About the Treaty Authority

The Treaty Authority is a new independent entity with a mandate to facilitate the formation of treaties between the State of Victoria and First Peoples in Victoria. The Authority has been referred to as the “independent umpire” in Treaty negotiations.

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 Victorian Government, the First Peoples’ Assembly and Traditional Owners in Victoria. It plans to grow its team as it establishes and delivers its functions and Treaty negotiations develop.

About the Role

The Treaty aims to appoint an experienced Strategic Advisor, this role will focus on supporting the appointed Members of the Treaty Authority, acting as their dedicated resource to provide pro-active strategic advice and guidance.  This position will include preparing the Members for daily engagements which will include drafting briefings and speeches.  The Strategic Advisor will also assist in providing strategic advice to the Authority is in its establishment phase, with strategic planning and building stakeholder relationships. 

This initial 12-month opportunity based in Collingwood will report to the Director of Negotiations and Agreement Making but will have significant interaction and involvement with the Members of the Treaty Authority and the CEO.

Key Duties

• Develop a strong working relationship with the Members and CEO to develop strategic objectives and priorities for achieving successful outcomes for the Treaty Authority. 
• Provide ongoing strategic advice to the Members, the CEO and the senior leadership team on complex organisational issues impacting the Treaty Authority in a timely and professional manner. 
• Present strategic options and plans to Members to support effective high-level decisions and outcomes at the Treaty Authority.
• Prepare briefs, speeches, and draft correspondence for the Members, as required.  
• Assist in creating content for public-facing communications and support the Members external engagements.  
• Prepare briefs, speeches, and draft correspondence for the Members.
• Cultivate and maintain key stakeholder relationships on behalf of the Members.
• Provide real-time support and briefings before and during the Treaty Authority negotiation process and stakeholder meetings.

• Support integration between the Treaty Authority, Government and policy work at the state level.
• Foster and improve strategic stakeholder relationships with government and stakeholder representatives and external parties. 
• Consult with stakeholders to develop, implement, and drive policies, projects, and strategies. 
• Effectively manage key strategic relationships and projects, ensuring objectives and set time frames are achieved.

Selection Criteria

• Proven experience in policy, research, advocacy, writing, and provision of strategic advice. 
• Previous experience working with the Aboriginal communities of 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. 
• Experience with multitasking and balancing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. 
• Ability to work under pressure, in high-stress environments and produce fit-for-purpose documents in tight timeframes. 
• Postgraduate degree in Law, History or Social/Legal/Public Policy not required, but desirable. 
• Significant experience interacting and working with boards, CEOs or senior leaders to provide strategic advice and support. 
• Ability to develop genuine, quality, and lasting relationships with internal and external stakeholders to obtain successful outcomes. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and capacity to tailor communication styles to different preferences and audiences. 
• Understanding of principles of self-determination and international human rights frameworks. 
• Willingness and ability to travel often. 
• Advanced computer software skills, including Microsoft 365, Teams, and Outlook.

The position is open to candidates interested in either full-time or part-time employment, with the specific arrangement based on the individual’s suitability and level of experience. This flexible approach allows us to accommodate a diverse range of candidates and ensure that we find the best fit for both the role and the candidate’s preferred working arrangements.

The Treaty Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages people from all backgrounds to apply.  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. 

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. It is not necessary for you to address the individual key selection criteria.

If you would like additional information about this role, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] using the subject line: Strategic Advisor, Treaty Authority via EthicalJobs