About the Treaty Authority

The Treaty Authority is an independent entity with a mandate to facilitate the formation of treaties between the State of Victoria and First Peoples in Victoria.

The Treaty Authority’s work is grounded in Aboriginal culture, lore and law and led collectively by a panel of five Members committed to Aboriginal self-determination and empowerment. It engages with a broad cross-section of stakeholders including the State of Victoria, the First Peoples’ Assembly and Traditional Owners in Victoria.

The objects of the Treaty Authority’s work are to:

• Facilitate the journey towards reconciliation, mutual respect and tolerance between First Peoples and other people of the State and to
• Maintain, promote and advance the self-determination and empowerment, culture and human rights of First Peoples.

About the Role

The Director Agreement Making will provide strategic leadership and direction on the Treaty Authority’s facilitation and oversight of Treaty negotiations, administration of the Treaty Negotiation Framework and resolution of disputes arising in connection with Treaty negotiations.

This senior leadership role will lead a team responsible for the development of advanced solutions-focussed policy options, providing monitoring, analysis, technical and strategic advice on Treaty-related issues. In addition, the Director Agreement-Making will be responsible for the development, management and continuous improvement of systems supporting the Treaty Authority’s administration of the Treaty Negotiation Framework and ensure that all parties to the Treaty process - including Traditional Owner groups - receive the necessary advice, information, referrals and other supports from the Treaty Authority in a culturally informed way.

This is a three-year fixed-term opportunity, based at our offices in Collingwood.

Key Duties

• Lead the development of advanced solutions-focussed policy options, providing monitoring, analysis, technical and strategic advice on Treaty-related issues.
• Maintain a proactive awareness of best practice and an understanding of risks related to the Treaty process, as well as emerging issues, opportunities, risks and trends.
• Ensure and improve collaboration and synergy between the branches of the organisation, including provision of internal policy advice and support.
• Lead the development, management and continuous improvement of the Treaty Authority’s systems under the Treaty Negotiation Framework.
• Lead the provision of technical and strategic advice to the Treaty Authority Members on Authority decisions and actions under the Framework, including during Treaty negotiations and dispute resolution.
• Lead the provision of high-level policy advice and technical support to Members in day-to-day operation of the Treaty Negotiation Framework.
• Manage the team acting as the day-to-day point of contact for all parties to the Treaty process, including Traditional Owner groups, and the provision of appropriate advice, information, referrals and other supports.
• Lead the identification of any supports needed by First Peoples involved in the Treaty process, and development of systemic solutions to address those.
• Actively promote and advocate the vision and initiatives of the Treaty Authority within and outside the organisation as a member of the executive leadership team.
• Play a key leadership role in fostering positive team engagement and inspire an inclusive and high-performing culture across the Treaty Authority.
• Promote and support the Treaty Authority’s values and building on its positive reputation.

Selection Criteria

• Lived experience or experience working with Aboriginal communities preferably in Victoria, with sound working knowledge of Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, Traditional Owner groups, legislative and regulatory regimes, Aboriginal histories and leaders, democratic processes, machinery of government and the Victorian Public Service.
• Excellent knowledge of issues affecting First Peoples and a strong passion for driving positive career outcomes for First Peoples students and early-stage professionals.
• Extensive experience at executive, general management or senior management level overseeing the delivery of strategy and/or policy, preferably in a community or for-purpose organisation.
• Leadership expertise in relevant areas such as First Peoples legal issues, dispute resolution, administration of legal frameworks and/or human rights.
• Proven competence in leading teams within policy or strategy at a senior management level and the ability to coach and develop direct reports.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline such as social or public policy, law, social science and/or substantial and broad experience in a similar role.
• Outstanding strategic policy and planning skills along with proven project management experience.
• Proven ability to develop innovative, sound and culturally strong policy proposals and to assist others to develop such proposals.
• Passionate about being part of a reform to benefit First Peoples in Victoria.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills including the ability to simplify and synthesise complex issues for diverse audiences.
• Highly developed people leadership, interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, in particular with First Peoples in Victoria.
• Strong negotiation, dispute resolution and influencing skills.
• Proven ability to remain calm under pressure and to meet deadlines and tight timeframes.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

This position is commensurate with a SES1 range starting at a salary of $216,376 including super, depending on the successful applicant’s experience.

This position is open to everyone, however the nature of the Treaty Authority’s work means we strongly encourage First Peoples to apply.

If you feel you could contribute well in this role, click the Apply Now button to submit your application!