Procurement Lead - First Peoples Self Determination - Designated Aboriginal Position

Department-of-Energy,-Environment-and-Climate-Action; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action in Melbourne seeks a First Peoples Self-Determination Procurement Lead to champion Aboriginal self-determination in procurement. You will work to empower Aboriginal businesses and communities and influence policy for long-term opportunities.

The role focuses on culturally informed procurement, partnerships with Aboriginal suppliers, and alignment with treaty, truth-telling, and economic equity objectives within the Victorian Government.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of procurement governance, purchasing and contract management processes, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Understanding and commitment to Aboriginal self-determination and context in Victoria.
• Experience designing and implementing inclusive procurement strategies.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement with Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owners in a culturally safe manner.

Responsibilities

• Champion Aboriginal self-determination within the procurement function.
• Develop and implement culturally informed procurement strategies.
• Build partnerships with Aboriginal suppliers and communities.

Skills

Procurement governance

Purchasing processes

Contract management

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Occupation: Accounting, finance and procurement

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: 2628

The First Peoples Self-Determination Procurement Lead will champion and embed Aboriginal self-determination principles within the procurement function. This role will work to ensure that procurement practices actively support and empower Aboriginal businesses and communities, aligning with the Victorian Government’s commitment to treaty, truth-telling, and economic equity. The role will support the development and implementation of culturally informed procurement strategies, build strong partnerships with Aboriginal suppliers, and influence policy and practice to create sustainable, long-term opportunities for First Peoples through government procurement.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of procurement governance, purchasing and contract management processes, policies, procedures, and guidelines. End to end sourcing experience is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Aboriginal self-determination, including knowledge of the historical and contemporary context of Aboriginal communities in Victoria.
• Strong experience in procurement or supplier engagement, with a proven ability to design and implement inclusive procurement strategies.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, particularly in working with Aboriginal communities, businesses, and Traditional Owner groups in a culturally safe and respectful manner.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is 8 Nicholson Street, Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

Applications close 11.59pm on Thursday, 19 November 2026.

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

This position is designated for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people under s.12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Confirmation of Aboriginality will be required for appointment to this position. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

We recognise the significant responsibility to enable self-determination, be accountable to Traditional Owners and provide opportunities to strengthen First Peoples’ connection to Country. We are committed to creating a culturally safe environment, where individuals feel safe, valued, and able to celebrate their culture, and spiritual and belief systems.

We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave. For more information visit applying for a role with us .

Applications close Thursday 19 November 2026 at 11.59pm