About the Treaty Authority

The Treaty Authority has a mandate to facilitate the formation of treaties between the State of Victoria and First Peoples in Victoria.

The 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 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 Treaty Authority has an opportunity for an experienced Senior Policy Advisor to develop solutions-focussed policy advice, manage and lead projects and develop briefs on highly complex issues to the Treaty Authority Members and CEO to facilitate the journey towards reconciliation, mutual respect and tolerance between the 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.

This role is an integral part of the Agreement-Making team that supports the Treaty Authority Members to administer the Treaty negotiation Framework, facilitate and oversee Treaty negotiations and resolve disputes. Reporting to the Policy Manager, it will provide information and support directly to First Peoples engaged in the Treaty process and advise the Members on the proper administration of the Treaty Negotiation Framework in a legally compliant and culturally strong way that draw on Aboriginal Lore, Law, and Cultural Authority.

The successful candidate will thrive in this dynamic environment, display a strong work ethic, and be proactive about being part of the reform to benefit First Nations people in Victoria.

Key Duties

• Consult and maintain trusting relationships with Traditional Owner groups, peers and senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide support and information to Traditional Owner groups on the Treaty process, with a focus on understanding their issues and applying the Treaty Negotiation Framework.
• Administer the internal systems for discharging the Treaty Authority’s obligations under the Treaty Negotiation Framework.
• Under limited supervision, develop advanced solutions-focussed and culturally informed policy options, analysis, monitoring and advice under the Treaty Negotiation Framework.
• Conduct and present detailed research on policy and Treaty-related matters including the development of information and decision briefs.
• Simplify and synthesise complex information and communicate into workable, legally compliant and culturally strong policy frameworks.
• Anticipate and identify policy issues and undertake research, analysis and forecasting to conceptualise solutions.
• Manage and lead projects within the Agreement-Making team as required.
• Maintain an awareness of best practice and an understanding of risks related to the Treaty process, including identifying emerging issues, opportunities, risks and trends, including within Traditional Owner communities.
• Under limited supervision, formulate continuous improvement of internal procedures, policies, and external guidance in accordance with the Treaty Authority’s legal and compliance framework, Member guidance, best practice and culturally strong ways of doing business.

Selection Criteria

• Lived experience as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person with knowledge and understanding of Victorian Aboriginal communities (essential) and the proven ability to engage and work with First Peoples and their communities.
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline.
• Practical and/or lived experience in areas such as Indigenous legal issues, dispute resolution, administration of legal frameworks and/or human rights.
• Demonstrated knowledge of First Peoples’ policy and practice.
• Essential skills in briefing, policy and report writing with a demonstrated depth of experience in the development, formulation, research, planning, implementation and evaluation of complex policy.
• Proven project management and organisational expertise with the ability to work independently with advanced conceptual, analytical and decision-making skills.
• Ability to effectively research and communicate complex issues in simple accessible language, in both written and verbal form, including the ability to communicate in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Anticipate needs, be results-driven and work within tight timeframes in a dynamic and fast-paced role and environment.
• Passionate about being part of a reform to benefit First Peoples in Victoria.
• Able to meet an ongoing requirement to travel and work across Victoria (both metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria) on a regular basis. You will need a valid driver’s licence.

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

This position is commensurate with a VPS5 range of $106,500 - $128,897 plus super, depending on the successful applicant’s experience.

This role has been designated for First Peoples as a special measure under section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) due to the nature of the Treaty process and emphasis on self-determination for First Peoples. “Designated” means only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

If you feel you could contribute well in this role, please click "Apply Now" and submit a copy of your resume along with a brief cover letter explaining why you are interested in this opportunity.