Assistant Director, Communications, First Nations - Affirmative Measure, Indigenous

• Non-Ongoing
• $118,049 - $129,870 plus 15.4% superannuation
• Canberra, Goondiwindi, Griffith, Mildura and Wodonga

Join us to shape the future of one of Australia’s greatest natural assets and protect it for future generations. 

We are seeking people who want to contribute to a significant water reform program that aims to respond to the impacts of climate change, support community and industry needs, and improve access to water for First Nations people. 

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is an independent government agency which, in partnership with Basin governments, manages the Murray–Darling Basin’s water resources in the national interest. With the enactment of the Water Act 2007, the MDBA was established as an independent expertise-based statutory agency.

The MDBA aims to achieve a healthy working Basin for the benefit of all Australians. The Murray–Darling Basin contains a rich diversity of natural environments that are unique in Australia and the world. The Basin is also crucial to Australia’s economy and home to 2.3 million Australians, including people from over 50 First Nations. How we manage the Basin as a whole connected system, manage our water carefully, and protect it for future generations is set out in the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. 

The Position

The Assistant Director Communications – First Nations will sit within the Communications team and work closely with the First Nations Engagement, Relationships, Policy and Science and Knowledge program to support the development and implementation of communication strategies and plans that consider how First Nations knowledge can be respectfully and appropriately incorporated into water management.  

The role also works closely with other parts of the organisation, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, other agencies of the Australian Government, the Basin States and Territories and wider stakeholders as needed.

Your key responsibilities in this role are to

• Develop, implement and evaluate communication strategies and plans that support First Nations policy and engagement and promote the MDBA’s strategic direction and business objectives.
• Deliver the day-to-day delivery of communication activities, including the development of a range of communications materials for First Nations audiences, ensuring they provide culturally appropriate opportunities for collaboration and feedback. 
• Provide communications support to the MDBA First Nations program to effectively share key policy decisions and milestones.
• Exercise strong verbal and written communication skills.
• When appropriate, look for opportunities to align the external communication activities with internal audiences.
• Undertake other communications processes and administration as required, including finance and advertisements.

• You will have the opportunity to work on projects where you contribute to shaping the future of one of Australia’s greatest natural assets and protect it for future generations.
• At the MDBA you will undertake a variety of interesting and challenging work. You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and expertise, and work with the Australian community to support a critical resource management initiative. 
• Competitive remuneration packages, including up to 15.4% superannuation, and recognition of prior APS government service. 
• Generous leave provisions (four weeks annual leave) and additional Non-attendance days between Christmas and New Year provided.
• Being part of a smaller agency with a strong focus on its connection with people. 
• Being part of a professional, committed, and friendly team of people. 
• Being part of an organisation that recognises and values First Nations people, and their contribution to our work. We have an innovative Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) aimed at improving relationships, showing respect, and increasing opportunities to deliver outcome for First Nations peoples as part of our business-as-usual activities. 
• Competitive Flexible Working Arrangements which allow greater flexibility and balance between work and personal needs with a baseline attendance in the office to be 40% of your time.
• A range of healthy lifestyle provisions, including access to a health and wellbeing program. 
• Opportunities for professional development, and career progression across a variety of roles and work locations. 

The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an Affirmative Measure — Indigenous position under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait people who:

• are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent; and
• identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and
• are accepted by their community as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

To meet eligibility requirements, applicants will need to provide the following evidence:

• a letter signed and executed by the Chairperson of an incorporated Indigenous organisation confirming that you are recognised as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person; or
• a confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent form executed by an Indigenous organisation; or
• a statutory declaration made by you or a member of an Indigenous Service Provider confirming that you are recognised and an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

It is easy to apply for a job at the MDBA. Go to www.mdba.gov.au/careers and tell us what makes you the ideal candidate. Take the opportunity to work with the MDBA as we continue to make a difference through the protection and enhancement of the environment.

For more information regarding this opportunity contact Bron Edwards, ************@mdba.gov.au

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