Senior Aboriginal Advisor

Environment Protection Authority Victoria; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 129,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Protect the environment, whatever your

Work the way that works for you

We celebrate diversity of people and

Expand your horizons and embrace

Job summary

Environment Protection Authority Victoria is seeking a Senior Aboriginal Advisor to shape relationships with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians within a dynamic regulatory setting.

You will deliver strategic guidance, lead culturally informed engagement, and elevate First Nations capabilities while aligning with EPA's priorities and performance expectations.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading strategic initiatives with First Nations communities and stakeholders.
• Ability to provide authoritative guidance on complex and high-risk issues.
• Strong engagement and communication with diverse communities and government partners.
• Experience planning, monitoring and delivering multiple projects with budget/resource oversight.
• Demonstrated accountability, collaboration and ethical leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead EPA's strategic approach to relationships with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians.
• Provide authoritative, risk-aware advice influencing policy and decisions.
• Coordinate culturally informed, respectful engagement across EPA.
• Build trusted networks with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal communities, and partners.
• Embed cultural safety into regulatory approaches across EPA's frameworks.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory advisory

Cultural safety leadership

Project planning

Job description

Whoever you are, whatever skills you bring, you have a critical role in protecting Victoria's lands and waters. Whether in the office or on the ground, you get to see the difference you make each day.

Employment Details

Full-time. Salary: VPS 5.2 - $128,635 to $140,849 + 12% superannuation.

Location: 664 Collins Street, Docklands VIC 3008.

Please note: This position has been approved for Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People. It is a designated position under the ‘purposeful measures' section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply for this position. Applications will be required to provide a completed Confirmation of Aboriginality form.

About the Organisation

EPA is currently transitioning to a new operating model, creating a range of opportunities across the organisation. We're looking for talented people to join us and contribute to EPA's important work protecting Victoria's environment and community.

EPA works to prevent and reduce the harmful effect of pollution and waste on Victoria's environment and people. We work with community, industry and businesses. As the needs of Victorians change, we must be equipped to adapt and respond to a range of factors.

We are a workplace committed to new ways of working, EPA celebrates diversity of people and lifestyles. We offer a wide range of practical options to support both your work and personal life.

EPA Overview

Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria was established in 1971 under the auspices of the Environment Protection Act 1970.

Our role is to be an effective environmental regulator and an influential authority on environmental impacts.

Our vision is for a healthy environment that supports a liveable and prosperous Victoria.

Source: This is an extract from the company's own website.

The EPA Experience

• See the impact in the communities we live in: at EPA you see your work first-hand
• Range of internal working groups, networks and volunteering opportunities
• On-the-job training for a wide range of environmental roles
• Flexible start and finish times, as well as compressed work week options

About the role

As Senior Aboriginal Advisor, you will provide strategic advice, leadership and support across EPA to strengthen genuine partnerships with Traditional Owner groups, Aboriginal communities and key stakeholders. You will help build EPA's capacity as a culturally safe and inclusive organisation and guide culturally informed engagement and regulatory approaches.

This is an opportunity to shape EPA's strategic approach to First Nations relationships, influence executive decision-making and organisational priorities, and lift cultural capability and maturity across EPA.

In this role you will

• Lead and shape EPA's strategic approach to relationships with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians.
• Provide authoritative advice on complex, sensitive and high-risk issues that influence organisational priorities, regulatory approaches and executive decision-making.
• Lead and coordinate culturally informed, consistent and respectful engagement across EPA.
• Build trusted networks and partnerships across Traditional Owner groups, Aboriginal communities, government, business and community organisations.
• Embed cultural safety and culturally appropriate regulatory approaches across EPA's organisational frameworks while lifting First Nations capability and cultural maturity.

Skills and experience

• Proven experience developing and delivering strategic initiatives that build respectful, collaborative relationships with First Nations communities and key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to provide authoritative advice and resolve complex, sensitive and politically exposed issues and risks.
• Strong capability in culturally informed and inclusive engagement, tailored communication and stakeholder influence.
• Demonstrated experience planning, monitoring and delivering multiple projects or programs, including risk, budget and resource management and evaluation.
• A strong record of accountability, collaboration, ethical leadership and delivery of high-quality organisational outcomes.

Need to know more?

All prospective employees will also undergo a National Criminal Record Check prior to an offer of employment. You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including, but not limited to, police checks, reference checks and role related security clearances.

EPA Victoria recognises

EPA Victoria recognises the value of the diversity, strength, and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as we work with Traditional Owners to care for our environment. We provide a culturally safe and embracing work environment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to merit, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. We believe our workforce should represent the diversity of the lands upon which we reside; and we actively embrace staff of different abilities, orientations, backgrounds, faiths, and genders.

Perks and benefits

• Protect the environment, whatever your role
• Work the way that works for you
• We celebrate diversity of people and lifestyles
• Expand your horizons and embrace something bigger