Batchelor Institute is the only First Nations dual sector tertiary education provider in Australia. The Institute is uniquely positioned to recognise multiple ways of being, doing and knowing in the world. The Institute recognises the Sovereignty of multiple Nations and privilege the positioning of First Nations peoples as knowledge holders in all educational transactions with Western knowledge systems. To play a key role in understanding of Council’s vision to enlist First Nation’s perspectives, philosophies and practices in all learning and teaching and operations of the Institute.

Primary Objective: The Lecturer Australian First Nation’s Languages is responsible for the development and delivery of innovative VET programs in the learning and teaching of Australian First Nation’s languages within the context of Batchelor Institute's role as Australia's leading First Nations Tertiary Education and Research provider. The programs are delivered in partnership with members of First Nations language communities and underpinned by Batchelor Institute’s Both-ways principles of practice. The Lecturer Australian First Nation’s Languages will be expected to participate in community engagement that will support the teaching and use of Australian First Nation’s languages according to the standards, values and aspirations of the language community.

In this role you will be responsible for:

• Co-ordinating the development and delivery of teaching programs for the learning and teaching of Australian First Nation’s languages in collaboration with community language speakers. Use the principles and practices of quality VET training to support learning by individuals and groups of learners and to meet the standards, values and aspirations of each language community.
• Contributing to the development of resources and programs using flexible learning strategies that provide authentic learning experiences contextualised to the specific language context and reflecting the Batchelor Institute Learning and Teaching Framework.
• Contextualising program content and adapting teaching practices, including use of a range of technologies, to suit specified learner needs, reflect community values and aspirations and ensure learner engagement and achievement of learning outcomes.
• Applying the principles of assessment and rules of evidence to develop and implement a range of assessment methods to suit learner needs and specified contexts. Participate in validation processes.
• Liaising with First Nation’s language communities, employers, and other organisations to ensure teaching, learning and assessment reflects community standards, values and aspirations and current industry practices, while continuing to develop own knowledge and skills by participating in community and professional networks/events/ and consultations.

Successful applicants should have:

• Qualifications that demonstrate knowledge of and ability to teach an Australian First Nation’s language including the structure of language/s and methods for language teaching, such as Education, Linguistics Applied Linguistics or equivalent; and current experience in working collaboratively with community speakers and linguists to co-ordinate delivery of language education and training. Additionally, the successful candidate must have the minimum vocational teaching qualification, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment TAE40122 or equivalent, or the willingness to obtain the qualification within 6 months.
• Well-developed knowledge of the social, political, historical, and cultural environments of Australian First Nation’s peoples especially as they have impacted the use of First Nation’s languages.
• Demonstrated highly developed capacity to work effectively and communicate appropriately with First Nation’s students, communities, organisations, and staff members. This should include experience working in culturally diverse teams and within the social, political and cultural environments of First Nation’s families, communities and organisations.
• Demonstrated personal and inter-personal skills for working effectively as a team member to achieve outcomes within an Australian First Nation’s Vocational and Training context as per the above knowledge and skill requirements.
• The ability and willingness to comply with VET management and administration policies, procedures and business rules in the RTO standards 2015.
• Must be able to undertake travel throughout the Northern Territory by land, sea and air (e.g. in light aircraft), possess a Northern Territory ‘C’ class drivers’ licence with experience driving on unformed roads, and be prepared to stay in a range of accommodation and in various environmental settings available to Batchelor Institute staff.
• Understanding of Work, Health and Safety principles and practices, and ability to comply with Institute WHS policies and procedures.

Additional information:

• Applicants must provide at least one referee who is an Australian First Nation’s person.
• Special measures will apply to First Nation’s applicants who speak a First Nation’s language and meet the selection criteria.
• Copies of qualifications and evidence of experience must be submitted.
• Applicants must have an Ochre Card and a current Police Check and/or the ability to obtain these prior to commencement.
• The COVID-19 Safety Management Plan and other COVID-19 related information Policy and Procedure require all Batchelor Institute workers to have had a third COVID-19 vaccination. Temporary or permanent exemptions apply in certain circumstances.

Next Steps

Should you have any questions regarding this opportunity, please contact Ms Ailsa Purdon by email at [email protected] using the subject line: Lecturer First Nations Languages - Batchelor enquiry via EthicalJobs or phone 0447360271. 

View the website for more details.

To submit your application please click 'Apply Now' by the closing date.

A position description and application lodgement form is attached.