Program Coordinator - First Nations Policy &...

Talent; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 68,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Talent is seeking a Program Coordinator - First Nations Policy & Projects (APS6) to support strategic initiatives across government agencies. The role focuses on policy development, program coordination, stakeholder engagement and culturally safe communications with First Nations communities.

Based in Victoria, you will work across internal teams and external partners on governance, briefs and policy guidance, with a hybrid work arrangement and an initial term to 31 December 2027.

Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience in program or policy development within the APS, government or a similar environment.
• Experience engaging with First Nations stakeholders on culturally informed projects, policy or service delivery.
• Strong understanding of Commonwealth Government processes, governance, risk and policy frameworks.
• Strong written communication skills, including briefs, submissions, reports and executive documentation.
• Experience coordinating complex projects and managing competing priorities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, consultation and influencing capability.
• Ability to analyse evidence and develop practical, well-reasoned recommendations.
• Understanding of cultural safety, co-design and First Nations engagement principles.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate First Nations-focused projects, policy initiatives and related communications.
• Prepare briefs, submissions, reports, executive papers and communication materials.
• Support engagement and co-design with First Nations communities, organisations and stakeholders.
• Coordinate project planning, governance, risks, milestones and reporting.
• Apply evidence, research and stakeholder insights to policy and program recommendations.
• Develop communications, guidance and learning resources that strengthen cultural capability.
• Identify barriers to service access and support more flexible, culturally responsive approaches.
• Work across policy, program and operational teams to support implementation and continuous improvement.

Skills

Policy development

Program coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Governance & risk

Written communication

Education

Public policy or related discipline

Job description

Program Coordinator - First Nations Policy & Projects (APS6)

Our client is a large values-focused Federal Government Agency seeking an experienced Program Coordinator - First Nations Policy & Projects (APS6) to support strategic projects, policy initiatives and communications focused on improving access and outcomes for First Nations peoples with disability.

This is a varied role combining program coordination, policy development, stakeholder engagement, co-design and strategic communications. You'll work across the Agency and with First Nations stakeholders to deliver culturally safe initiatives and support practical improvements to services and policy.

Applications from First Nations peoples are strongly encouraged.

Role Details

Location: Multiple locations across VIC, Head office locations in Richmond & Geelong

Contract: Initial term to 31 December 2027, with extension potential

Hours: Full-time, 7.5hr days - Hybrid

Rate: $60.26 per hour + super

Eligibility: Australian Citizenship mandatory

Applications close: Friday 30 October 2026

About The Role

You’ll coordinate a range of First Nations-focused projects and policy initiatives, working across internal teams, community stakeholders and external partners. The role involves preparing high-quality advice and briefs, supporting co-design and engagement, coordinating governance and project activities, and using evidence and stakeholder insights to improve culturally safe service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate First Nations-focused projects, policy initiatives and related communications.
• Prepare briefs, submissions, reports, executive papers and communication materials.
• Support engagement and co-design with First Nations communities, organisations and stakeholders.
• Coordinate project planning, governance, risks, milestones and reporting.
• Apply evidence, research and stakeholder insights to policy and program recommendations.
• Develop communications, guidance and learning resources that strengthen cultural capability.
• Identify barriers to service access and support more flexible, culturally responsive approaches.
• Work across policy, program and operational teams to support implementation and continuous improvement.

Selection Criteria

• 2+ years' experience in program or policy development within the APS, government or a similar environment.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with First Nations stakeholders on culturally informed projects, policy or service delivery.
• Strong understanding of Commonwealth Government processes, governance, risk and policy frameworks.
• Strong written communication skills, including briefs, submissions, reports and executive documentation.
• Experience coordinating complex projects and managing competing priorities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, consultation and influencing capability.
• Ability to analyse evidence and develop practical, well-reasoned recommendations.
• Understanding of cultural safety, co-design and First Nations engagement principles.

Highly Desirable

• Experience in First Nations policy, disability or human services.
• Experience with Federal Government agencies, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations or similar organisations.
• Qualifications in public policy, social sciences, communications, Indigenous studies or a related discipline.