Senior Engagement Officer, Central Group

National Indigenous Australians Agency; Darwin; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tailored professional development

Collaborative work environment

Support for cultural learning

Job summary

A federal government agency is looking for two passionate Senior Engagement Officers in Darwin. These officers will lead impactful work programs targeting First Nations communities, focusing on relationship building and strategic initiatives. Successful candidates will demonstrate expertise in program delivery, a deep commitment to cultural safety, and the ability to provide accurate advice. This position offers a unique chance to make meaningful contributions to community engagement and policy development.

Qualifications

• Must be an Australian Citizen to be eligible for this position.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting security clearance.
• Experience in delivering positive outcomes for First Nations communities.

Responsibilities

• Support a culturally safe workplace aligned with agency values.
• Deliver high-quality results and prepare accurate reports.
• Monitor engagement channels and manage relationships with partners.
• Advise on grant guidelines and manage key contracts.
• Conduct research and inform strategic activities.
• Develop policies to ensure community priorities are met.
• Enhance collaboration in branch improvement projects.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Support strategies for engaging diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Provide coaching and manage own performance.

Skills

High motivation and passion for First Nations outcomes

Expertise in strategic programs

Ability to provide accurate and timely advice

Understanding of legislative frameworks

Collaboration and teamwork

Adaptability and problem-solving

Promotion of innovation

Risk management support

Strong relationship building

Cross-cultural awareness

Job description

Senior Engagement Officer, Central Group

The branch’s work program involves delivering a range of regional strategies and priorities across Arnhem Land and Groote Eylandt in alignment with national Closing the Gap targets, self-determination and economic development while fostering strong partnerships with First Nations communities and stakeholders.

We’re looking for two passionate APS6 Senior Engagement Officers to join our Regional Strategies and Priorities Branch! In this role, you’ll take the lead on shaping and delivering impactful work programs while building strong relationships with key stakeholders. This is your opportunity to influence outcomes, collaborate with diverse teams, and make a real difference in how we engage and deliver for First Nations communities.

As an APS 6 team member, you will play a key role in supporting the branch’s work program and strengthening partnerships that deliver outcomes for First Nations Australians. Your responsibilities will include:

• support and foster a culturally safe workplace aligned with NIAA values
• support the delivery of high-quality results and prepare accurate briefs, content, reports and presentations in line with NIAA standards
• monitor engagement channels and assist in managing relationships with government, providers and community partners
• provide advice and feedback on grant guidelines and support the assessment of applications and the management of key contracts
• undertake research and analysis to inform strategic activities and project work while offering a regional perspective to inform national procedures, programs, policy
• support the development of policy, program implementation, and ensure government and community priorities are reflected in outcomes
• contribute to branch improvement projects that enhance collaboration and service delivery
• build and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders and participate in external forums where required
• support the implementation of appropriate strategies for working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds
• provide informal coaching and support team capability while managing your own performance through the NIAA Engage Framework.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal APS 6 candidates will demonstrate the following skills and attributes:

• highly motivated and passionate individuals who possess a genuine desire to deliver positive outcomes for First Nations peoples and communities
• expertise and technical knowledge in a specialist area involving strategic programs and/or project related activities
• provides professional, accurate and timely advice and issues management
• understands and complies with legislative, financial, and administrative frameworks, as well as agency guidelines
• contributes to short-term planning and longer-term strategic objectives
• capacity to collaborate with colleagues and work effectively within a dynamic team environment
• supports and adapts to change well by managing uncertainty and prioritising problem-solving
• promotes innovation and contributes to business improvement initiatives
• anticipates, evaluates and supports risk management activities within their area of responsibility
• builds and maintains strong relationships both inside and outside of the agency to achieve the branch’s goals
• capable of representing the agency in external forums where required and promoting its interests across government and community networks
• demonstrates cross-cultural awareness and a desire to learn and continuously improve personal development
• supports partners and stakeholders through change and manages sensitivities effectively.

What We Offer:

• We have exciting work with real purpose. We support the aspirations of First Nations Peoples—it’s our driving force. Our work is transformational, you can follow your passion, shape your career and make a difference.
• We value our employees —they’re the heart of our Agency. Employees are supported and empowered to build their career. We are a diverse, inclusive and passionate workforce with an emphasis on continuous cultural learning and tailored professional development.
• Our work relies on strong and trusted relationships — we build partnerships by being authentic, sharing information and giving honest feedback. We collaborate with communities across Australia, all levels of government and many other invested stakeholders.
• To be eligible for this position you must be an Australian Citizen.
• The occupant must be able to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected) level security clearance, or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level.
• The successful candidate will be required to be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check.

How to apply:

If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you! Submit an online application through the NIAA Careers Page by 11:30pm AEDT.