Engagement Officer And Senior Engagement Officer, Victoria And Tasmania Region

We are looking for motivated and passionate people to fill a number of roles at the APS 5 and APS 6 level in engagement teams across Victoria and Tasmania. You will be working in diverse teams and engaging and partnering with First Nations communities and service providers to drive community-led outcomes on behalf of the Australian Government. We offer challenging, interesting, and stimulating work, connecting across all levels of government and working directly with First Nations communities. The occupants of these roles will work on implementing and delivering a range of Government initiatives and commitments that support and improve the well-being of First Nations people in Victoria and Tasmania.

Key responsibilities of the Engagement Officer (APS 5) role include:

• develop and maintain culturally safe internal and external relationships with NIAA partners, including Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations, Traditional Owner Groups and other key First Nations stakeholders
• assist in local coordination and implementation of key government priorities including the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, and the Uluru Statement from the Heart reforms
• support the local development and delivery of place-based initiatives in partnership with First Nations communities to improve outcomes and advance self-determination
•  draft high-quality briefs, correspondence and advice to support the Minister for Indigenous Australians, and Senior NIAA executives, including the CEO and DCEO
• monitor and negotiate funding agreements, and provide advice on contractual requirements, performance and reporting
• conduct research and analysis on complex matters within area of expertise.

Key responsibilities at the Senior Engagement Officer (APS 6) role include:

• develop and maintain culturally safe internal and external relationships with NIAA partners, including Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations, Traditional Owner Groups and other key First Nations stakeholders, providing appropriate advice and managing the resolution of emerging issues
• manage and broker mutually beneficial and diverse relationships to link First Nations communities and organisations with government, non-government and private sector partners
• assist in local coordination and implementation of key government priorities including the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, and the Uluru Statement from the Heart reforms
• lead the local development and high-quality delivery of place-based initiatives in partnership with First Nations communities to improve outcomes and advance self-determination
• develop high-quality briefs, correspondence and advice that require minimal changes to support the Minister for Indigenous Australians, and Senior NIAA executives, including the CEO and DCEO
• monitor and negotiate funding agreements, and provide high-quality advice on contractual requirements, performance and reporting
• conduct research and analysis on complex matters within area of expertise
• lead project management activities including the development of team goals, strategies and work plans for the business area
• lead, support and mentor Engagement Officers to deliver the on-branch priorities and NIAA’s work program.

Our ideal candidates are motivated, self-starters who are passionate about First Nations self-determination. Roles in the Victoria and Tasmania Region are fast paced, varied, challenging and rewarding.

To succeed in the roles, candidates will:

• have a high level of cultural competency and a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges relating to First Nations people and communities
• have strong interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with First Nations people, service providers and other key stakeholders
• have excellent written communication skills including the ability to develop a range of written products such as concise briefs, presentations and reports for varied audiences
• have strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills
• be flexible and adaptable with the ability to manage competing priorities and emerging issues
• be highly organised and be able to work autonomously with limited supervision.

Additionally, at the APS 6 level, candidates will:

• demonstrate the ability to effectively supervise, mentor and develop the capability of a small number of staff with a focus on delivering business objectives.

If you are a highly motivated individual keen to make a difference and contribute to the NIAA's focus on having stronger First Nations representation across the organisation, we welcome the opportunity to hear from you. Essential: Must have a current motor vehicle driver’s license and be able to travel locally and interstate. In our operating environment across NIAA, staff work closely with community members and develop intimate understandings of the regional and local needs and aspirations of First Nations people. This regional and place-based focus is at the core of our work and these Engagement and Senior Engagement Officer Positions require a strong level of engagement.