This six-month, part-time internship actively welcomes and values the strengths, skills, and insights of LGBTQ+ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, women in regional NSW, and young women, who can demonstrate they have experienced barriers to entering or re-entering the workforce.
We recognise that people bring a wealth of lived experience shaped by culture, community, caring roles, and diverse educational journeys. We particularly encourage applications from individuals who have navigated non-linear or interrupted pathways into work or education and those whose opportunities may have been impacted by structural or systemic inequities. We view embodied community knowledge, cultural perspectives, and care responsibilities as valuable contributions to this role. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, and welcome neurodivergent people and people with disability. Please note that this role does not offer visa sponsorship.
ACON’s Proud & Ready Internships are funded by Women NSW and their Return to Work Pathways Program (RTWPP). This funding supports women who are experiencing complex and persistent barriers to employment to enter or re-enter the workforce. The RTWPP delivers on NSW Government priorities including the NSW Women’s Strategy 2023-2026.
About the Policy and Research Internship
The Policy and Research intern will work alongside the Policy, Strategy, and Research Division, playing a key role in supporting our communities’ involvement in ethical research. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about policy and research, health promotion, and LGBTQ+ communities to develop skills in research assistance, ethical research, advocacy, and policy writing.
In this role, you’ll contribute to the work we do in building the evidence base of effective interventions for our communities. You’ll gain hands-on experience in research support, promotion, and engagement, as well as advocacy and policy writing.
Key responsibilities include supporting the Research Ethics Review Committee (RERC), supporting the development of new Research Priorities, working with the project team to manage the recruitment of participants to the GBQ+ Community Periodic Survey (GCPS), and supporting the policy and advocacy work of the team.
This role is ideal for someone with a passion for ethical research, policy, and advocacy that works to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ communities and people living with HIV.
All available internships based at ACON’s Gadigal land / Sydney office are:
Who are we looking for?
We’re seeking passionate, motivated individuals who are eager to develop their skills and gain hands-on experience in community health. The ideal candidate is curious, proactive, and committed to making a positive impact. You should have a strong interest in health promotion, advocacy, or community development, and be keen to work in a collaborative, supportive environment. No prior experience is necessary—just a willingness to learn, contribute, and grow in a program designed to elevate your career prospects.
What else can we tell you?
ACON provides a diverse, nurturing, and fun workplace. ACON’s employees and volunteers are at the heart of everything we do and working at ACON would see you join a community of passionate people who deliver innovative community engagement and health promotion programs and initiatives for our communities.
To support the successful candidate in their new role at ACON we offer:
What’s the remuneration and working details?
Salary: $52,303 pa FTE (Gross Salary, PLUS Superannuation and Leave Loading) [$28.7379 / hr + Super + LL]
Locations: ACON’s Gadigal land / Surry Hills Office, and off-site outreach locations as required.
Hours: Part Time (28 hrs / fortnight) on a 6-month fixed term contract. Days and times of work may be negotiable.
We offer flexible working arrangements and a generous array of entitlements often above the National Employment Standards (NES) including:
How do I apply?
You must complete ACON’s Employment Application Form – attaching:
Applicants are welcome to submit a Video instead of a Cover Letter for the purposes of accessibility. This option supports those who may find verbal expression more effective than written formats. If submitting a video: Please use MP4 (.mp4) or MOV (.mov) and keep the file size under 25MB if possible.
Applications Close: Sunday 21 September 2025
