The Opportunity:
We're excited to announce an opportunity for experienced Engagement Officers and Engagement Assistant Directors in our Central Group Branch located across various locations in the Northern Territory (NT). This is your opportunity to collaborate with communities across the vibrant and diverse geographical footprint of the agency and deliver priority commitments in line with the Australian Government. The positions will be based across the 3 NT Regional Branches of Central Group delivering on the Commonwealth Government's objectives of improving the lives of Indigenous Australians in a place-based setting. Here, you'll work alongside First Nations People, who continue to maintain their connection to country their culture and language.
As an Engagement Officer you will:
- provide strategic advice and specialist expertise across a broad range of activities including economic empowerment programs and initiatives
- develop and maintain complex internal and external relationships with key NIAA stakeholders
- provide appropriate advice and managing the resolution of issues or complaints
- undertake complex procedural, administrative and service-related tasks that support NIAA business activities or management of a project
- understand remote communities by gathering and analysing relevant data to assess the impacts and outcomes for Indigenous Australians
- conduct research and analysis on complex matters within area of expertise
- exercise appropriate delegations and ensure decisions are governed by the application of regulations, best practice principles or the NIAA operating instructions and procedures.
As an Engagement Assistant Director you will:
- work directly within the community, alongside local senior leaders and service providers
- build strong partnerships across all levels of government, driving outcomes that align with the aspirations of communities
- leverage local knowledge and our stakeholder relationships to create connections between community, private sector and all levels of government to contribute to positive outcomes with Indigenous Australians
- draft ministerial briefings, correspondence and executive/minister visits and provide high quality assurance services
- ensure compliance, identification and mitigation of risks to programs, stakeholders and other projects
- lead a team of Engagement Officers and Engagement Team Leaders to plan and deliver the NIAA's work program across a particular region or group of First Nations communities, including funding agreements and place-based initiatives
- provide expert advice and interpretation within technical or professional area, including preparing relevant strategic advice where appropriate.
Our Ideal Candidate
To be successful in this role, you will be authentic, act with integrity and deliver with purpose to achieve high quality results for First Nations people in the region. As the lead Commonwealth Agency for Indigenous Australians affairs, you will need to have an appreciation, awareness and understanding of matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities and be committed to strengthening your ongoing cultural competency, as well as demonstrate the following skills and attributes:
The APS6 position will demonstrate the following skills and attributes:
- oversee the development, coaching and mentoring of staff, including maintaining succession planning by investing time into understanding team member's strengths and aspirations
- provide strategic advice and specialist expertise across a broad range of activities including economic empowerment programs and initiatives
- develop and maintain complex internal and external relationships with key NIAA stakeholders, provide appropriate advice and managing the resolution of issues or complaints
- undertake complex procedural, administrative and service-related tasks that support NIAA business activities or management of a project
- understand remote communities by gathering and analysing relevant data to assess the impacts and outcomes for Indigenous Australians
- conduct research and analysis on complex matters within area of expertise
- make decisions using good judgement, expertise, and knowledge
- understand and exercise appropriate delegations and ensure decisions are governed by the application of regulations, best practice principles or the NIAA operating instructions and procedures
- create a culturally safe workplace by fostering an environment where the concept of culture and how it influences the workplace and interactions, is understood. Support the implementation of culturally appropriate strategies for working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
In addition, to be successful in an EL1 Assistant Director Engagement role you will also demonstrate the following attributes:
- exercise sound decision making and judgement to produce high level policy advice
- provide leadership and effectively supervise staff to achieve branch outcomes and the NIAA’s broader strategic directions for its stakeholders, providers and partners
- able to provide constructive management with a focus on capability development, team building and leadership
- draft ministerial briefings, correspondence and executive/minister visits and provide high quality assurance services
- ensure compliance, identification and mitigation of risks to programs, stakeholders and other projects
- lead a team of Engagement Officers and Engagement Team Leaders to plan and deliver the NIAA's work program across a particular region or group of First Nations communities, including funding agreements and place-based initiatives
- provide expert advice and interpretation within technical or professional area, including preparing relevant strategic advice where appropriate
- create a culturally safe workplace by fostering an environment where the concept of culture and how it influences the workplace and interactions, is understood
- guide the implementation of culturally appropriate strategies for working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
What We Offer:
- We have exciting work with real purpose. We support the aspirations of First Nations Peoples—it’s our driving force. Our work is transformational, you can follow your passion, shape your career and make a difference.
- We value our employees —they’re the heart of our Agency. Employees are supported and empowered to build their career. We are a diverse, inclusive and passionate workforce with an emphasis on continuous cultural learning and tailored professional development.
- Our work relies on strong and trusted relationships — we build partnerships by being authentic, sharing information and giving honest feedback. We collaborate with communities across Australia, all levels of government and many other invested stakeholders.
Eligibility:
- To be eligible for this position you must be an Australian Citizen.
- The occupant must be able to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected) level security clearance, or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level.
- The successful candidate will be required to be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check
How to apply:
If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you! Submit an online application through the NIAA Careers Page by 11:30pm 09-Jul-2025 AEST
