Would you like to work for one of the largest and oldest Indigenous organisations in Australia which provides services to around 50,000 Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory?

About the NLC

We are responsible for assisting Aboriginal people in the Top End of the Northern Territory to acquire and manage their lands and seas. Our vision is to ensure that Aboriginal people benefit socially, culturally and economically from the secure possession of their land, waters and seas.

About the Role

The position is responsible for providing anthropological advice in relation to the implementation of the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act 1976 (Cth) (ALRA) and the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (Native Title Act). This will involve contributing to the Northern Land Council’s (NLC) Land Interest Reference (LIR) research relevant to Aboriginal peoples and groups in the NLC jurisdiction.

The key focus of this role is to identify, represent and assist traditional Aboriginal owners (TAOs) and Native Title Holders (NTHs) in matters arising from the acquisition, use, occupation and management of their land under the ALRA and the Native Title Act.

Responsibilities

• Plan and undertake ethnographic research and analysis of Aboriginal land tenure systems and social organisation, matters pertaining to cultural significance and other issues, composition of local descent groups, and processes of decision making in respect of the Aboriginal peoples and groups within the NLC’s jurisdiction ensuring:
  
  • Compliance with the requirements of the ALRA, the Native Title Act 1993 (NTA) and the Northern Territory (NT) Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act (NTASSA);
  • Effective consultation with TAOs and NTHs; and
  • Provision of timely and appropriate anthropological advice in respect of the above to the NLC.
• Research and prepare LIR Information Releases (IR) identifying TAOs and other interests and affected Aboriginal groups pursuant to ALRA relevant to a variety of matters pertaining to land; and similarly, pursuant to the Native Title Act, identifying NTHs. Ensure timely responses to LIR requests through liaison with the NLC Project Officers, Officer in Charge (LIR) and/or the Senior Anthropologist.
• Under supervision of the senior Anthropology staff provide advice to stakeholders and assist with the management of land tenure disputes in accordance with Branch process.
• In consultation with senior Anthropology staff, recommend and engage suitably qualified consultants to undertake ethnographic and other specialist research, as required. Participate in the drafting of terms of reference, consultant liaison, contract administration and compliance.

About you

To thrive in this role you will have:

• Significant demonstrated knowledge, understanding and respect of Indigenous Australian culture, customs and society and the ability to gain and maintain credibility with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations to ensure all work produced and undertaken is culturally safe and appropriate.
• Minimum Honours degree in Anthropology, or related discipline; or demonstrable, applied experience in a similar industry/context.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a dedicated team including the ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• Current 'C' class licence, capacity and willingness to travel and work in regional and remote areas for extended periods.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies and cultures and the issues affecting Indigenous peoples in contemporary Australian society. Experience and willingness to undertake remote area fieldwork consultations with Aboriginal people.

Remuneration and Benefits:

• Full-Time Permanent Contract
• Location: Darwin
• Salary: $76,431- $130,600
• Allowances
• FBT exempt salary packaging benefits pay
• 13% superannuation contribution
• 5 weeks annual leave & 17.5% annual leave loading

Cultural knowledge and lived experience is central to the work that we do. We will apply special measures for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

Please note COVID vaccinations are mandatory for all NLC staff.

How to Apply:

A full Position Description may be obtained by clicking on this vacancy on our website https://jobs.nlc.org.au/ . We ask that all applications are received through our jobs website – this will ensure that you are submitting a full application for this position. Our website also provides information about our recruitment process. If you are having any problems submitting your application please contact us on 08 8920 5140.

Contact Officer:

Wendy Asche on (08) 8920 5156.