The Opportunity:
As a key leader in the Branch, the Government Engagement Coordinator drives strategic partnerships, leads high-impact projects, and shapes national initiatives that matter. You’ll manage a talented team, build strong relationships across government, and champion engagement with First Nations communities.
This role is all about influence and action—delivering results, navigating complex challenges, and ensuring our work reflects the voices and priorities of our partners. If you're ready to lead with purpose and make a real difference, this is your opportunity.
They are responsible for:
- planning and delivering the branch work program
- reporting on progress against performance and quality indicators
- ensuring that performance measures for the branch are met
- undertaking management or oversight of projects for the branch or work with larger projects for the Agency
- leading the development of branch strategic plans, business cases and project plans for improvement initiatives.
The role provides expertise across a broad range of activities including government engagement, Indigenous stakeholder management, project management, community and partner engagement, and culture.
This role may include some or all of the following duties:
- lead and supervise high-performing teams aligned with NIAA values
- manage and deliver the Government Engagement work program
- coordinate responses to urgent issues and emergencies with government partners
- develop strategic plans, frameworks, and feedback mechanisms for Indigenous engagement
- build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and government agencies
- represent NIAA in forums and negotiations to advance cross-agency priorities
- oversee improvement projects, performance reporting, and risk management
- support staff development through coaching, mentoring, and performance planning.
Our Ideal Candidate
These positions are located on Groote Eylandt and Maningrida in the Northern Territory.
The successful candidates will live and work in the location, therefore they must be resilient, able to work independently and under limited supervision. The Groote Eylandt position will report directly to the Engagement Director located in the NIAA Nhulunbuy office and the Maningrida position will report directly to the Engagement Director located in the NIAA Darwin office.
The successful candidates must be able to understand and translate the NIAA's vision for staff and articulates links for staff, between business plans and the vision; focuses strategically, builds a sense of collective purpose and direction to support the delivery of outcomes and stays attuned to the broader NIAA strategic environment.
Our successful candidates must be able to:
- monitor branch and project performance; provide innovative solutions for issues while activities are in flight activities; offer own expertise and draw on the expertise of others to achieve sustainable quality outcomes; lead change by listening to concerns and addressing uncertainty
- treat NIAA staff and stakeholders with respect and courtesy; nurture relationships by building organisational networks and contributing to established inter-agency networks; identify and facilitate learning opportunities for self and others; deal with underperformance promptly.
- act professionally at all times and operate within the boundaries of organisational processes and legal and public policy constraints; work within and promote NIAA's values; challenge issues constructively and justify personal position when challenged; respond in a calm and persistent manner to pressure and to fluid environments; is an effective organisational representative in internal and public forums
- communicate tailored information and messages clearly and confidently, with demonstrated cultural competence; understand the audience and anticipate expectations and concerns; approach complex negotiations persuasively, with a clear understanding of delivering a final outcome that is mutually beneficial.
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, Monday 20 October, AEDT