• 0.6FTE

The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners, their elders past, present and future, and to their cultures.

The VLGA is an independent governance organisation supporting councils and councillors. We are an equal opportunity employer and committed to advancing reconciliation. Our strategic objectives support and recognise the tangible benefits of diversity and inclusion for the local government sector and for communities across Victoria.

More information about the VLGA and our work can be found on our website.

Recruitment process

• Applications open on 20 August 2021
• Early applications are highly encouraged.
• Candidates will receive confirmation of receipt of their application upon receipt.
• A pre-screening telephone interview may be conducted to assist in shortlisting candidates.
• The VLGA will commence interviewing shortlisted candidates via Zoom no later than 16 September due to the timeline of the project’s commencement.
• Should a suitable candidate be found before the close of applications, the VLGA may close the application process early.

Please contact Deborah Wu (Inclusion & Diversity Lead) on 0433 046 101 or at [email protected] using the subject line: 'Your Community, Country & Council' Project Lead enquiry via EthicalJobs with any questions regarding the role.

The Role

The key goals of the project for the next 12 months are:

• Establishing a YCCC Steering Committee
• Outreach to past and future participants of the program
• Development of workshop content and content review
• Interest and knowledge-building sessions
• Project Plan for 2022-24

The Project Plan for the 2021/22 project (including timeline and deliverables) is available on request.

Additional duties

• Coordinate the implementation of the VLGA’s Reconciliation Action Plan (with the support of the Inclusion & Diversity Lead)
• Manage the annual ‘Helping Achieve Reconciliation Together’ (HART) Awards in collaboration with partner organisations (February – May each year)
• Provide content for the VLGA’s eNews/other communications from time to time

The successful candidate will be required to:

• Take a self-determination approach, including deep listening and meaningful consultation to evaluate the shortcomings and successes of the 2020 project (what was done well; what can be improved on).
• Use this approach in developing the plan for the new project, to consider what the barriers are in the participation of First Nations people in local government decision-making and employment (what can be addressed, and how)
• Develop and maintain meaningful and productive working relationships with Elders, relevant stakeholder and community groups (including but not limited to: Aboriginal-controlled organisations, Local Aboriginal Networks, Traditional Owner groups and Registered Aboriginal Parties), council liaison officers, and Victorian councillors.
• Develop and deliver content that supports the participation of First Nations Victorians in local government, through employment or candidacy (drawing from existing VLGA/sector resources)

Supports for the role:

• The successful candidate will be supported by the Inclusion & Diversity Lead with direct reporting line to the Chief of Staff.

• The VLGA team is a small that works across many (often overlapping) areas of local government. Each team member has their own strengths, weaknesses and areas of expertise, and we draw on each other for success. The successful candidate is encouraged to seek input and support from their colleagues and provide the same for others.

• A First Nations-identified Steering Committee will provide close consultation and support to the Project Lead.
• A short secondment/shadowing opportunity with a council Aboriginal Liaison Officer may be arranged to build the successful candidate’s understanding of the local government context.
• The successful candidate is expected to bring demonstrated connections to the role, but will be supported through the VLGA’s existing relationships with relevant organisations and stakeholders.

Key selection criteria

(Please address each of these criteria in your cover letter, or be prepared to outline these in an initial telephone interview):

1. Demonstrated connections to First Nations communities and organisations.
2. Passion for increasing the representation of First Nations people in decision-making roles and increasing the engagement of First Nations people in local government
3. Keen understanding of principles of reconciliation and how they may be applied at an organisation and sector-wide (in this case, local government) context
4. Project management experience – ability to see a project from scoping through to implementation

It is essential that this project is delivered for and by First Nations Victorians to enable self-determination, meet community priorities and adequately address barriers to participation. Demonstrated connections and relationships with First Nations communities and organisations are a prerequisite of this position. First Nations candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Your Community, Country & Council project

The ‘Your Community, Country & Council’ (YCCC) project is intended to be designed with and for First Nations people in Victoria, to encourage and support their involvement in local government as candidates, voters and employees.

Following on from the historic election of the First People’s Assembly of Victoria, the project aims to continue that momentum to support First Nations people to participate in local government as candidates and councillors on Victorian councils.

In 2020, the YCCC project was led by independent Aboriginal journalist, Charles Pakana of Connection Matters Radio on behalf of the VLGA. The primary objective of the 2020 project was to encourage First Nations people to nominate as candidates in the October 2020 Victorian local government elections. Through the 2020 project, a number of podcasts, video interviews and live forums were produced, creating a library of resources to support the participation of First Nations people in local government. More information can be found here.

The VLGA has received funding from the Victorian government for a 12 month project (2021/22).

A position description is attached.