Policy & Stakeholders Graduate - Affirmative Measures (Indigenous)

Um Holdings; Canberra; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Graduate development program

Job summary

IP Australia is offering a 12-month Graduate Development Program in Canberra or Melbourne for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander graduates. You will rotate across Policy & International Affairs, Indigenous and Strategic Engagement, and the Office of the Chief Economist to build policy, economics and stakeholder engagement skills.

Upon successful completion, you may transition into an APS5 policy or economics role, creating a clear pathway for long-term public service career growth within

Qualifications

• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and be able to evidence heritage.
• Bachelor's degree or higher qualification completed by 2026 (or earlier).

Responsibilities

• Participate in a 12‑month Graduate Development Program with rotations across key policy areas.
• Engage in policy, economics and stakeholder engagement work while receiving mentoring.
• Progress to an APS5 policy or economics role after program completion, if performance criteria are met.

Skills

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher qualification

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.

Looking for more information?

For more information about this role, including the type of person we are looking for and advertised locations please refer to the Candidate Kit.

Diversity and Inclusion

IP Australia celebrates and champions diversity to ensure we reflect the community we serve, and pride ourselves on our inclusive culture. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all genders, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTQA+, mature aged employees and carers.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know—we will do our best to support you.

Applications close at 11:59pm AEDT Monday 26 October 2026