• Seeking an APS 6 Senior Project Officer – First Nations Science and Knowledge - Affirmative Measure
• Salary: $98,575 - $108,492 plus 15.4% Superannuation

Join us to shape the future of one of Australia’s greatest natural assets and protect it for future generations. 

We are seeking people who want to contribute to a significant water reform program that aims to respond to the impacts of climate change, support community and industry needs, and improve access to water for First Nations people. 

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is an independent government agency which, in partnership with Basin governments, manages the Murray–Darling Basin’s water resources in the national interest. With the enactment of the Water Act 2007, the MDBA was established as an independent expertise-based statutory agency.

The MDBA aims to achieve a healthy working Basin for the benefit of all Australians. The Murray–Darling Basin contains a rich diversity of natural environments that are unique in Australia and the world. The Basin is also crucial to Australia’s economy and home to 2.3 million Australians, including people from over 50 First Nations. How we manage the Basin as a whole connected system, manage our water carefully, and protect it for future generations is set out in the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

The Position 

Senior Project Officer First Nations Science and Knowledge supports work to ensure that the interests of First Nations people and groups are accounted for in water planning and collaborative science activities of the MDBA. 

This includes working to make sure that First Nations people are involved and represented in various NRM strategies (E.g. Basin-wide Watering Strategy and Native Fish Recovery Strategy), and in the development of collaborative science activities (E.g. First Nations Ecohydrology). 

The position is expected to maintain high quality and culturally safe relationships with First Nations people and groups, as well as with Government (e.g. Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder) and non-Government agencies and other areas of the MDBA. 

Your key responsibilities in this role are to:

• Support the development and implementation of First Nations Science and Knowledge projects including support to other MDBA teams.
• Support First Nations Science and Knowledge initiatives which seek to increase First Nations people’s involvement and reflect their interests in water management.
• Support the implementation of an MDBA First Nations Science and Knowledge Strategy
• Adhere to Cultural Safety and navigate relevant MDBA Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) policies and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes.
• Develop and maintain close working relationships internally within the MDBA, with First Nations people and groups, as well as other government and non-government organisations, and members of the wider community.
• Assist with the preparation of briefing material, correspondence, submissions, contracts and other policy or operational documents.

What we offer you 

• You will have the opportunity to work on projects where you contribute to shaping the future of one of Australia’s greatest natural assets and protect it for future generations.
• At the MDBA you will undertake a variety of interesting and challenging work. You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and expertise, and work with the Australian community to support a critical resource management initiative. 
• Competitive remuneration packages, including up to 15.4% superannuation, and recognition of prior APS government service. 
• Generous leave provisions (four weeks annual leave) and additional Non-attendance days between Christmas and New Year provided.
• Being part of a smaller agency with a strong focus on its connection with people. 
• Being part of a professional, committed, and friendly team of people. 
• Being part of an organisation that recognises and values First Nations people, and their contribution to our work. We have an innovative Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) aimed at improving relationships, showing respect, and increasing opportunities to deliver outcome for First Nations peoples as part of our business-as-usual activities. 
• Competitive Flexible Working Arrangements which allow greater flexibility and balance between work and personal needs with a baseline attendance in the office to be 40% of your time.
• A range of healthy lifestyle provisions, including access to a health and wellbeing program. 
• Opportunities for professional development, and career progression across a variety of roles and work locations. 

Affirmative Measure – Indigenous

This position has direct engagement with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, and service providers, or is involved in the development of programmes and policy. You will require a high level of cultural competency, including:

• demonstrated understanding of the matters impacting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• demonstrated high level ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
• demonstrated high level capability and commitment to continue to develop cultural competency.

The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait people

Click Apply Now to submit your application. 

A position description is attached.