Senior Project Officer (First 2000 Days)

Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AH&MRC) in Sydney is seeking a Senior Project Officer to lead and evaluate First 2000 Days initiatives. The role focuses on ear and hearing health, early development and family wellbeing, collaborating with ACCHOs and communities across NSW.

You will provide strategic project leadership, policy advice and culturally informed guidance to strengthen outcomes for Aboriginal families, with travel across NSW as needed.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in public health or related fields, or equivalent experience.
• Experience managing complex health or community projects.
• Experience working with Aboriginal communities and organisations, ideally within ACCHO sector.
• Experience developing policy advice, strategic documents and program reporting.
• Knowledge of maternal and child health, early childhood development and preventative health.
• Willingness to travel across NSW.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, implementation and evaluation of First 2000 Days initiatives.
• Manage project plans, budgets, risks and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate activities and deliverables to meet timeframes and funding obligations.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen service integration and improve outcomes for Aboriginal children and families.
• Undertake research and analysis on maternal, child and family health issues.
• Prepare policy advice, briefing notes, submissions and reports.
• Monitor emerging policy and program developments relevant to early childhood and Aboriginal health.
• Build strong relationships with Member Services, government agencies and Aboriginal organisations.
• Facilitate meaningful engagement with communities to ensure priorities guide program design.
• Represent AH&MRC in committees, working groups and stakeholder forums.
• Support ACCHOs to strengthen capability in delivering First 2000 Days programs.
• Develop resources, workshops and information sessions to support best practice.
• Promote culturally responsive, strengths‑based approaches to family wellbeing.
• Track project outcomes and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with funding agreements, policies and governance requirements.

Skills

Project management

Research & analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Cultural awareness

Strategic planning

Prioritisation

Education

Tertiary qualifications in public health / related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project management software

Job description

Senior Project Officer (First 2000 Days)

Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council – Sydney CBD NSW

About The Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC)

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 Role

We are looking for an experienced and driven Senior Project Officer (First 2000 Days) to lead key initiatives that support Aboriginal children and families from conception to five years of age. This role oversees the development, delivery and evaluation of programs focused on ear and hearing health, early development and family wellbeing.

Working closely with ACCHOs, communities and sector partners, you will provide strategic project leadership, high‑quality policy advice and culturally informed guidance that strengthens outcomes for Aboriginal families across NSW.

Responsibilities:

• Lead planning, implementation and evaluation of First 2000 Days initiatives.
• Manage project plans, budgets, risks and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate activities and deliverables to meet timeframes and funding obligations.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen service integration and improve outcomes for Aboriginal children and families.
• Undertake research and analysis on maternal, child and family health issues.
• Prepare policy advice, briefing notes, submissions and reports.
• Monitor emerging policy and program developments relevant to early childhood and Aboriginal health.
• Build strong relationships with Member Services, government agencies and Aboriginal organisations.
• Facilitate meaningful engagement with communities to ensure priorities guide program design.
• Represent AH&MRC in committees, working groups and stakeholder forums.
• Support ACCHOs to strengthen capability in delivering First 2000 Days programs.
• Develop resources, workshops and information sessions to support best practice.
• Promote culturally responsive, strengths‑based approaches to family wellbeing.
• Track project outcomes and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with funding agreements, policies and governance requirements.

Qualifications & Experience:

• This is an identified position. Applicants must identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Tertiary qualifications in public health, health promotion, social sciences, early childhood, community development, project management or related fields, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex health or community projects.
• Experience working with Aboriginal communities and organisations, ideally within the ACCHO sector.
• Experience developing policy advice, strategic documents and program reporting.
• Knowledge of maternal and child health, early childhood development and preventative health.
• Understanding of Closing the Gap priorities, Aboriginal health and social determinants of health.
• Willingness to travel across NSW.

Skills & Attributes:

• Strong project management capability across planning, delivery and evaluation.
• Excellent research, analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship‑building skills.
• Cultural awareness, respect and understanding of Aboriginal communities.
• Strategic, proactive and solutions‑focused approach.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management systems.