Employment & Volunteer Opportunities

The Organisation

MPA is the largest melanoma patient advocacy group in Australia and the only independent, national charity in Australia that offers a national network of support and information to patients, their families, carers, and friends, about melanoma prevention, diagnosis, management and treatment. Our vision is that no-one with melanoma walks alone.

The Role

MPA is seeking new voluntary members for the Consumer Advisory Group. Working with the CEO and senior management, you will provide a powerful voice for people affected by melanoma across Australia and help MPA determine key strategic priorities and an advocacy action plan.

Members provide advice and feedback to the MPA Board and help to advocate on a range of issues important to those affected by melanoma to enable MPA to influence policy changes that benefit the melanoma community.

Selection Criteria

As a well-established Consumer Advisory Group, we are specifically looking for a range of skills to help us deliver on an exciting strategic agenda for the next five years.  To be successful in the role, you need to meet the following selection criteria.

Commitment

Members need to have the capacity to devote time and energy to the role of a voluntary Consumer Advisory Group member. This means attending quarterly meetings, preparing and reading documents in advance of meetings, contributing to discussions and completing any agreed tasks, within the skills and capacity of the member. On average, this requires input of around 7 hours each quarter.

Committee Experience

It is important that members have experience working on committees and representing the interests and perspectives of consumers.  It is preferred but not essential, that members have previous experience as a member of an advocacy group or consumer advisory panel relating to cancer or other health issue.

Knowledge

• A demonstrated understanding of relevant consumer issues and opportunities – existing and emerging – relating to melanoma through personal experience
• An understanding of how diversity and individual differences (eg melanoma stage, location, cultural, social, gender, age) can impact on the cancer experience and access to treatment, support and services
• Knowledge about how to best reflect the interests and broad perspectives of other melanoma consumers (i.e. an appreciation of the needs of groups and not just the individual)
• A demonstrated understanding of the impact consumer advocacy has on policy (impacting people affected by melanoma), and especially as it will relate to MPA. This is internal organisational policy and broader external policies.
• An understanding of how a committee and charitable Board operates
• An understanding of MPA’s values, vision and activities

Key Attributes

• A proven ability to communicate effectively on behalf of consumers
• An alignment and commitment to the organisation’s core values of Trust, Respect, Empathy and Excellence.
• An ability to display initiative, enthusiasm and energy
• An ability to problem-solve and resolve issues creatively and respectfully

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter explaining your suitability for the role addressing the criteria above with your CV to barbara@melanomapatients.org.au by midnight Sunday 11 September 2022.

If you have any questions, contact Barbara on 0413 842 284.

Australia’s leading melanoma and skin cancer consumer organisation.

Opportunity to join a progressive and exciting national Board that is dedicated to creating a world where no one affected by melanoma walks alone.

Voluntary Position – Not Remunerated.

MPA is an independent, not for profit organisation dedicated to supporting and representing those affected by melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. We provide many services to assist people on their journey with melanoma including: emotional support and information, education, peer to peer connections and support groups both online, on the phone and face to face.

The Role

Working with your fellow directors and the CEO you will contribute to and oversee the achievement of strategic objectives, whilst remaining accountable for the organisation’s overall performance. Board Meetings occur approximately every two months and new board members may be asked to join and contribute to a Board Committee which meet quarterly.

Skills Required

As a well-established Board we are specifically looking for a range of skills to help us deliver on an ambitious strategic agenda for the next five years.

1. Knowledge/experience of relevant funding sources including the role of governments, corporates, philanthropic and other sources

2. Knowledge/experience in advocacy in health and health related sectors

3. Knowledge/experience in working with governments and in government and community relations

4. Leadership & management skills in delivery of health and support services in health, human services and community sectors

5. Knowledge/experience in public relations, marketing, communications and branding

You are also expected to bring;

· Understanding of corporate governance principles and financial literacy at a senior level

· Alignment with the role of the organisation and empathy for people affected by a life threatening diagnosis such as cancer

· Communication, stakeholder management and negotiation skills

· Capacity to devote time and energy to the role of a board director

How to Apply

To be considered for this role please provide a cover letter explaining your suitability for the role addressing one or more of the specific criteria (1-5 above) with your CV to kylie.kinsela@melanomapatients.org.au by COB 10 October 2022.

To find out more about MPA and to see the general Board Director Position Description.

MPA would not be able to provide its support services without its volunteers.
The members of the MPA Board, the support group facilitators, the regional advocates, the people who help at conferences, fundraising events and awareness days and others willing to share their stories are all volunteers. They have all been impacted by melanoma in some way and want to give back and make a difference.

We have a place for you too, no skills or experience required, just a willingness to give your time and energy to help out so that MPA can continue to provide much needed support and information to the thousands of Australians affected by melanoma each year.

Join us by contacting the MPA Team on info@melanomapatients.org.au or by calling 1300 88 44 50.