Entry Level Programs Manager, Corporate Group, Affirmative Measure Indigenous

Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia; Canberra; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A federal agency focused on Indigenous employment is looking for a passionate individual to support their Entry Level Programs team. This role involves coordinating recruitment, onboarding, and providing support to participants, ensuring an inclusive environment. Ideal candidates will be organised, communicative, and committed to fostering cultural safety. This position aims to create meaningful career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Benefits

Transformational work with real purpose

Continuous cultural learning

Employee development support

Qualifications

• Highly organised and can manage competing priorities.
• Ability to communicate clearly and build trusting relationships.
• Commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate recruitment and onboarding of program participants.
• Track progress and provide pastoral care for participants.
• Coordinate learning and development opportunities.
• Create engaging program materials.
• Build strong relationships across the agency.
• Champion culturally safe and inclusive practices.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication

Empathy

Cultural safety understanding

Job description

The Opportunity

The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) is looking for a passionate and organised Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person to join our Entry Level Programs (ELP) team. This APS6 role supports the delivery of graduate, cadetship, and apprenticeship programs across the department. You’ll work closely with internal teams and program participants to make sure things run smoothly and help create a culturally safe and inclusive experience for everyone involved. Success in this role looks like supporting people through their first year in the APS, helping them settle in, build confidence, and thrive. It means working behind the scenes to ensure every step of their journey is supported, from recruitment to graduation. If you’re someone who builds strong relationships, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is passionate about creating career pathways into the public service, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.

Why Join NIAA?

At NIAA, our vision is that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are heard, recognised and empowered. We work in partnership with communities to support self-determination and deliver programs that reflect the aspirations of First Nations peoples. As part of the ELP team, you’ll support people as they begin their careers in the Australian Public Service. You’ll be contributing to meaningful change by creating career opportunities, building capability, and strengthening representation across the public service. We value our people. They’re at the heart of everything we do.

Our Ideal Candidate

In this role, you’ll be a key part of the team that brings entry-level programs to life. You’ll help ensure participants feel supported from day one, and that the programs run smoothly behind the scenes.

You’ll:

• Coordinate recruitment and onboarding - making sure participants have a strong start and feel welcomed into the APS
• Track progress and provide pastoral care - checking in, supporting wellbeing, and helping participants stay on track
• Coordinate learning and development opportunities - including induction sessions, supervisor and mentor training, and other capability-building activities
• Create clear and engaging program materials - from briefing notes to newsletters and updates
• Build strong relationships across the agency and beyond - working with internal teams, external partners, and participants
• Champion culturally safe and inclusive practices - helping shape a workplace where everyone feels respected and supported.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who brings energy, empathy, and a commitment to making a difference.

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Are highly organised and can manage competing priorities with confidence
• Communicate clearly and build trusting relationships with colleagues and stakeholders
• Are committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the workplace
• Have experience in HR, program coordination, or workforce development (this helps, but isn’t essential)
• Understand the importance of cultural safety, inclusion, and respectful engagement.

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.

This position constitutes an Affirmative Measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 and is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates.

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 Sunday, 12 October 2025 AEDT.