The ALC are seeking an experienced Sustainability Officer to join the Mining and Sustainability Department. The main income stream to the Groote Eylandt economy is derived from mining royalties and rents from GEMCO manganese mining leases. Mining income will decline over the next decade as GEMCO implement its closure plan. The role of the Sustainability Officer will be to facilitate access to mining leases for sustainable commercial development post mining. The Anindilyakwa people have cultural experience with mining for several generations and aquaculture for centuries.

The ALC strategic plan is to build on indigenous cultural experience to develop a self-sustaining local economy as the GEMCO operation closes. The Sustainability Officer will facilitate access to land to enable economic development that respects cultural and environmental values and addresses international, national and Northern Territory sustainability agendas.

The Sustainability Officer will review and work to implement the ALC Sustainability Plan with ALC and external stakeholders under the direction of the Mining & Sustainability Manager. The sustainability plan is framed around achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are aligned with ALC operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop access agreements for commercial post mining land uses.
• Experience navigating cultural clearances and ensuring protection of culturally sensitive heritage sites within mining leases.
• Organise meetings and consult effectively with traditional Aboriginal owners over projects.
• Assist the Mining & Sustainability Manager to maintain procedures to ensure compliance with mining companies with exploration and mining agreements.
• Manage the effective implementation of agreements particular to environmental, cultural, social and financial terms and conditions.
• Assist in grant and royalty funding applications.
• Maintain liaison with mining companies and other relevant agencies. Ensure effective working relationships between ALC and mining companies and relevant government departments.
• Project manage the work of consultants engaged to conduct research and/or consultancy services related to the Mining & Sustainability Department’s projects.
• Provide advice and direction on sustainable development to secure local fresh food sources, renewable energy supplies and biofuels.
• Realise a range of income generating opportunities on mining leases after closure such as infrastructure/housing, renewable power supply and bio-diesel supply.

Selection Criteria

Essential:

• Minimum Bachelor degree in relevant field such as agriculture, aquaculture or sustainable development.
• Experience with funding agencies which focus on northern Australian economic development and the transition to renewable energy.
• Ability to assess economic feasibility of development projects.
• Demonstrable ability to manage their work within budget and agreed time frames.
• Experienced with computer packages for the preparation of data and reports.
• Understanding of social equity issues and cultural sensitivities.
• A current driver’s licence with experience in the operation of 4WD vehicles.
• A record of establishing viable businesses in indigenous communities.
• Experience with indigenous land use agreements and the requirements of the Aboriginal Lands Act (NT) 1978
• Proven high level interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to liaise, influence, negotiate and consult with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• The ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality when dealing with highly sensitive matters.
• Previous experience living and working successfully in a remote location and in cross cultural and complex social environments involving Indigenous people.

Desirable:

• Experience demonstrating a capacity to build trust with stakeholders of all levels and within an Aboriginal community.
• Development project, or sector level experience particularly related to indigenous development from indigenous land and water resources.

Other Information

Pre-employment screening, including an AFP criminal record check, may be undertaken on the person who is being recommended for appointment.

An attractive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful applicant, including fully subsidised accommodation, Holiday Travel Allowance, relocation assistance, 5 weeks annual leave, Salary Sacrifice and participation in our flexi week trial.

For more information, please email [email protected] using the subject line: Sustainability Officer - Groote Archipelago enquiry via EthicalJobs.