Policy & Stakeholders Graduate - Affirmative Measures (Indigenous)

IP Australia; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

IP Australia invites Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander graduates to join a 12-month Graduate Development Program within the Policy & Stakeholders Group. You will rotate across Policy & International Affairs, Indigenous and Strategic Engagement, and the Office of the Chief Economist to gain policy, economics and stakeholder engagement experience.

Subject to performance, the program leads to an ongoing APS5 role, with relocation to Canberra or Melbourne for the first year.

Qualifications

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander graduate.
• Bachelor's degree completed during or after December 2021, or due to complete by December 2026.
• Interest in policy, economics, stakeholder engagement or public service.

Responsibilities

• Participate in rotations across Policy & International Affairs, Indigenous and Strategic Engagement, and Office of the Chief Economist.
• Contribute to policy development, economic research and stakeholder engagement.
• Transition into an ongoing APS5 policy or economics role after program completion, subject to performance.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Are you an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander graduate looking to build a meaningful career that creates lasting impact? Bring your strengths, perspectives and aspirations. We'll provide the support, development and opportunities to help you succeed while building a career that creates impact for your community, for government and for Australia.

About the opportunity

You will join IP Australia's Policy & Stakeholders Group (PSG) and help shape the future of Australia's intellectual property system while contributing to work that supports innovation, and economic growth.

You'll gain practical experience across policy, economics, international affairs and stakeholder engagement while being supported through structured learning, mentoring and professional development.

The opportunity also includes participation in a 12-month Graduate Development Program designed to give you exposure to a broad range of policy, economic and strategic engagement work while building the skills, networks and confidence needed for a successful career in the APS.

During the program, you will complete rotations across key areas of the Policy & Stakeholders Group, including:

• Policy and International Affairs, where you'll contribute to policy development, legislative reform and Australia's engagement in international intellectual property forums.
• Indigenous and Strategic Engagement, where you'll support culturally safe engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Indigenous Knowledge initiatives and strategic government engagement.
• Office of the Chief Economist, where you'll contribute to economic research, analysis and publications that inform policy and decision-making.

Subject to successful completion of the Graduate Development Program and meeting performance expectations, you will transition into an ongoing APS5 policy or economics role, providing a clear pathway for long-term career growth.

Location and Relocation Support

This opportunity is based in Canberra or Melbourne for the first 12 months as part of the Graduate Development Program, providing valuable exposure to the Australian Public Service and the opportunity to work closely with policy, economics and stakeholder engagement teams.

We recognise the importance of connection to family, community and Country. Graduates who relocate to Canberra may be able to return to their home location and work remotely following successful completion of the 12-month Graduate Development Program, subject to operational requirements and meeting performance expectations.

Relocation assistance may be available to support eligible candidates who move to Canberra to participate in the program.

Who are we looking for?

This opportunity is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander graduates who are passionate about making a difference through policy, research, economics, stakeholder engagement or public service.

To be eligible, you'll need to identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person and be able to provide evidence of heritage through the recruitment process. You'll also need to have completed (during or after December 2021), or be due to complete by December 2026, a bachelor's degree or higher qualification.

We welcome graduates from a wide range of disciplines and recognise that valuable skills and perspectives come from many different pathways. Whether your studies are in public policy, economics, law, international relations, commerce, STEM, social sciences or another field, we encourage you to apply.

Most importantly, we're looking for people who are curious, motivated and eager to learn. You don't need previous government experience. We value the skills, knowledge and strengths you've developed through education, work, volunteering, community involvement, cultural leadership, caring responsibilities, sport and other life experiences.