Senior Project Lead – Priority Reform 4

AH&MRC of NSW; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW is the peak body for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in NSW. The Senior Project Lead will drive NSW PR4 transformation, improving data access for Aboriginal communities and guiding governance and policy reform in collaboration with government agencies.

Reporting to the PR4 head, you will coordinate strategic initiatives, manage budgets and timelines, and partner with stakeholders to advance data sovereignty and

Qualifications

• Identified position requiring Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity.
• 5+ years’ experience in government or agency transformation, project management or policy development.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building experience.
• NSW Driver’s Licence and ability to travel occasionally.
• Knowledge of Closing the Gap and the Aboriginal Community‑Controlled Sector.
• Tertiary qualifications in research, project management, data, ICT, policy or related area.

Responsibilities

• Lead transformation initiatives supporting shared data access and ADS&G knowledge.
• Identify and remove data access barriers through collaboration with government and Aboriginal communities.
• Research and prepare briefs, reports and information to support policy and reform.
• Lead project planning, budgets, resources, procurement and contract management; manage risks and timelines.
• Build strong working relationships with government partners and represent AH&MRC PR4 team at forums.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Project management

Policy development

Strategic thinking

Education

Tertiary qualifications in research / project management / data

Job description

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.

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.
• 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.