Senior Project Officer - Closing the Gap

at; South Australia; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading community health organization in South Australia is seeking a Senior Project Officer to coordinate efforts in implementing Closing the Gap reforms. The role involves engaging with various stakeholders, leading advocacy initiatives, and ensuring the health needs of Aboriginal people are represented and addressed. Candidates should have experience in stakeholder engagement and strategic health reform, and be committed to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

Benefits

Work/life balance

Inclusive and diverse workplace

Generous leave provisions

Annual salary increase under enterprise agreement

Qualifications

• Experience in stakeholder consultation and engagement with Aboriginal people and communities.
• Experience in strategic reform within the health sector.
• Experience in monitoring and analyzing health sector initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead consultation processes with Member Services for Closing the Gap activities.
• Plan and oversee CTG projects ensuring alignment with sector priorities.
• Represent AHCSA in forums and discussions on CTG reforms.

Skills

Stakeholder consultation and engagement with Aboriginal communities

Strategic reform in the health sector

Monitoring and reporting on health sector initiatives

Advocating for health needs of Aboriginal people

Job description

Senior Project Officer - Closing the Gap

The Organisation

The Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia Limited (AHCSA) is the peak body representing Aboriginal community‑controlled health and substance misuse services in South Australia at state and national levels.

Our primary role is to be the ‘health voice’ for all Aboriginal people in South Australia. We achieve this by advocating for the community and supporting workers through our Member Services with appropriate Aboriginal health programs based on a holistic perspective of health.

About the Role

• Apply now for a 2026 start (January or February 2026)
• Full time | Fixed Term (2 years)

The Senior Project Officer – Closing the Gap plays a key leadership role in coordinating the Aboriginal Community‑Controlled Health (ACCH) sector’s efforts to influence, advocate for and ensure the successful implementation of Closing the Gap reforms at a sector‑wide level to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Duties include:

• Leading consultation processes with Member Services to ensure ACCH sector perspectives shape Closing the Gap (CTG) activities.
• Planning and overseeing CTG projects and programs, ensuring alignment with sector priorities.
• Representing AHCSA in forums and discussions on CTG priority reforms and initiatives.
• Coordinating advocacy materials (position papers, submissions) to influence CTG policies at all levels.
• Providing clear, up‑to‑date information to Member Services on CTG reforms, expectations, and opportunities.
• Developing and delivering training, workshops, and resources to build Member Services’ capacity for CTG implementation.
• Facilitating knowledge‑sharing platforms and collaborative initiatives across the ACCH sector.
• Advocating for culturally safe, community‑led policies and amplifying Aboriginal voices in CTG policy discussions.
• Building and maintaining strategic partnerships with Aboriginal leaders, government agencies, and peak bodies to strengthen CTG efforts.
• Monitoring and reporting on CTG progress, including tracking reporting requirements and identifying gaps or barriers.
• Supporting evaluation frameworks to measure effectiveness of CTG initiatives and drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to influence health policy, secure resources, and integrate Aboriginal health priorities into broader strategies.

Experience

• Experience in stakeholder consultation and engagement with Aboriginal people, communities and the ACCH sector.
• Experience in strategic reform within the health sector, working closely with member‑based organisations.
• Experience in monitoring, analysing and reporting on health sector initiatives, and presenting on key trends and analysis.
• Experience advocating for the health needs and priorities of Aboriginal people, to influence health policy and practice.

What we offer

• The opportunity to join the peak body representing Aboriginal community‑controlled health and substance misuse services in South Australia
• A workplace that encourages work/life balance
• An inclusive and diverse workplace
• Great salary package and benefits – including annual salary increase (July) under the enterprise agreement
• Generous leave provisions including additional leave over Christmas and additional personal leave days
• 2‑year fixed term contract with potential extension
• Apply now for a 2026 start (January or February 2026)

Special Conditions

• Out of normal hours work may be required.
• National Police Certificate is required.
• Working with Children Screening is required.

How to apply

Please apply via SEEK.

To be considered for the role you are required to submit a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Visit our webpage to find the Job and Person Specification under the Work With Us tab - https://ahcsa.org.au/work-with-us/current-opportunities/

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process please contact Megan Kivell from Perks People Solutions – [e-mail]

Please note, late applications will not be accepted and no other agencies please.

Closing Date for applications: 12pm Friday 5th December

This position may be filled prior to the closing date of the advertisement. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.