Senior Policy & Research Officer

Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation; Shire of Moyne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation – Breakaway Creek VIC is seeking a Senior Policy and Research Officer to support executive management through strategic policy advice and research on Gunditjmara Country.

Reporting to the Heritage, Research and Policy Manager, you will draft position papers, analyse government policy, manage projects, and build relationships with stakeholders to advance native title, cultural heritage, and land justice.

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification in a discipline such as natural and cultural resource management, cultural heritage, policy and governance and/or community development.

Responsibilities

• Research, develop and draft position papers and policy to support the organisation and program objectives.
• Provide analysis, advice and recommendations on relevant government policy, strategies, legislation, and emerging issues and opportunities that are of interest to GMTOAC.
• Prepare documents, briefs, discussion papers, research papers, and reports for GMTOAC on complex and sensitive issues.
• Pro-actively identify, build and maintain positive relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, and develop options for implementing innovative partnership approaches.
• Analyse technical and policy papers, develop options and make recommendations.
• Develop and implement standalone projects within the portfolio.
• Establish collaborative working relationships and provide timely and professional advice to internal and external stakeholders on specific issues associated with each of the programs.
• Undertake other duties as requested.

Skills

Policy

Written communication

Project management

Stakeholder management

Verbal communication

Problem solving

Influence & negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Organization

Education

Tertiary qualification in natural/cultural resource management or policy

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation – Breakaway Creek VIC

The Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC was established by the Gunditjmara in 2005 asserting our Sovereignty to continue our connection to care and protect Gunditjmara Country and to progress our rights and interests in our cultural identity, social justice, native title, cultural heritage, and land justice for our Gunditjmara Country. Through GMTOAC, Gunditjmara ensure that our cultural obligations and responsibilities which arise from Gunditjmara Country and under Gunditjmara lore/law, custom and beliefs are upheld and recognised for the protection and benefit of our traditional lands and waters and for our respect to our Gunditjmara ancestors and for our Elders. The UNESCO World Heritage listing of the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in July 2019 has consolidated opportunities at GMTOAC. Alongside GMTOAC's successful and innovative programs and projects, the Budj Bim World Heritage listing elevates an already unique work experience on Gunditjmara Country to global recognition and responsibilities.

About the role

The Senior Policy and Research Officer reports to the Heritage, Research and Policy Manager and is primary responsibility for supporting GMTOAC Executive Management and programs through the development of strategic advice and policy response, as well as support GMTOAC research and native title interests.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Research, develop and draft position papers and policy to support the organisation and program objectives.

Provide analysis, advice and recommendations on relevant government policy, strategies, legislation, and emerging issues and opportunities that are of interest to GMTOAC.

Prepare documents, briefs, discussion papers, research papers, and reports for GMTOAC on complex and sensitive issues.

Pro-actively identify, build and maintain positive relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, and develop options for implementing innovative partnership approaches.

Analyse technical and policy papers, develop options and make recommendations.

Develop and implement standalone projects within the portfolio.

Establish collaborative working relationships and provide timely and professional advice to internal and external stakeholders on specific issues associated with each of the programs.

Undertake other duties as requested.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Qualifications

A relevant tertiary qualification in a discipline such as natural and cultural resource management, cultural heritage, policy and governance and/or community development.

Specialist/Technical Expertise

Awareness and understanding of historical and current issues affecting Gunditjmara and their Country; as well as the broader Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and their relationships with the broader Australian society in order to communicate effectively and sensitively with Gunditjmara and other stakeholders.

Demonstrate ability or experience in communicating and working effectively with GMTOAC members and native title holders, in person, in writing and by phone and through social media platforms, will be highly regarded.

An understanding of the GMTOAC, its operations and activities.

Strong conceptual and analytical skills with a particular ability to analyse complex policy and program issues, interpret legislation and provide accurate and strategic advice.

Experience working with government departments or agencies to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes is desirable.

Sound understanding of project management and associated tools.

Demonstrated ability to prepare well-written, timely, concise, accurate and audience-appropriate briefings and reports.

Knowledge & Skills

Policy Skills: Experience in policy development and research to meet organisational strategic, environmental and operational requirements.

Written Communication: Prepares project briefs, reports, service plans, and policy options and recommendations on complex issues in a clear and concise manner.

Project Management: Develop and manage projects, liaising with team members, anticipates and addresses issues, and negotiates key elements with stakeholders to ensure project objectives are achieved.

Stakeholder Management: Manages the development and implementation of stakeholder initiatives, builds lasting relationships with stakeholder groups and works with stakeholders to broker shared solutions in new areas.

Verbal Communication: Builds effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders communicates complex concepts confidently, negotiating with tact and diplomacy on difficult issues.

Problem Solving: Develops and evaluates solutions with consideration for likely business impacts, developing contingency plans and ensuring stakeholders are actively engaged in the problem-solving process.

Influence and Negotiation: Uses leadership and expertise to effectively address stakeholder issues, influencing others to identify opportunities and broker long-lasting solutions.

Interpersonal Skills: Uses insight to build common understanding with groups and individuals and addresses difficult or sensitive topics in a way that provides a sound basis for mutual solutions.

Ability to negotiate and resolve conflict constructively, work in a tactful and diplomatic manner and respond appropriately when dealing with sensitive matters.

Organisation and self-management skills including the ability to prioritise duties and meet deadlines.

Sound use of information technology applications including Internet, Email, Calendar, Microsoft Office (365, Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.).

Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team, take responsibility, display initiative, set goals and manage competing priorities.

Ability to comply with policies and procedures, legislation and regulations.

Conditions of Employment

Must hold a current Victorian Drivers Licence.

Ability to obtain a satisfactory National Police and Working with Children Check.

Appointments are subject to satisfactory completion of relevant screening checks.

The filling of this position is intended to constitute a special measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), and section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) and s8(4) of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic).

GMTOAC is an equal opportunity employer. If you believe you may be unable to achieve a satisfactory screening result, GMTOAC can review the circumstances and exercise discretion. This allows us to employ staff only if we consider the outcome of this record will not have any negative impact to GMTOAC operations or reputation, or the role the staff member is completing.

This position will close onSunday, 1 November 2026.