Senior Engagement Officer – Broken Hill / Western NSW

• Engage and collaborate with First Nations stakeholders
• Challenging, interesting and stimulating work
• Generous remuneration package and other attractive employment conditions

The Opportunity: 

MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR MOB!! This is an exciting opportunity to support First Nations People and issues whilst working on Country. The NIAA’s vision is to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are heard, recognised and empowered. The NIAA is committed to implementing the Government’s policies and programs to provide the greatest benefit to all First Nations peoples.

The priorities are informed by the Government’s commitment to work in genuine partnership with First Nations peoples for better outcomes. The Engagement Senior Officer is an integral role as the NIAA representative in the region. The engagement team’s role is to develop relationships in the regions and ensure that initiatives of the Australian Government are identified and supported on the ground in regional Australia.

As the Engagement Senior Officer, you will be part of a sub-regional team and report directly to the Engagement Assistant Director providing support, leadership and advice. They are responsible for:

• development and implementation of strategies and projects that will have a positive impact on Closing the Gap targets under the Commonwealth Closing the Gap Implementation Plan
• operational responsibility for assuring the effectiveness of several Indigenous Advancement Strategy projects
• representing the Agency to engage and build relationships with First Nations Corporations, community Traditional Owners, Elders, Leaders, partners, Government Agencies and Non-Government Organisations focused on the advancement of Indigenous Australians
• providing advice and assistance in a range of formats and channels to provide information, tools, and guidance to internal and external stakeholders
• developing and maintaining an understanding of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities, their needs, aspirations and priorities, emerging issues, and the services delivered to communities within the region. This will be conducted through research, gathering evidence and intelligence to analyse identified gaps in services and the quality of programs and policies impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• liaise extensively with communities and service providers to provide information and respond to questions about the government’s policies and programs
• identify opportunities for collaboration between communities, agencies or providers that may benefit the community and bring parties together to develop joint projects or funding requests
• competency in brief writing, completing grant administration processes and provide input on policy and program requests. The Engagement Senior Officer promotes a healthy and safe workplace environment, and models ethical behaviour in accordance with the APS Code of Conduct and APS Values.

 The ability to travel, including overnight stays, is required and therefore a current Driver’s License is essential

Our Ideal Candidate

As an APS 6 the ideal candidate will:

• identify issues and provide solutions for consideration by the wider leadership group
• guides others in implementing and adapting to change
• operate within the boundaries of organisational process and legal and public policy constraints
• focus on achieving objectives in difficult circumstances, challenges issues constructively and is an effective organisational representative in internal and external forums
• communicate tailored information and messages confidently with demonstrated cultural competence, with identified relevant stakeholders and anticipates expectations and concerns
• demonstrate the ability to approach difficult negotiations with a clear understanding of key issues and desired outcomes
• uphold the APS Values and Code of Conduct.

What We Offer:

• We have exciting work with real purpose.  We support the aspirations of First Nations Peoples—it’s our driving force. Our work is transformational, you can follow your passion, shape your career and make a difference.
• We value our employees —they’re the heart of our Agency. Employees are supported and empowered to build their career. We are a diverse, inclusive and passionate workforce with an emphasis on continuous cultural learning and tailored professional development.
• Our work relies on strong and trusted relationships — we build partnerships by being authentic, sharing information and giving honest feedback. We collaborate with communities across Australia, all levels of government and many other invested stakeholders. 

Eligibility:

• To be eligible for this position you must be an Australian Citizen.
• The occupant must be able to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected) level security clearance, or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level. 
• The successful candidate will be required to be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check

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 at the Apply Now link.