• Applicants for this role must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander decent, identify as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and be accepted in the community.
• Full time, Permanent role based in NSW, QLD, VIC, or NT.
• Flexible work from home arrangements available.

ABOUT THE FRED HOLLOWS FOUNDATION

The Foundation is an international development organisation working to prevent blindness and restore sight. We continue to carry on the legacy of Professor Fred Hollows, who believed every person had the right to quality eye care, no matter where they live. The Foundation has grown to work in more than 25 countries throughout Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific, as well as Australia. The Foundation has restored sight to more than 3 million people worldwide. We have an ambitious five-year strategic plan that aims to take us even closer to realising our vision of a world in which no person is needlessly blind or vision impaired.

The Foundation is also proud to announce that we were awarded the Employer of Choice Award (Public Sector and NFP) at the 2022 Australian HR Awards.

ABOUT THE INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA PROGRAM

We work to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples can always exercise their rights to sight, good health and self-determination. We are committed to ensuring social justice reform is accelerated and to ensuring the rights, needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are respected and upheld.

ABOUT YOU

The Country Director IAP is committed to operate within the Indigenous Australia Strategy, IAP Programming Principles, Team Charter, and The Foundation’s Social Justice approach. You will be a leader, with the skills and experience of managing multiple teams and influencing team culture, as well as leading working groups to achieve results. You will be able to engage with and influence executive leaders both internally and externally. Above all you will be a people person, able to build effective working relationships internally and externally to the benefit of The Foundation. You will be a collaborator, with high-level problem-solving skills, as well as showing resilience and initiative when facing challenging circumstances. You will have experience being a representative for a complex organisation, and will be able to develop, engage and influence senior levels of government, multi-lateral agencies and other partners. You will be flexible and agile, comfortable to operate in a space that can be ambiguous at times.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Country Director IAP is The Foundation’s lead for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health and is accountable for the leadership and oversight of the Indigenous Australia Program and the delivery of programming and advocacy to achieve The Foundation’s commitment to close the gap in eye health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

In alignment with The Foundation’s organisational strategy, the Country Director IAP is accountable for the delivery of our IAP program strategic objectives, connecting global and national priorities with local program plans, developing, and maintaining successful partnerships and driving in-country advocacy to improve eye health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The Country Director IAP is The Foundation’s “Indigenous Australia Program” representative externally, including for government relationships, donor engagement, and public representation, and provides leadership and support within The Foundation in our efforts to be publicly accountable and a true ally for Australia’s First Peoples.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Collaboration

• Provide inspiring strategic guidance and leadership to the IAP team.
• Be a driver of transformative change initiatives and support and enable effective continuous improvement of systems and processes.
• Ensure The Foundation’s profile and reputation with stakeholders (internally and externally) reflect organisational vision, values, culture, policies and procedures.
• Drive and lead the development and execution of a high-quality country strategy and oversee the design and delivery of a portfolio of projects and advocacy to achieve the IAP strategic objectives.
• Ensure the effective management of the country program’s resources (financial, technical and operational) in order to achieve The Foundations strategic objectives.
• Work closely with The Foundation’s Social Justice and Regional Engagement team to deliver on The Foundation’s commitment to social justice: to continue Fred’s legacy through public accountability of our commitment to achieving the right to sight, good health and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, as led by and determined by them; and, in activating others to support the calls of Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Executive Contribution and Collaboration

• Support advocacy initiatives and develop and strengthen strategic partnerships and linkages to increase the visibility, reach and impact of The Foundation’s work and enhance new and existing business opportunities.
• Make recommendations to the Executive Leadership Team and The Board on the Indigenous Australia strategy and our organisational commitment to eye health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Advocacy and Partnerships

• Build and sustain strong relationships with strategic partners and networks, and advocate for systems and policy change at national and jurisdictional levels, with an approach that fosters cooperation and results in capacity development and improved health systems.
• Raise the profile of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health and preventable blindness as a health issue and build support for The Foundation’s vision and programs.
• Seek out, establish and extend The Foundation’s collaborations and strategic partnerships with appropriate national and international organisations.
• Represent The Foundation in appropriate government and policy discussions, meetings and conferences.
• Be seen as a thought leader in the area of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health advocacy and systems and hold the position of brand advocate to reinforce that we ‘walk together’ to achieve our outcomes.

Donor Relations and Resource Mobilisation

• Represent The Foundation at fundraising or donor engagement events and support Public Affairs in the development of partnerships for fundraising to enable our ongoing global operations.
• Liaise and negotiate with public and private sector organisations and major donors to develop new program and fundraising opportunities.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED

• At least 10 years’ experience leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs, preferably with experience in the public health or development sector.
• Extensive experience cultivating strategic relationships for mutual organisational gains.
• Demonstrated capacity for high-level representation and strategic advocacy to engage and influence senior levels of government and other partners.
• Intimate working knowledge of the Australian public health system, specific to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the ability to navigate the complex political context associated with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
• Resource mobilisation expertise and track record of securing significant funding for programs in previous community or non-government organisations.
• Strong network of relationships and areas of influence across the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health or related sectors.

How we recognise your contribution

Through our internal programs and employee benefits we aim to create an environment where you will feel supported and empowered. Whether your focus is on continuous learning, professional development or finding an environment which enables you to thrive while balancing family or personal commitments, we have a range of programs in place to support you. Including:

• Generous salary packaging - we provide access to not-for-profit salary packaging options, which will increase your take home pay, we also offer 17.5% annual leave loading.
• Flexible work environment – we focus on output, not hours and enable you to prioritise your health and wellbeing.
• Generous leave allowances – we offer time off for culturally significant/ceremonial leave employees with commitments under Indigenous and other cultural customs, traditional laws or religions. Paid parental leave; 5 days bonus leave every year; and an annual Foundation-wide “Me Day” as well as Birthday leave.
• Ongoing commitment to your continuous learning and career development – through tailored leadership and professional development programs, access to Linkedin Learning and focused development conversations.

To find out more about our benefits click here

APPLICATIONS

Please apply directly via the "Apply Now" Button. Should you have any questions regarding the opportunity please reach out to our Global Talent Acquisition Lead, Hanna Hadaya, at [email protected] using the subject line: Indigenous Australia Program Country Director (Identified) - Flexible Location enquiry via EthicalJobs for a confidential conversation. Kindly note that CVs received via this email address will not be considered.

Applicants for this role must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander decent, identify as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and be accepted in the community.

The filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), and s 57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1996 (NT). The position is therefore only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants.

The Fred Hollows Foundation is committed to protecting the rights of children and community partners in all areas where we work. Applicants are advised that The Foundation reserves the right to conduct police checks and other screening procedures to ensure we maintain and promote a child safe environment.

A position description is attached.