Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Officer

Ahpra Careers; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 118,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

A health organization is seeking a Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Officer. This pivotal role focuses on building relationships with Aboriginal communities, leading initiatives for statutory appointments, and ensuring cultural safety. Candidates should have experience in engagement projects, strong community connections, and the ability to present to diverse audiences. This full-time position offers a salary starting at $118,551 plus superannuation and a supportive team culture.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Professional development initiatives

Supportive inclusive team culture

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in leading engagement projects.
• Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
• Experience in health or government sectors is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Build meaningful relationships with stakeholders across health sectors.
• Implement Statutory Appointments Attraction Strategy.
• Host webinars and engagement sessions for diverse audiences.
• Provide guidance for selection processes and mentoring.

Skills

Experience leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement projects

Strong connections to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Confidence in presenting and hosting webinars

Navigating complex stakeholder environments

Job description

Ahpra considers that being Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position. This position is only open to Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander applicants in accordance with relevant Commonwealth State and Territory legislation.

Lead culturally safe engagement that supports real change in healthcare.

Ahpra in partnership with 15 National Boards administers the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (the National Scheme) to ensure Australias registered health practitioners such as doctors nurses and dentists - are qualified competent and safe to practice.

At the heart of our work is a commitment to building a culturally safe and respectful health workforce. We honour the rich healing traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples spanning more than 65000 years and strive to address ongoing disparities in healthcare access and safety. Our goal is to make culturally safe practice the standard across healthcare and ensure patient safety for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

About the role

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Officer to join our Statutory Appointments team. This is a full time position open to candidates in any Ahpra office location.

The role is pivotal in building strong respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities health practitioners and peak organisations to increase representation on Boards and Committees within the National Scheme.

As the Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Advisor you will lead initiatives that attract and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates for statutory appointments ensuring cultural safety and inclusion throughout the process.

In this role you will :

• Build meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders across health and community sectors.
• Lead the implementation of the Statutory Appointments Attraction Strategy and support broader cultural safety strategies.
• Elevate Ahpras profile within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to create interest in Board and Committee opportunities.
• Host webinars and engagement sessions presenting confidently and adapting communication styles to suit varied audiences.
• Provide cultural expertise and guidance to support selection processes and mentoring frameworks.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align initiatives with Ahpras strategic priorities.

About you

• Demonstrated experience leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement projects.
• Strong connections to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and lived experience.
• Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and provide strategic advice.
• Confidence in presenting and hosting webinars for diverse audiences.
• Experience in health or government sectors will be highly regarded.

What we offer :

• Be part of a values-led organisation committed to equity and cultural safety
• Work with purpose and influence real change in the healthcare system
• Flexible work arrangements and a supportive inclusive team culture
• Access to professional development and wellbeing initiatives
• Attractive base salary starting at $118551 plus superannuation and leave loading

To apply :

• Click Apply for this job to submit your application.
• Your application must include a resume a cover letter and selection criteria addressing the As the ideal candidate you will demonstrate the following section
• Applicants must be an Australian Citizen Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.
• For any queries or a confidential discussion regarding this position please email .
• Closing Date : 11.30pm AEDT Sunday 18 January 2026

Offer of employment is subject to successful background (pre-employment screening) and Criminal History checks.

Ahpra requires all employees to comply with Ahpra policies including the Flexible working policy

Ahpra is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage people of all abilities to apply. If you have any support or access requirements we encourage you to advise us at the time of application.

Ahpra acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continued connection to lands waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and Elders past and present.