Senior Project Lead - Priority Reform 4

Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council in Sydney is seeking a Senior Project Lead to drive NSW Government reform focused on improving Aboriginal data access and governance. You will lead multi‑disciplinary teams, shape policy, and align reform activities with ADS&G principles.

Based in Sydney with a hybrid work pattern, you will coordinate budgets, timelines and stakeholder engagements while advancing Aboriginal data sovereignty and governance across agencies.

Qualifications

• This is an identified position for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Based in Sydney, NSW, with 3 days in the Sydney CBD or Dapto and 2 days from home per week.
• 5+ years in government or agency transformation, project management or policy development.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building experience.
• NSW Driver’s Licence and occasional travel.
• Knowledge of Closing the Gap and Aboriginal community-controlled sector.
• Tertiary qualifications related to research, project management, data, ICT, policy or public administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead PR4 transformation initiatives to improve data access, decision-making and ADS&G knowledge.
• Promote ADS&G principles across relevant government systems and initiatives.
• Support the Head of PR4 with strategic oversight and alignment of reform activities.
• Identify systemic barriers to data access, quality and use; develop practical solutions.
• Research and prepare briefs, reports and information to support policy and reform.
• Oversee project planning, budgets, resources, procurement and contract management.
• Build strong relationships with government partners and participate in stakeholder engagements.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Project management

Policy development

Strategic thinking

Education

Tertiary qualifications in research or project management or policy

Job description

Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council – Sydney CBD NSW

About Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW

The Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC) is the peak body for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services across New South Wales. We work alongside our Members to strengthen Aboriginal community-controlled healthcare and improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

Our work spans advocacy, policy, workforce development, health promotion, research, training and organisational support. We bring the experience and priorities of our Members into state and national decision-making, advocate for better health systems and investment, and help build the capability and sustainability of the Aboriginal community-controlled health sector.

Join our team of dynamic and innovative people who value and proudly play a meaningful role in supporting the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people and communities across NSW.

About the Project

This NSW-specific project fulfils Priority Reform 4 (PR4) commitments in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the 2025-28 NSW Closing the Gap Implementation Plan. The project focuses on improving shared access to data by Aboriginal communities; establishing shared decision-making regarding government-held data; building knowledge related to data and Aboriginal Data Sovereignty and Governance (ADS&G); and developing a sustainable model for ADS&G in NSW.

Primary objectives include increasing Aboriginal communities access to and sovereignty over data, and to empower communities to govern and use data in self-determining ways. This involves honouring Aboriginal ownership and control over the collection, analysis, interpretation, dissemination, and use of Aboriginal data, especially in relation to Aboriginal knowledge.

About the Role

The Senior Project Lead will be responsible for driving the change and transformative efforts of NSW Government needed to ensure that Aboriginal communities have improved access to data, can participate in shared decision-making regarding government-held data, and have opportunities to build knowledge in relation to data and ADS&G. This role will be pivotal in progressing the adoption of ADS&G principles within government systems and ensuring effective collaboration between Aboriginal communities and government agencies.

Number of Vacancies: 1

Location: Pitt Street, Sydney CBD

Employment Status: Full-time, Fixed Term to June 2028

Salary: Base $150,000 to $160,000 + super

The final offer within the advertised range will depend on the successful candidate's skills and experience.

Responsibilities:

Transformation

• Lead PR4 transformation initiatives supporting shared data access, decision-making and ADS&G knowledge.
• Promote ADS&G principles across relevant government systems and initiatives.
• Support the Head of PR4 to provide strategic oversight and alignment across reform activities.

Identification and Removal of Data Barriers

• Identify systemic barriers to data access, quality and use.
• Work with government, subject matter experts and Aboriginal communities to develop practical solutions.
• Support legal, technical and policy reforms that improve access to quality data.

Advice & Research

• Research and prepare briefs, reports and information to support policy, planning and reform.
• Provide timely, expert advice and information to support decision-making.

Project Management

• Lead project planning, proposals, budgets, resources, procurement and contract management.
• Prioritise tasks and manage project risks, timelines and resources.
• Coordinate meetings and monitor, evaluate and report on project progress and outcomes.

Stakeholder Management

• Build strong working relationships with government partners on transformation initiatives.
• Represent the AH&MRC PR4 Team at relevant forums, meetings and stakeholder engagements.
• Follow AH&MRC policies and procedures including OHS, probity and ethical requirements.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications & Experience:

• This is an identified position. Applicants must identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Must be currently based in Sydney, NSW, with the ability to work 3 days in the Sydney CBD or Dapto office and 2 days from home per week.
• 5+ years’ experience in government or agency transformation, a project management or policy development role, including in private, public service, and/or community settings.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship building experience.
• NSW Driver’s Licence and ability to drive and travel occasionally as required.
• Knowledge and experience of Closing the Gap and the Aboriginal Community-Controlled Sector.
• Tertiary qualifications pertaining to research, project management, project transformation, data, ICT, policy, public administration, or similar.

Skills and Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge and appreciation of the cultural, social and economic needs of Aboriginal people, including but not limited to shared data access and Aboriginal Data Sovereignty & Governance.
• Expertise in developing and maintaining detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets.
• Ability to provide expert advice on the use of appropriate methodologies, mechanisms, and tools to drive successful transformation initiatives.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills.

Personal Attributes

• Ability to work autonomously and demonstrate leadership, including guiding and coordinating junior staff.
• Strong strategic thinking capabilities with the ability to identify, analyse, and address complex issues related to shared data access and Aboriginal Data Sovereignty & Governance
• Strong work ethic with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, balance competing priorities, and manage risks effectively to ensure the success of transformation initiatives.
• Integrity and commitment to Ethical Practice, Equity, Diversity and Occupational Health and Safety.

For any questions about the role, please contact ******@ahmrc.org.au and please include“Senior Project Lead - Priority Reform 4” in the subject line.

Join Us!

Be part of a transformative initiative that prioritises the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through innovative research and collaboration.

We look forward to your application!