Project Officer - First Nations Policy

• $75,000 - $88,000 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging ($15,900.00 + Meal & Entertainment expenses)
• Option of hybrid or remote working, with access to the 9-day fortnight benefit
• Fixed-Term Contract, ending 30/06/2026

Job Description
About the Institute
Located on Gadigal and Bidjigal land (Randwick NSW), Black Dog Institute is the only Medical Research Institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan, our aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. For the past 20 years, we have been at the forefront of mental health research. Our work is used to drive evidence informed change across the rapidly expanding mental health sector and sets the foundations for a brighter and healthier future for all. We house the only Lived Experience centre for First Nations peoples in the world. The centre elevates the voices of First Nations peoples and shares their stories to co-design, inform, and deliver culturally responsive mental health and suicide prevention initiatives.
Benefits

• Option of Remote Work or Hybrid work (attending monthly collaboration days where possible)
• 35-hour work week, flexible hours agreements & 9-day fortnights
• Salary Packaging: $15,900.00 of your base salary tax free & up to $2650.00 meal & entertainment
• Family first, people first culture, we put our research into action at work to make sure we maintain mental health and wellbeing at work
• Pet friendly workplace

Desired Skills and Experience
The Role
The First Nations Strategy Project Officer fulfils a key position within Black Dog Institute to assist in the successful implementation of the First Nations Strategy across all BDI Directorates. This role holds responsibility to work alongside the Head of First Nations Strategy Implementation in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of First Nations strategic deliverables. The First Nations Strategy Project Officer plays a significant role in working towards Black Dog Institutes overarching goal of becoming a trusted partner to First Nations communities and leaders for the improvement of social and emotional wellbeing.
Duties & Responsibilities

• Review, revise, and monitor policy and procedure in accordance with First Nations Strategy across all BDI Directorates.

• Anticipate and identify potential problems within policy and procedure and identify potential solutions from a range of options.

• Identify dependencies within policy and procedure that impact directly or indirectly on First Nation's staff and the First Nation's directorate, and review, revise, and report accordingly.

• Review, revise and monitor products and services for First Nations cultural responsiveness across BDI Directorates.

• Provide a range of project management services in specific relation to policy and product/ services tasks including preparation of project plans, reports, communication plans, project management methodology and ensure outcomes are achieved on time.

• Work collaboratively in fit for purpose teams to achieve project objectives, such as a wider BDI Policy Working Group.

• Participate in and contribute to team/ Directorate initiatives to resolve common issues or barriers to effective First Nations strategy.

• Create and maintain system documentation specifically for RAP and Policy related projects and tasks

• Facilitate communication and manage relations across all BDI Directorates of the organisation and key stakeholder group, including First Nations communities.

• Provide regular updates to internal stakeholders on project developments in a collaborative, constructive manner.

Skills & Experience Required
1. Tertiary qualification in a relevant field
2. Demonstrated ability to liaise effectively and build productive relationships.
3. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with topics relevant to the development and implementation of First Nations Strategy including organisational policy and procedure such as employment and retention strategies and procurement.
4. Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
5. Excellent written and oral communications skills.
6. Demonstrated interpersonal skills with an ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary team environment.
7. High level of understanding and awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, cultural responsiveness frameworks, and issues within the workplace.
EOO Statement
Black Dog Institute is committed to achieving a diverse workforce that reflects our wider community. We ensure equal opportunity for all, regardless of age, culture, appearance, sexual orientation, lived experience, gender identity, disability and/or family status.
How to Apply
To become a part of the Black Dog Institute team, follow the link to ELMO to apply and submit your most up to date resume. If you are shortlisted for the role, we will call you and let you know you are successful. Please do not respond to any suspicious emails requesting you to upload your ID or personal details. We are a 2022 Circle Back Initiative Employer and commit to respond to every applicant. Candidates who progress to interview will be required to provide confirmation of aborigionality, either through a certificate or statutory declaration.