Program Coordinator - First Nations Policy & Projects (APS6)

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

Job summary

Talent Corp is seeking a Program Coordinator - First Nations Policy & Projects (APS6) to support strategic projects and communications aimed at improving access and outcomes for First Nations peoples with disability. The role blends program coordination, policy development, governance, and engagement across internal teams and external partners.

Location across VIC with hybrid, full-time hours. Australian citizenship is mandatory; applications close 30 October 2026.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in APS, government or similar program/policy work.
• Experience engaging First Nations stakeholders on policy or services.
• Understanding of Commonwealth Government processes, governance, risk.
• Strong written communication: briefs, submissions, reports and exec docs.
• Experience coordinating complex projects and managing 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-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

Program coordination

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Co-design

Strategic communications

Education

Public policy degree

Indigenous studies

Job description

Program Coordinator - First Nations Policy & Projects (APS6)

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.

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