Senior Policy Advisor - APO NT

Northern Land Council; Darwin; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Salary sacrificing

District allowance

Leave provisions

Paid Christmas close down

Annual airfare

Job summary

The Northern Land Council seeks a strategic Senior Policy Advisor - APO NT to drive policy reform and advocacy on issues important to Aboriginal people and communities. You will translate research into clear policy recommendations and work with APO NT member organisations, government and sector stakeholders.

This role requires strong policy analysis, excellent communication, and the ability to build durable partnerships to advance Closing the Gap outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor level qualifications in Public Policy, Law, Economics, Social Sciences or a related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Minimum four years' experience in policy analysis, research, advocacy or a related field.
• Strong understanding of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and related policy issues affecting Aboriginal communities.
• Highly developed research, analytical and written communication skills with policy papers and briefings.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with Aboriginal organisations and government agencies.

Responsibilities

• Develop policy positions, submissions and strategic advice on key issues.
• Undertake policy research, analysis and monitor reforms.
• Lead advocacy initiatives and influence government decision-making.
• Build and maintain relationships with member organisations and stakeholders.
• Support Closing the Gap priorities and initiatives that strengthen Aboriginal community control.

Skills

Policy analysis

Advocacy

Stakeholder engagement

Research

Policy development

Communication

Education

Bachelor level qualifications in Public Policy, Law, Economics, Social Sciences or related discipline

Job description

• Salary package: $140,700 Inclusive of DA and 15% superannuation

Be a Voice for Change. Shape Policy That Matters.

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is looking for a strategic and passionate Senior Policy Advisor - APO NT to drive policy reform and advocacy on issues that matter to Aboriginal people and communities.

Apply your research, policy and advocacy expertise to the priorities of Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory (APO NT). Work with member organisations to develop policy positions and support reforms that advance Aboriginal people’s aspirations and Closing the Gap outcomes.

About the Role:

As the Senior Policy Advisor - APO NT at the Northern Land Council, you will work with APO NT member organisations, government and sector stakeholders to develop strategic advice and advocacy. Reporting to the Manager Strategy and Advocacy, you will translate evidence and agreed priorities into clear policy recommendations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing policy positions, submissions and strategic advice on key issues.
• Undertaking policy research, analysis and monitoring emerging trends and reforms.
• Leading advocacy initiatives and influencing government decision-making.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with member organisations and stakeholders.
• Supporting Closing the Gap priorities and initiatives that strengthen Aboriginal community control.

What you will Bring:

You are a skilled policy professional with experience developing evidence-based policy advice and influencing complex reform agendas. You are comfortable engaging with diverse stakeholders, building productive partnerships and translating research and analysis into strategic recommendations. Most importantly, you are committed to supporting Aboriginal-led solutions and advancing outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities.

In addition to this, you will have

• Bachelor level qualifications in Public Policy, Law, Economics, Social Sciences or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum four years' experience in policy analysis, research, advocacy or a related field.
• Strong understanding of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and associated policy issues affecting Aboriginal communities.
• Highly developed research, analytical and written communication skills, including preparation of policy papers, submissions and briefings.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with Aboriginal organisations, government agencies and key stakeholders.

For a full copy of the Position Description refer to the link provided below.

What’s in it for you?

At the NLC, you'll be part of a purpose-driven organisation committed to supporting Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities across the Northern Territory. You'll work alongside passionate professionals and sector leaders, contributing to policy reform initiatives that have genuine and lasting impact. We offer a supportive workplace culture, opportunities for professional development and the chance to influence some of the most significant Aboriginal affairs policy issues in the Northern Territory.

We offer:

• A base salary of $119,571 per annum plus 15% superannuation paid on Base and District Allowance.
• Salary sacrificing up to $15,900 + Meal Entertainment and Holiday Accommodation benefit up to $2,650 per year.
• Other benefits under our Enterprise Agreement include:
• District allowance of up to $5,064 (DA2) per annum for individuals with dependents and $2,777 (DA1) without dependents.
• Generous leave provisions 5 weeks annual leave, 18 days personal leave;
• Paid Christmas close down;
• Upon completion of 12 months of service an Annual airfare with a net (in hand) value of $3,453;

The Northern Land Council is committed to increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment. This position is a prioritised position and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants who meet the selection requirements will be given priority consideration in accordance with the NLC's Special Measures provisions and Section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.

For further queries, please contact Ged Shearer on 0408 856 249

Applications Close: Thursday 5 November 2026

About the NLC:

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is an independent statutory authority of the Commonwealth. The NLC is established under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT) 1976 and its purpose is to serve its constituents who are Traditional Owners (TOs) and other Aboriginal people living in their region. Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to the work that we do here at NLC. We are committed to enhancing Aboriginal peoples social, political and economic participation by supporting their aspirations and amplifying their voices on a range of issues impacting on their lands, seas, culture and communities.