The Opportunity:
As an Engagement Officer or Senior Engagement Officer in the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) you will work in genuine partnership to enable the self-determination and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You will be part of a team working to influence change across government and ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a say in the decisions that affect them.
You will be working in collaboration with State or Commonwealth Government agencies to help deliver the priority reforms and/or outcomes of Closing the Gap.
The APS 5 Engagement Officer will be required to:
- ensure the effectiveness of Indigenous Advancement Strategy grants, working closing with communities, providers and funding applicants
- provide input and advice into briefs, grant administration processes and policy and program requests
- support the Empowered Communities model of joint decisions making in the Kimberley Region
- develop and maintain an understanding of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities, their needs, aspirations and priorities, emerging issues, and the services delivered to communities within the region.
The APS 6 Senior Engagement Officer, in addition to the above, will be required to:
- lead a small team to deliver the NIAA's work program within the Agency's Key Performance Measures and quality indicators
- oversee the development, coaching and mentoring of staff, including maintaining succession planning by investing time into understanding team member's strengths and aspirations
- develop and maintain complex internal and external relationships with key NIAA stakeholders
- 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
- be self-driven and work independently.
Our Ideal Candidate
We are seeking results-oriented people who possess strong engagement, communication and administration skills. Our ideal candidates will maximise opportunities to support integrated service delivery. We're looking for energetic, flexible, and motivated people to join an inclusive, supportive, high-performing team culture. You will work as part of a team with the support and broad direction of senior staff.
Our ideal APS 5 candidates will have:
- a high level of cultural awareness and demonstrated cultural capability including a respect for diversity and ability to communicate sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- demonstrated high level of judgement and the ability to identify, engage with and mitigate risks
- ability to identify emerging opportunities or issues and effectively prioritise tasks
- strong organisational skills, to support delivery of outcomes on time.
Our ideal APS 6 candidates will have:
- a high level of cultural awareness and demonstrated cultural capability including a respect for diversity and ability to communicate sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- well-developed analytical and research skills to provide evidence-based advice
- excellent interpersonal skills to develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders in the community sector, business, government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- project and/or program management experience is highly regarded
- strong writing skills to deliver briefings and papers on complex issues.
Tertiary qualification in a relevant field or relevant work experience is desirable. A current Australian driver’s license is a requirement.
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 06-Oct-2025 AEST/AEDT.
