APS 3 ($62,967 – $65,586),APS 4 ($68,495 – $73,253),APS 5 ($75,626 – $80,851)

Employment Type

Non-ongoing (for a period up to 18 months)

The Opportunity

We are looking for Indigenous Engagement Officers (IEO) to work for the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), based in Galiwin’ku and Maningrida (NT). As an IEO, you will live and work within an Indigenous community. Your role is to help the Australian federal government to build relationships with community members, cultural leaders, businesses and service providers, in order to understand what is happening in community and to support locally-led development.

IEOs play a key role in meeting with a wide range of community, private sector and government stakeholders to understand local issues. You should therefore have strong engagement and communication skills, and be able to work well in two worlds (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal). You will work alongside the Government Engagement Coordinator (GEC), providing them with cultural support to make sure government policies and programs respond to local community needs.

IEOs look for opportunities to create partnerships and to solve problems in communities.  You will need to build a good understanding of government programs and services in community, as well as of community strengths and challenges.

The IEO roles will be offered as two part-time roles (job-share) and report directly to the Government Engagement Coordinator (GEC). IEOs are part of a wider team supporting social and economic development in the region with NIAA offices based in Nhulunbuy and Darwin (NT).

IEOs are required to be flexible and committed to their own professional development and contribute to the broader team and regional strategic planning. The IEO is also responsible for a range of administrative tasks associated with employment in the Australian Public Service (APS).

Our Ideal Candidate

• You will have a strong commitment to improving life for remote Aboriginal communities. You will have, or be able to build, strong relationships within the community.
• You will also have, or be able to build, a detailed understanding of community, including its strengths and opportunities, and identify barriers to development. You will enjoy working in partnership with community members and organisations to develop solutions that are tailored to local needs.
• You will have strong communication skills, both in your local language and in English. You will be able to communicate across cultures, and to explain cultural context (where appropriate) to people who are unfamiliar with your community. You will need to have computer skills, and if you don’t already have these, you must be willing to undertake training to develop these.
• You must be able to work independently (without supervision), as well as enjoy working in a team.
• You will be able to recognise risks to community and to government, and know when to tell your manager about these risks.

Please note, for Galiwin’ku based roles, it is desirable to speak and understand the local language of Yolngu Matha. 

A working with Vulnerable People clearance and pre-employment screening check is also needed ahead of starting in the role. 

Please note that housing will not be provided for the successful candidate. Housing (rental and purchase) is limited in remote communities, and so candidates not currently living in the community should be aware that relocation may not be possible.
 
Identified Position/Affirmative Measure Position
 
Affirmative Measures and Identified Positions are available for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. The positions also require an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the ability to communicate well with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Contact Officer

Matthew Berne on 0456 692 698 or matthew.berne@official.niaa.gov.au
 
How to apply:
 
If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you!  Submit an online application through the NIAA Careers page by Sunday 24 January 2020 at 11:30pm AEDT.