• Work in a central Government agency 
• Exciting and fulfilling work at the heart of Government
• Generous employment conditions

The Opportunity

The work of First Nations Policy Branch involves advising the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and portfolio ministers on issues that affect the lives of First Nations people and enabling the implementation of culturally responsive solutions. We work closely with the National Indigenous Australians Agency, other departments, the Coalition of the Peaks and other stakeholders to ensure the Government’s First Nations policy initiatives are developed and implemented to meet government objectives and deliver on its commitment to work in partnership with First Nations peoples.

The First Nations Policy Branch is seeking to fill multiple APS5/6 positions with people who are motivated to drive the Government’s First Nations policy agenda. This includes its commitment to implementing the Uluru Statement of the Heart in full, the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, and social and economic policies to build a better future. We are looking for people who will bring a passion for First Nations Policy and an understanding that the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the Uluru Statement from the Heart require the Government to adopt a different way of working. The roles are fast-paced, varied and present exciting opportunities to help shape and implement the Government’s policy agenda.

Key roles and responsibilities include:

• Providing considered and timely advice on First Nations policy for the Prime Minister, Ministers, Assistant Ministers and senior executives.
• Establishing and building collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to inform policy advice and support the delivery of the Government’s First Nations policy agenda.
• Providing guidance and advice to agencies and advocating for a whole-of-government approach to issues.
• Contributing to the Commonwealth Budget process.
• Driving a positive, innovative, inclusive and culturally safe environment across the branch.
• Willingness and commitment to continue to develop cultural competency in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

What we offer

• An inclusive environment where First Nations experiences and perspectives are respected, visible, and valued as critical to our work. 
• A commitment to flexible work arrangements - remote work will be considered.
• Opportunities to make a real impact and develop skills beneficial to your community. 
• Supportive staff networks including: Mara Network, Ability Network, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Employee Network, Pride Network, Gender Equality Network, Wellbeing Network.

This is a Canberra based role, however flexible working arrangements including remote working conditions will be considered. 

A merit pool may be established and used to fill the same or similar vacancies for 18 months from the date of advertising.

Our Ideal Candidate

The First Nations Policy Branch is seeking highly motivated candidates who thrive in busy, dynamic environments.

You will have a demonstrated high level of cultural competency, including:

• understanding of the issues affecting First Nation peoples, communities and regions.
• ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• commitment to continue to develop cultural competency.

You will be an independent problem solver, able to deliver complex tasks to a high standard and lead/coordinate projects effectively. 

You will have a good understanding, or the ability to rapidly acquire understanding of, the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the policy intersections/impact at a local, state and national level. 

You will be adaptable to change, demonstrate flexibility and be able to quickly get across new material. 

You will have well-developed research, analysis and writing skills. 

You will have excellent communication skills and be able to communicate clearly with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders and build develop and maintain strong working relationships. 

You lead by example and foster a team environment which embraces collaboration, diversity of views, and acts inclusively to improve advice and solutions. 

Experience and/or formal qualifications in one or more of the following are desirable:

• First Nations policy, project management or program delivery, budget policy and coordination, social science research, organisational cultural capability, cultural safety models and frameworks, change management approaches, or monitoring and evaluation.

We encourage you to highlight this experience and/or qualification in your resume and/or application.

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 Apply Now button.