Program Coordinator - First Nations Policy &...

Talent; Perth; Hybrid; AUD 80,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Job summary

Talent is recruiting for a 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 in Western Australia.

The role combines program coordination, policy development, stakeholder engagement, co-design and strategic communications, working across the agency and with First Nations communities to deliver culturally safe services and practical

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience in program or policy development in APS/government.
• Experience engaging with First Nations stakeholders on culturally informed projects.
• Knowledge of Commonwealth Government processes, governance, risk and policy frameworks.
• Strong written communication skills (briefs/reports).
• Experience coordinating complex projects with competing priorities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing capability.
• Ability to analyse evidence and develop practical recommendations.
• Understanding of cultural safety, co-design and First Nations engagement principles.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate First Nations projects, policy initiatives and related communications.
• Prepare briefs, submissions, reports and executive papers.
• Support engagement and co-design with First Nations communities, organisations and stakeholders.
• Coordinate governance, milestones, risks and reporting.
• Apply evidence and insights to policy and program recommendations.
• Develop learning resources and guidance to strengthen cultural capability.
• Identify barriers to service access and promote culturally responsive approaches.
• Collaborate across policy, program and operations to drive improvement.

Skills

Program coordination

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Governance

Risk management

Written communication

Project coordination

Policy analysis

Cultural safety

Co-design

First Nations engagement

Education

Public policy / social sciences / Indigenous studies

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 WA, Head office location in Perth CBD

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.