Organisation overview

The Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BGLC) represents Traditional Owners from the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Nations (WJJWJ Peoples), who were recognised in a 2005 Native Title Consent Determination, the first in south-eastern Australia.

We are the Prescribed Body Corporate for the WJJWJ Peoples claim area, as outlined in the Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993 (NTA 1993), giving us legal authority and obligations to work on behalf of the WJJWJ Traditional Owners.

BGLC is also a Registered Aboriginal Party, as appointed by the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council, under the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (AHA 2006).

In October 2022 BGLC, on behalf of the WJJWJ Peoples, entered into four Funding, Land and Natural Resource Agreements with the State of Victoria as part of an Expanded Settlement Package, recognising and giving effect to their Traditional Owner rights under the Victorian Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (TOSA 2010).

BGLC is therefore recognised both federally and by the State of Victoria as the only authorised body in the region with the legal and cultural authority to speak, and make decisions, on behalf of the WJJWJ Peoples to protect, manage and promote their cultural landscapes, values and heritage.

Caring for Country

We are part of our Country, and our Country is part of us. Bunjil the creator, made the land, waterholes, animals and plants and gave Wotjobaluk Peoples the responsibility to look after Country and culture and keep it healthy and strong. Country heals us to our dreaming stories, to our ancestors and spirits.

Position summary

The Renewable Energy Community Projects Lead will take primary responsibility in facilitating BGLC’s small-scale and community-based renewable energy projects. Reporting to the Climate & Energy Project Manager, this role will utilise keen project and stakeholder management skills to contribute to the implementation of BGLC’s Renewable Energy Strategy, delivering projects according to plan, securing participation and benefit the WJJWJ community as well as BGLC partners, and identifying new opportunities for small-scale/community-based energy projects.

Area & Performance Responsibilities

Project management:

• Develop and implement project plans for the delivery of small-scale/community-based renewable energy projects in line with BGLC’s Renewable Energy Roadmap, ensuring:

• • Projects are appropriately scoped and prioritised
  • Reasonable timelines and objectives are met
  • Budget remains within scope
  • Plans are clear and communicated to all involved parties
  • Set outcomes are satisfactory and achieved, including beyond the length of the initial implementation of the project, including regular reviews and reports

Engagement:

• Engage with the WJJWJ community to gain input and offer information regarding the opportunities and benefits associated with small-scale/community-based renewable energy projects;
• Liaise with external partners to secure participation where relevant in, and understanding of, BGLC’s small-scale/community-based renewable energy projects;
• Identify new opportunities for small-scale and community-based renewable energy, including the development of new partnerships;
• Where appropriate, attend meetings, functions and workshops to advocate for WJJWJ renewable energy ambitions.

Administration:

• Provide information for the reporting of project finances and acquittal of grants where necessary;

Other duties:

• As directed and agreed for the specific activity or project.

Delegation

• As per the Delegation of Authority.

Key selection criteria

• Commitment to the self-determination of the WJJWJ Peoples, and experience or interest in working with First Nations people and organisations to advance self-determination.
• Sound project management skills, preferably with experience in the renewable energy field, and ability to work independently to see projects through to completion.
• Experience working with the energy sector, or an understanding of regulatory framework in Victoria.
• Ability to manage relationships effectively, including with external parties, as well as WJJWJ members and community.
• Relevant qualification and/or at least 5 years’ experience in the areas of First Nations justice, environment, climate change, energy, community development, social science, or similar.

Occupational health and safety responsibilities

• In the context of OHS policies, procedures, training, and instruction, as detailed in the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, employees are responsible for ensuring they:
• Follow reasonable instructions;
• Cooperate with the employer and report safety breaches, participate in investigations, and implement corrective actions according to applicable procedures and policies; and
• At all times, take reasonable care for their own safety and the safety of others in the workplace.

Conditions of Employment

• Flexibility and agility to be comfortable in changing environments and identify opportunities as they arise;

• Willingness to travel throughout the region as necessary, as well as work weekends from time to time;

• Must have a full Victorian Drivers Licence (or be willing and able to obtain immediately using Employment Assistance program); and

• Ability to obtain positive National Police and Working with Children checks.

A position description is attached.