RAP Officer-Facilitator

About the role

Reporting to the Chair of the RAP Working Group, thepurpose of this role is to raise awareness of the RAP and support the WorkingGroup, Regional representatives, Regional Leaders, General Manager and otherstakeholders with the implementation of the RAP. This is achieved througheffective communication, coordination, engagement and administration of the RAPactivities across the organisation. 

The key stakeholders in this role include the Chair andMembers of the RAP Working Group; Reconciliation Australia; NATSICC; Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islander Elders Groups and Aboriginal National Peak Bodies,staff, sisters and volunteers; Regional Leadership Teams; communityorganisations and networks; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’organisations and communities; other religious bodies, schools in the Josephitetradition and tertiary institutions. 

About us

Founded in 1866 by Saint Mary MacKillop and Fr JulianTenison Woods, the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart operates as aregistered charity with central offices in Sydney, regional offices acrossAustralia and offices in New Zealand and Ireland and a presence in some othercountries.

Our engagement with Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander Peoples dates to our foundations in 1860. In 1999, theSisters formally apologised to Australia’s First Nations People for thedispossession of land and desecration of culture.

Our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) June2023-June 2025 (see link here: https://www.sosj.org.au/sisters-launch-innovate-rap/) challenges us to continue tostrengthen our relationships and work in partnership, listening and respondingwith compassion to the stories and truth telling, sharing and collaboratingwith actions across Australia, exploring and acting on new initiatives throughemployment opportunities and supply networks. Our RAP is driven by a vision fora reconciled Australia accepting its legacy of its past, and where FirstNations Peoples can resume their rightful place.

About you

Ifyou have experience working and connecting with Aboriginal or Torres StraitIslander communities, possess excellent communication skills and a genuineinterest in learning about the charism,unique norms, nuances in language and perspectives of the Sisters Saint Joseph,then the role may be for you. Mentoring and support will be provided. We arealso interested in talking to candidates who may less availability than 2 or 3days and willing to explore job share options. Whilst the Chair of the WorkGroup is based in Sydney, we are open to receiving applications from candidateswho are based in other states and territories.  

Due to the knowledge and lived experience required forthis position, this is a designated position for a person of Aboriginal orTorres Strait Islander descent for this role.

Further information about the role0

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

·       Building organisational capability to implement culturallysensitive, trauma-informed, safe and responsive practice through the provisionof cultural expertise, advice and education.

·       Provide high level project and administrative support topromote and implement our RAP initiatives, ensuring internal and externalstakeholders are educated and engaged in the RAP and broader reconciliationactivities.

·       Build and maintain effective relationships and collaboratewith internal and external stakeholders to enable/support increased engagementwith and connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders.

·       Provide administrative support to the Working Groupincluding meeting preparation, minute taking and following up of agreed actionitems.

·       As a First Nations person, provide cultural support, adviceand recommendations to the Working Group and other stakeholders in relation tothe RAP deliverables and the advancement of reconciliation.

·       Organise and publicise internal and external RAP events andoutreach activities to celebrate and recognise Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander dates of significance.

·       Seek opportunities to observe and learn about the SOSJcharism, and unique norms, nuances in language and perspectives.

·       Share own understanding and knowledge of Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander cultures, spirituality, histories and perspectives inthe context of SOSJ.

·       Develop and maintain systems and protocols, to activelytrack RAP initiatives and progress on our RAP commitments, including reportingto Reconciliation Australia. 

·       Contribute as a Cultural Consultant to the ongoingdevelopment of SOSJ strategies and policies.

ESSENTIALSKILLS AND EXPERIENCE (KEY SELECTION CRITERIA):

·       Tertiary qualifications and/or studying towards a tertiaryqualification or combination of relevant formal training and/or experience.

·       Understanding of issues of Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander peoples, histories, cultures and society.

·       Demonstrated written and verbal communication skillsincluding the capacity to write in a clear and concise manner.

·       Strong administrative skills with a high level of attentionto detail.

·       Developed systems experience with proficient in usingMicrosoft Office suite and an ability to quickly learn how to use otherplatforms and applications. 

·       Ability to work independently and as part of teams.

·       Demonstrated ability to liaise effectively and buildproductive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

·       Willingness to learn about the charism, norms and nuancesof the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

·       Ability to travel within Australia.

 All staff are expected to act in a manner consistentwith the ethos and mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

 Applicationprocess

Wevalue, respect and are committed to the safety of all people. We havea zero tolerance for adult and child abuse or mistreatment. Applicants areencouraged to read our Adult and Child Safeguarding CommitmentStatement which is contained on our website under the heading of ‘Safeguarding’.

 Successful applicants will berequired to consent to a State/Territory based Compliance Check depending onthe state/territory where the successful candidate resides.

 For further information about the Sisters of SaintJoseph, please visit www.sosj.org.au. For more information about therole, please obtain a position description or contact us on **@sosj.org.au. Applications, which will need to includea cover letter outlining how you meet the selection criteria for this roleand a CV (resume), should be submitted via email to **@sosj.org.au by 9am Thursday 21 March 2024.

• Flexible hours available
• 2-3 years of relevant work experience required for this role
• Working rights required for this role
• Expected start date for role: 01 April 2024