• Be a part of ground-breaking work supporting the journey towards reconciliation
• Lead the team administering the Treaty Authority’s Negotiations Database and facilitate Treaty negotiations
• Collaborative team environment at our modern Collingwood offices

Term: Full Time (ongoing)

Remuneration: Starting salary of $152,773 plus superannuation

Open to: Due to the nature of the Treaty process and emphasis on self-determination for First Peoples, this role has been designated for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people as a special measure under section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

What are we looking for?

The Manager of Treaty Negotiations will lead the team that administers the Treaty Authority’s Negotiations Database and case manages the facilitation of Treaty negotiations, including support to parties and strategic and expert advice to the Director of Agreement-Making, CEO and Treaty Authority Members on decisions and actions under the Treaty Negotiation Framework.

As an integral part of the Agreement-making team, this role supports Treaty Authority Members to administer the Treaty Negotiation Framework, facilitate and oversee Treaty negotiations and resolve disputes. This position will be responsible for building the Treaty Authority’s negotiation facilitation function and accountable for the development, effective management and continuous improvement of negotiations systems, including the Negotiations Database. It will be responsible for the proper administration of negotiations under the Treaty Negotiation Framework in a legally compliant and culturally strong way.

The successful candidate will possess extensive experience (minimum 5 years) in relevant areas such as Indigenous legal issues, dispute resolution, administration of legal frameworks and/or human rights and be passionate about being part of a reform to benefit First Peoples in Victoria.

This is a full-time permanent role, based at our offices in Collingwood.

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.

What you need to succeed

• Lead the team that conducts intake and case management and provides support to parties as they participate in the Treaty process.
• Provide strategic and expert advice on negotiations based on advanced expertise and experience, including delivery of briefs on highly complex matters to the Director of Agreement-Making, CEO and Treaty Authority Members.
• Ensure the team delivers high-quality and culturally strong support to Traditional Owner Groups and First Peoples.
• Ensure the team identifies any support needed by First Peoples and develops systematic solutions to address them.
• Design and implement an effective, culturally strong and legally compliant negotiations function, ensuring it is delivered following service standards and within budget.
• Lead a reflective practice, evaluation and continuous improvement of the negotiations function, providing regular reports to Members.
• Lead the development and ensure the delivery of effective interventions, including capacity building to support parties to participate in negotiations.
• Oversee and manage the Treaty Negotiation team’s relationships with Traditional Owner Groups and other external stakeholders.
• Actively promote and advocate the values, vision and initiatives of the Treaty Authority within and outside the organisation, building on the positive reputation of the Treaty Authority.
• Play a leadership role in fostering positive team engagement and inspire an inclusive and high-performing culture across the Treaty Authority.

What you’ll bring

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline such as social or public policy, law, social science and/or substantial experience in managing processes within legal and administrative frameworks.
• Extensive experience in relevant areas such as Indigenous legal issues, negotiation, dispute resolution, administration of legal or administrative frameworks and/or human rights (minimum 5 years).
• 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, machinery of government and the Victorian Public Service.
• Proven experience in developing, effectively managing and continuously improving systems within in an administrative or legal framework.
• Advanced written and oral communication skills, including the ability to simplify and synthesise complex issues for diverse audiences.
• A demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively, foster strong relationships and work effectively with members of the Victorian Aboriginal community and other stakeholders.
• People leadership experience and the ability to coach and develop direct reports.
• Dedicated and passionate about using skills and experience to deliver agreements between Traditional Owner Groups and between First Peoples’ and the State in Treaty processes.
• Demonstrated interest in and an appreciation of a range of different cultures and actively seeks to understand and effectively address the issues and views of others.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to work proactively and collaboratively as part of a team.

Ready to make a difference?

If you are passionate about making a positive impact and being a part of ground-breaking change for First Peoples in Victoria, apply now by submitting your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience.

This advertisement provides a brief outline of this position. For a detailed job description or any initial enquiries please call Nicole McConville on 0433 969 711 or email [email protected] using the subject line: Manager, Treaty Negotiations (Designated) enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Applications may be actioned as they are received.

The Treaty Authority acknowledges Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we operate. We commit to working respectfully to honour their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to this country.

Diversity and inclusivity are important to the Treaty Authority and we are committed to ensuring our workplace and activities reflect this. Everyone is welcome at the Treaty Authority, regardless of age, ethnicity, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation and physical ability.