Job Summary
- Applications close:
- Job posted on: 7th Jul 2024
- Canberra & ACT > Deakin
The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) is on the hunt for passionate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders to join our Indigenous Reference Group (IRG). This is your chance to shape the future of sustainable fishing and aquaculture in Australia by weaving Traditional Ecological Knowledge into cutting-edge research and development. If you have a strong background in fisheries, natural resource management, or environmental stewardship, and are ready to make a lasting impact, we invite you to express your interest in this pivotal role. Join us in steering the direction of research that uplifts and empowers Indigenous communities across the nation. Apply today and help us navigate towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.
FRDC is a research and development corporation, established under the Primary Industries Research and Development Act it is jointly funded by the Australian Government and the Australian fishing and aquaculture industry. It operates within the portfolio of the Australian Government Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
FRDC is dedicated to investing in research, development, and extension (RD&E) to advance the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as part of its mandate to invest in RD&E for the sustainable utilisation of Australia’s aquatic resources. The FRDC Indigenous Reference Group (IRG) is a committee comprising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from diverse backgrounds and with expertise across Australian fishing and aquaculture, established to provide advice to the FRDC on RD&E needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to advance their interests and benefits from fishing and aquaculture.
Established in 2010 after consultations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the IRG has played a crucial role in weaving Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and perspectives into Australia’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Additionally, the IRG oversees project progress and offers technical guidance to the FRDC on broader issues and initiatives.
Beyond direct funding from and advising the FRDC, the IRG has collaborated with organisations such as the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, CSIRO, the Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water, and state and territory governments to support Indigenous-focused research, development, and extension efforts.
Expressions of Interest (EOI) are called for eight (8) members to sit on the IRG who have significant expertise and / or experience in fisheries), or natural resource management/land and water/environment/ marine management.
Membership will consist of four (4) core members that will participate in up to three meetings per year and four (4) members who will form an extended strategy group for up to two strategic planning meetings annually.
Remuneration will be based on the appropriate level as per the Remuneration Tribunal Determination latest update.
IRG members are required to participate in their capacity as individuals, drawing on their expertise and lived experience rather than representing any specific organisation. This approach maximises the independence of advisory services provided to the FRDC and ensures fairness throughout the grant processes where the IRG may have input. This individual participation also aims to create cultural safety by avoiding the expectation for members to speak on behalf of any community or region.
All members will be required to sign a Code of Conduct and declare any real or perceived Conflicts of Interest.
The role of the FRDC IRG committee member is to:
The FRDC IRG committee member requires the following expertise and experience:
The personal qualities required of FRDC IRG committee members are:
Appointment term is five (5) years.
To be eligible to submit an EOI, you must:
To meet the conditions for participation, you should provide as part of your application:
Note that Successful candidates will also be required to be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check. The FRDC may exclude EOIs that do not meet these checks to the FRDC’s reasonable satisfaction.
Applicants are required to lodge an application on-line via EthicalJobs: Applicants are asked to provide a statement of claims (1200 word maximum) addressing the skills and experience listed above and what they would bring to the role together with a current CV (maximum of four pages).
A position description is attached.