Employment Type

Ongoing & Non-ongoing (for an initial period of up to 18 months), Flexible working arrangements will be considered. These roles are being advertised as both ongoing and non-ongoing, with the employment type to be determined in negotiation with the preferred candidate and the NIAA delegate.

Where a non-ongoing specified term is offered, this would be for an initial period of up to 18 months, with possibility of extension up to a maximum period of three years. A non-ongoing offer may result in conversion to an ongoing offer of employment, however this must occur within 18 months from the opening date of this advertisement.

The Opportunities

We are seeking policy and program advisers to support the development, implementation and evaluation of social policies and programs in the NIAA. These roles are fast-paced, dynamic and present an exciting opportunity for someone with curiosity and a willingness to learn. These roles ensure the NIAA is sustainable and its operations are underpinned by sound advice to government and support for impacted communities both now and into the future. 

Social Policy and Programs Group 

The Social Policy and Programs Group leads, influences and invests in social and cultural policies and programs that contribute to improving the health, wellbeing, education, safety and justice outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Early Years and Education Branch 

The Early Years and Education Branch delivers program management and policy advice on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander schooling, early childhood and further education outcomes. The Branch has broad policy and program responsibilities working with other agencies (both Commonwealth and states and territories), strategic investment of funding under the Children and Schooling program to support education opportunities and program management of activities supporting school and tertiary students, teachers, youth academies and school attendance. 

Families and Safety Branch 

The Families and Safety Branch leads policy and investment approaches that contribute to enhancing the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families and improve justice outcomes for Indigenous Australians. The Branch achieves this through leading and influencing key government initiatives, promoting evidence-based policy and programs that are culturally informed and place-based. The Branch works in partnership with Indigenous communities, Commonwealth and State and Territory governments and various other stakeholders to ensure the needs of Indigenous communities are addressed. 

Health and Wellbeing Branch 

The Health and Wellbeing Branch leads policy and investment approaches that contribute to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Branch achieves this through driving policy reforms in the Indigenous health and wellbeing space and influencing or partnering with other government agencies, particularly the Department of Health, and community sector and other key stakeholders. The Branch is responsible for providing policy leadership on Indigenous mental health and suicide prevention, support for Stolen Generation members and their families, addressing volatile substance use, and Indigenous specific investment in alcohol and other drugs treatment services, social and emotional wellbeing, and youth engagement activities. 

Culture and Heritage Branch 

The role of the Culture and Heritage Branch is to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and identities underpin the policies and programs of the NIAA. The Branch influences and supports culturally competent policy development and service delivery in the NIAA's engagement with Indigenous Australians, government agencies, and non-government organisations. The Branch leads a number of key policies including truth-telling and identity, Indigenous broadcasting services, interpreter services, NAIDOC Week, and working across stakeholders to strengthen approaches to Indigenous heritage protection. 

There are a number of vacancies within the Social Policy and Programs Group. The roles involve thinking long-term and across a range of contexts, including but not limited to supporting the delivery of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy and Closing the Gap targets and reforms.

Key responsibilities of these positions may include:

• In consultation with communities and key stakeholders, support the design and delivery of social policies and programs.
• Provide program and policy support to activities funded under the Indigenous Advancement Strategy that work towards the Closing the Gap targets and Priority Reforms.
• Research and draft evidence-based advice regarding existing and new policies and programs.
• In consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities and key stakeholders, assist in the co-design and delivery of strategic, social and economic policies and programs.
• Support governance arrangements and undertake grant program reporting and assist with new grant guideline development.
• Program performance management, including reporting, evaluations and reviews of existing programs.
• Support the building and maintenance of effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist in supporting the delivery of actions under Closing the Gap as a part of the Agency and whole of government responsibilities.

We work in partnership to deliver our services and require people that are resilient, flexible and able to work together as one team to design and implement new ideas and ways of working that address the unique needs of individuals and communities across Australia.

Through this recruitment process, we will fill roles on an ongoing and non-ongoing basis (for up to 18 months). We have a number of immediate and future vacancies that may arise. The merit pools established will be drawn upon to fill policy and program roles over the next 18 months.

Our Ideal Candidates

To successfully undertake a policy and programs role in the NIAA, our ideal applicants will:

• Have a thorough understanding of the complex social policy issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and strong commitment to ongoing cultural capability development.
• Engage sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Have demonstrated experience in relationship management and working productively in team environments.
• Be results-oriented and able to liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Be able to self-direct and bring their experience, strategic thinking and innovative ideas to improve policy, practice, service delivery and workplace performance.
• Possess superior communication skills, both written and verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Have demonstrated capacity to develop understanding of the broader strategic environment of the Group and Agency.
• Apply analytical, research and problem solving skills to provide evidence-based analysis and advice.
• Have experience and understanding of program management processes.
• Lead, supervise and develop team members through performance feedback and career development.
• Be self-aware, culturally competent and foster respect and inclusion in the workplace.
• Promote and demonstrate the APS values and code of conduct, as well as the NIAA values and behaviours.

Candidates must demonstrate cultural competency, including demonstrated skills in understanding, communicating, and effectively interacting with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Identified Positions

These positions are Identified which signifies that the roles have a strong involvement in issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

These positions are required to liaise with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and service providers. You will require cultural competency, including:

• Understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Demonstrated capability and commitment to continue to develop cultural competency.

Eligibility 

To be eligible for these positions you must be an Australian Citizen.  The successful candidates will be required to be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check.

Contact Officer 

Emma Lattimore on (02) 6152 3692 or [email protected] using the subject line: Advisers - Social Policy and Programs Group - Multiple Vacancies enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.