We are hiring!

Ngukurr Language Centre is seeking a dedicated person to join the team as our coordinator. This is an exciting opportunity to manage a passionate team of language workers, elders and linguists.

About the Ngukurr Language Centre

The goal of the organisation is to revitalise, document, teach and promote the traditional languages of the Roper River region, of which there are 8-10. This is achieved through the delivery of a range of community-based language programs and through advocacy within the wider community. Current programs include language camps, school program, conversation classes, resource production including dictionaries, cultural awareness courses, and professional development for Indigenous language workers.

The Ngukurr Language Centre is an independent, Indigenous governed organisation with a culture of transparency and inclusivity. It is well known for its community focus in supporting the maintenance and revitalisation of Indigenous languages of the region. It was originally established in 1999 as a branch of the Katherine Regional Aboriginal Language Centre (KRALC) and after the closure of KRALC, reopened as an independent organisation in 2011. It has been moving from strength to strength since then, and now has secured operational funding through to June 2024, with the view to extend in the next funding round.

After developing this young organisation into its current healthy state with vibrant programs and a big presence in the community, the outgoing Coordinator seeks to hand over the role to a new Coordinator who can oversee the continued development of the organisation.

Organisation structure

The Ngukurr Language Centre is a small, independent, non-profit organisation. The organisation is governed by an all Indigenous committee, elected from a membership base of local language workers, language speakers and educators. The Coordinator reports directly to the Board of Directors and supervises the other employees including part-time language workers, approximately 25 casual language workers, and an on-site linguist. The Language Centre also has a contracted accountant and a volunteer Public Officer, also based outside Ngukurr.

About the role

The role of the Coordinator is to manage the daily operations of the Language Centre. This includes managing the finances and administration of the organisation, reporting to the board of directors, facilitating good corporate governance, supervising staff, and managing projects, assets and resources.

The position is part-time (.8, equal to 30.4hours/week), commencing in January 2023. The new recruit will be given a two-week hand-over by the outgoing Coordinator. There is a six-month probationary period, with an initial review after three months. Accommodation is provided. It is fully furnished with all amenities included. The Language Centre owns its own vehicle that is used for work purposes only.

The Language Centre welcomes all applications. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

About you

This position requires a multi-skilled, team-oriented person with a high level of cross-cultural competence. It is suited to a self-motivated, friendly, highly organised person with business management experience and knowledge of community development practices. In addition to this, the coordinator should have a strong understanding of the context of Aboriginal languages.

Before applying, please consider that living and working in a remote environment can be challenging. Applicants who have previous experience working in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities will be highly regarded.

Location and Languages

The coordinator is required to be based in Ngukurr, a large Aboriginal community (pop: 1000+) in Southern Arnhem Land. It is a dry community. The community has 8-10 heritage languages that are all endangered. The language of everyday communication is Roper Kriol. The community is surrounded by tropical savannah landscape and lies on the banks of the Roper River. It is close to Limmen National Park, providing ample opportunities for fishing and camping. The community amenities include a swimming pool, arts centre, health clinic, school, child care centre, police station, motel and a large store.

To discuss the position or to find out more please contact Jordan Hollis at [email protected] using the subject line: Coordinator - Ngukurr Language Centre enquiry via EthicalJobs or on (08) 8977 4225.

A position description and application pack is attached. Please note, the cover letter should be written in plain English. English is not the first language of the NgLC directors.