Program Coordinator - First Nations Policy & Projects (APS6)

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 projects and policy initiatives improving access and outcomes for First Nations peoples with disability. The role blends program coordination, policy development, stakeholder engagement, co-design and strategic communications across the Agency and with community partners.

Applicants with at least 2 years' experience in APS/government policy, strong engagement skills and the ability to deliver

Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience in program or policy development within government or similar environment.
• Experience engaging with First Nations stakeholders on culturally informed projects.
• Understanding of government processes, governance and policy frameworks.
• Strong written communication skills for briefs, submissions and reports.
• Ability to coordinate complex projects with competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate First Nations-focused projects, policy initiatives and related communications.
• Prepare briefs, submissions, reports and executive documentation.
• Support engagement and co-design with First Nations communities and stakeholders.
• Coordinate project planning, governance, risks and milestones.
• Apply evidence and stakeholder insights to policy and program recommendations.
• Develop learning resources to strengthen cultural capability.
• Identify barriers to service access and support culturally responsive approaches.
• Collaborate across policy, program and operational teams for implementation.

Skills

Program coordination

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Governance understanding

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.