• 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.
• This role is a full-time permanent role, based at our offices in Collingwood.
• This position is commensurate with a VPS5 range starting at a salary of $106,500 plus super, depending on the successful applicant’s experience.

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 First Peoples’ Assembly, the State of Victoria 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 Treaty Authority has an opportunity available for an experienced Senior Treaty Engagement Officer to engage directly with local Aboriginal communities, individuals and organisations to inform them about the Treaty process and ensure their voice is heard.

The ideal candidate will have lived experience and understanding of Victorian First Nations Peoples’ communities along with demonstrated knowledge and extensive experience working with First Peoples’ cultures and communities. This coupled with proven experience in planning and organising community engagement events, supporting the delivery of community engagement strategies and a developed, or developing, understanding of the Victorian Treaty process is essential.

The role of Senior Treaty Engagement Officer will be suited to individuals who are passionate about being a part of progressing the Treaty reform and have highly cultivated, compassionate interpersonal skills that display through showing empathy and respect towards others when dealing with sensitive cultural issues.

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 Peoples' in Victoria.

Key Duties

• Develop and maintain trusting relationships with Traditional Owner and Aboriginal community stakeholders, assisting with yarning and advocating for Treaty.
• Support the implementation of the community engagement strategy and related initiatives.
• Provide support to encourage Traditional Owner and community awareness of and participation in the Authority’s role, responsibilities and processes, Treaty Negotiation Framework and Treaty-related opportunities.
• Promote the work of the Treaty Authority across Victorian communities and Traditional Owner groups.
• Provide support and guidance to community stakeholders to engage in the Treaty process with the Authority.
• Assist with the preparation of materials and organising of community engagement activities relating the Authority and its Members.
• Assist in the development and management of the client relationship management system (CRM) to maintain and support community information.
• Act as a sounding board through yarns with the Aboriginal community, listening to and delivering feedback to the Authority for consideration and action.
• Provide updates and feedback to Members on community activities and initiatives.

Selection Criteria

• Essential to this role is your understanding of and experience in working with Aboriginal communities, organisations and/or Traditional Owner groups in Victoria in a community engagement context.
• Lived experience, knowledge and understanding of Victorian Aboriginal communities’ culture and Traditional Owners is required.
• Comprehensive knowledge of First Peoples’ communities and organisations in Victoria.
• Relevant qualifications preferred and/or lived experience essential.
• Proven experience in supporting the delivery of effective community engagement strategies and supporting activities.
• Highly skilled in implementing community engagement projects and organising activities.
• A self-starter who has a positive and proactive approach to work.
• Strong interpersonal skills and professionalism with the ability to build and maintain relationships.
• An ability to work independently, be proactive and collaborate with others.
• An individual who will thrive in a dynamic environment with a high level of adaptability and resilience.
• Passionate about being part of a reform to benefit First Peoples' in Victoria.
• This position will have 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 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.

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

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

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.