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 Research, Evaluation, and Data Governance leads the Treaty Authority’s research function to support Treaty negotiations and administer the Treaty Negotiation Framework. This role upholds Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance while considering applicable Western laws, including Victorian and Commonwealth laws.

As a senior executive, the Director collaborates with the CEO, Members and experts to design and implement strategies for research, Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance, and monitoring and evaluation programs. They oversee the creation of a culturally responsive research and evaluation framework based on First Peoples paradigms.

This unique, world-first position offers the opportunity to develop and implement a framework for Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance within the Treaty context, navigating intersections with Western laws. The Director will build and develop a team of First Peoples researchers, evaluators and data governance experts within the Treaty Authority, supporting Members in fostering relationships with local and international experts to enhance best practices across First Peoples and indigenous communities.

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

Key Duties

• Collaborate with Members, CEO and experts to design and implement the research function, Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance strategy and operations, and monitoring and evaluation program.
• Provide high-quality strategic advice and briefings to Members, the CEO, the senior leadership team and key stakeholders on issues relating to Research, Evaluation and Indigenous Data Governance.
• Provide Members and the CEO with reports (written and verbal) that are strategically focussed, proactive and timely.
• Establish a culturally responsive and robust research and evaluation framework using methodologies underpinned by Indigenous paradigms.
• Demonstrate visible thought leadership with Members, the CEO and employees on issues relating to Research, Evaluation and Indigenous Data Governance.
• Develop relationships with experts, within Australia and overseas, to contribute to the growth of best practice across First Peoples communities.
• Oversee the design and delivery of the internal research function, strategy and agenda and external research partnerships.
• Design and lead all research activities including developing new partnerships, proceeding with key work and shaping its direction and managing budgets.
• Develop a framework to ensure the research team produces high-quality and impactful evidence-based reports, policy and briefing papers.
• Managing and conducting complex and culturally sensitive research projects that are aligned to strategic objectives.
• Establish and oversee the monitoring and evaluation program.
• Ensure research findings, evaluation results and strategic recommendations are effectively and proactively communicated to key stakeholders.
• Oversee the design and delivery of a bespoke Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance framework.
• Collaboratively design and operationalise a framework that gives effect to Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance principles and practices through Treaty, while navigating intersections with relevant Western laws and policies.
• Ensure all strategies and operational policies and processes across research, evaluation and data governance upholds cultural authority and law.
• Actively promote and advocate the vision and initiatives 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.

Selection Criteria

• Essential is lived experience, knowledge and understanding of Victorian First Peoples’ communities.
• A demonstrated knowledge and understanding of First Peoples societies and extensive experience working with First Peoples’ cultures and communities.
• Doctor of Philosophy or tertiary degree with significant directly relevant experience.
• Experience and knowledge of Indigenous research paradigms.
• A senior leadership background which includes experience interacting and working with boards or senior leaders to provide strategic advice and support.
• The ability to lead proactively in a way that will support the achievement of the Treaty Authority’s values and builds its reputation within Victoria and nationally.
• An ability to form and engage teams and create a culturally safe and productive workplace culture.
• Experience designing and implementing a research and evaluation function, including managing research programs.
• A demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with First Peoples, including the requirement for proper negotiation and consultation relevant to the development and implementation of research services.
• Highly developed cultural safety and intercultural communication skills.
• Strong academic supervision experience and the ability to lead independent research programmes.
• The ability to develop and implement an effective research process and research partnership principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a confident public speaker with the capacity to tailor communication styles to different preferences and audiences.
• Willingness and ability to travel often - regionally, domestically, and internationally as required.
• Passionate about being part of a reform to benefit First Peoples in Victoria.
• Strong understanding and interest in the commitment to First Peoples’ communities and causes.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Demonstrated capacity to achieve the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism at all times.
• Empathy and respect towards colleagues, Members and stakeholders.
• Ability to promote resilience and perseverance across the team and maintain focus on the primary goal of achieving Treaties in a way that best furthers the achievement of the rights of Aboriginal Victorians.

This position is commensurate with an 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 with a copy of your resume along with a brief cover letter explaining why you are interested in this opportunity.