Graduate Program – Indigenous Pathway (Feb 2028)

Dlssgeelong; Australia; On-site; AUD 75,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) invites you to join the NIAA Graduate Program, a 12-month program with three rotations across different work areas, leading to an ongoing APS4 role with a starting salary of 83,242 AUD p.a. plus superannuation.

You will gain professional development, leadership training and mentoring, with relocation assistance for graduates who relocate, and an inclusive, culturally respectful workplace.

Qualifications

• Eligibility includes: final year of undergraduate degree (or higher).
• Must be able to obtain Australian Government Baseline Vetting security clearance.
• Must be an Australian citizen.

Responsibilities

• Three rotations across different work areas during the 12-month program.
• Contribute to policy, program delivery, operations and enabling services.
• Relocation assistance available for graduates who relocate.
• Be supported by a graduate buddy, mentor and networking opportunities.

Job description

Build a career with purpose

Join a graduate program where your work creates real impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. At the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), you will help influence policies and programs across Australia — while developing the skills, networks and experience to launch a meaningful and long‑term APS career.

Who we are

The NIAA leads the Australian Government’s work to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are heard, recognised and empowered. We work in genuine partnership with First Nations peoples, listening deeply, valuing cultural knowledge and ensuring community voices shape the decisions that affect their lives.

With a national footprint across metropolitan, regional and remote Australia, our influence spans all levels of government. Our people are connected to community on the ground, while also contributing to high‑level advice and strategic work across government.

Reconciliation is core to who we are. We are committed to cultural integrity, diversity, inclusion and continuous learning — and we look for graduates who share this commitment.

What we do

The NIAA works to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through policies, programs and partnerships that create real and lasting impact.

We focus on:

• partnering with First Nations peoples to support self‑determination and community‑led decision making
• leading whole‑of‑government action under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap
• designing and delivering policies and programs that drive social, economic and cultural outcomes
• supporting evidence‑based decision making through data, evaluation and insights.

Graduates contribute to this work from day one. Read our Corporate Plan to find out more about our priorities and key activities.

About the NIAA Graduate Program

The NIAA Graduate Program gives you the opportunity to build a meaningful public service career while contributing to better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Key features include:

• A 12-month program with three rotations across different work areas, including opportunities to rotate in a regional or remote location.
• An ongoing (permanent) APS 4 role with a starting salary of $83,242 p.a. plus superannuation, with assessment for advancement to a higher classification on completion of the program.
• Extensive professional development, leadership development and long‑term career‑building opportunities.
• Access to our award‑winning Footprints Program, featuring an extensive library of resources designed to support meaningful and continuous cross‑cultural learning.
• Relocation assistance for graduates who are required to relocate.
• Strong, tailored support from day one through a graduate buddy, formal mentor, pastoral care and networking opportunities.
• An inclusive, culturally respectful and diverse workplace supported by active employee networks and a commitment to staff wellbeing.

At the NIAA, people are at the heart of everything we do. As a graduate, you’ll be supported, challenged and empowered to build a career with purpose—and make an impact from your very first day.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates have access to a dedicated First Nations Mentoring Program, along with a range of cultural, learning and wellbeing supports.

What you will do

As a graduate, you will apply your academic knowledge, develop new skills and contribute to complex and meaningful work across the Agency. Your three rotations will expose you to different aspects of policy, program delivery, operations and enabling services — helping you understand how the NIAA and the broader APS work.

Our work spans three key areas:

• Policy and Programs – designing and investing in national social, economic and cultural policies and programs with governments and First Nations partners, and leading strategies that advance the Australian Government’s priorities for First Nations peoples.
• Operations and Delivery – working closely with communities across Australia to deliver place‑based services, support emergency responses and strengthen community‑led solutions.
• Corporate and Enabling Services – providing the strategic, technical and operational expertise that powers the Agency, including grants, finance, HR, communications, integrity, governance, ICT, data and legal services.

Your rotations are tailored to your interests and capabilities, with support from the graduate team to help you get the most from each placement.

Our ideal candidates

We welcome graduates from all disciplines who are passionate about contributing to better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and want to build a career with purpose.

To thrive in our program, you will:

• have a genuine interest in supporting self‑determination and positive change
• be curious, proactive and open to continuous learning
• communicate clearly and collaborate respectfully
• think analytically and use evidence to inform decisions
• contribute creativity, new ideas and fresh perspectives
• show resilience and adaptability in new or challenging contexts
• demonstrate cultural awareness and a commitment to ongoing cultural capability development
• work well in diverse teams and embody the NIAA’s values and behaviours.

Identified positions at the NIAA

All roles at the NIAA are Identified, meaning every position involves work relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. All staff must demonstrate cultural capability, including:

• an understanding of issues impacting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
• the ability to communicate sensitively, respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
• a demonstrated commitment to developing and maintaining strong cultural capability throughout your career.

You are not expected to be an expert — you simply need a strong foundation and willingness to learn.

Eligibility

To apply for the NIAA Graduate Program, you must:

• be in the final year of your undergraduate degree (or higher) or have completed your studies within the past eight years (all disciplines are accepted).
• be able to obtain and maintain an Australian Government Baseline Vetting security clearance.
• be willing to undergo pre‑employment screening checks.
• be an Australian citizen.

Please note candidates who apply through our Affimative Measure (Disability) recruitment process or Indigenous Pathway may undertake a modified assessment process that varies to the above process.