking with alliance partners to strengthen relationships.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Fred Hollows Foundation

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Fred Hollows Foundation Is Looking For

  • Has experience in policy development, advocacy, or government relations, particularly in health, Indigenous affairs, or social justice sectors
  • Demonstrates strong relationship-building skills with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, government bodies, and sector alliances
  • Possesses excellent written communication abilities for crafting briefings, discussion papers, and policy positions
  • Shows understanding of or willingness to learn about eye health issues affecting Indigenous populations and the broader Australian health policy landscape

📝 Tips for Applying to Fred Hollows Foundation

1

Highlight any experience with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities or organizations, even if not directly in eye health

2

Tailor your resume to showcase policy, advocacy, or stakeholder engagement achievements, using metrics where possible (e.g., 'developed 3 policy briefs that influenced X outcome')

3

Research and reference specific Fred Hollows Foundation initiatives or reports on Indigenous eye health in your application

4

Emphasize remote work skills, such as self-motivation and digital collaboration, given the role's remote nature

5

If lacking direct eye health experience, pivot to transferable skills like policy analysis or cross-sector advocacy in your cover letter

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for Indigenous health equity and alignment with Fred Hollows' mission of accessible eye care", 'Specific examples of policy or advocacy work, especially related to government relations or stakeholder engagement', "How your skills in writing briefs or discussion papers can support the Foundation's advocacy goals", 'Any experience with remote collaboration or working in decentralized teams']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review the Foundation's recent reports or campaigns on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health, such as the 'Strong Eyes, Strong Communities' initiative
  • → Explore the Australian government's National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan and related eye health policies
  • → Look into key stakeholders in Indigenous eye health, like the Indigenous Eye Health Unit at the University of Melbourne or the Close the Gap campaign
  • → Familiarize yourself with Professor Fred Hollows' legacy and the Foundation's global impact beyond Australia

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you developed a policy position or advocacy strategy—what was the outcome?
2 How would you approach building relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders in a remote setting?
3 What do you see as the biggest challenges in Indigenous eye health policy in Australia today?
4 How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple advocacy initiatives simultaneously?
5 Can you discuss a Fred Hollows Foundation program or report that resonates with you and why?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without mentioning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health or the Foundation's mission
  • Overemphasizing clinical or medical experience without linking it to policy or advocacy skills
  • Failing to demonstrate cultural competency or awareness of Indigenous issues in Australia

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Fred Hollows Foundation!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →