About EWB

Engineers Without Borders Australia (EWB) is a for-purpose organisation with our National Office and staff team located in Melbourne and volunteer chapters in Victoria, Western Australia, NSW, Queensland, South Australia and ACT.

Established in Australia in 2004, EWB works with First Nation’s Communities in Australia and with communities in the Asia Pacific region. We have three major focus areas:

1. developing technology to alleviate poverty and accelerate inclusive sustainable development in Australia and overseas;
2. redefining engineering as a profession providing stewardship and leadership for a more equitable and sustainable world and;
3. inspiring and mobilising a global community who believe in a world where technology benefits all.

At EWB, we strongly believe that every engineer can be a change agent for a socially

just and sustainable world. This belief drives EWB to lead a movement of like-minded individuals and companies working together to ensure technology is developed to make the world a better place for all.

About the Engineering on Country Program

Our Engineering on Country program works to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ capability to live safely and productively on Country and pursue their community aspirations, through improved access to engineering, technology and infrastructure.
EWB takes a community-centred approach to bridge self-identified gaps in access to community health, wellbeing and opportunity.

Since 2009, EWB has worked with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia on a range of community-identified projects. These have mostly taken place through long-term partnerships developed directly with communities and through pro bono support from our corporate partners.

We work with communities to design and provide access to appropriate and sustainable community infrastructure, which can include water & sanitation facilities, energy systems, housing, and other community infrastructure and services that improve people’s quality of life and their ability to pursue education, employment or income generating opportunities. We also work with communities to help design solutions that enable cultural connection, and the ability for people to live on Country and care for Country.

Role Purpose

EWB has trusted relationships with communities built on the success of engineering solutions that enable self-determination.

Summary

With engaged, trusted relationships central to our engineering programs, this role works with First Nations peoples to realise plans for self-determination, in regional and remote locations, recognising the importance of access to Country in positive cultural, spiritual, health and livelihood outcomes.

EWB have been working with First Nations communities for over ten years, providing water, power and infrastructure solutions through engineering. In recent years, we have increasingly focused on the critical problem of access to safe, continuous drinking water in remote locations.

Our staff facilitates outcomes and delivers at scale with the support of volunteers, pro bono partners and in partnership with other organisations.

Key responsibilities will include:

1. Hold the vision and provide leadership for the First Nations program, with a focus on developing the Water program as foundational to the EoC Program.
2. Develop long-term engineering program with partners, that complement their strategic plans, based on two-way knowledge sharing and community capacity development and ownership.
3. Build the funding and strategic networks for EWB Eng on Country program, focusing on water as the foundation for other community development work, to ensure ongoing sustainability and growth of the program, ensuring that we meet or exceed funding targets year on year.
4. Oversee the delivery of annual plans and management of budget aligned with the EWB 4-year roadmap and 2030 Strategy.
5. Build EWB’s capability, body of knowledge, resources, networks and ability to undertake effective Water and Sanitation projects for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
6. Ensure impact-led planning, monitoring, evaluation, reporting and learning across EoC projects, aligned with the EWB Impact Framework and using community identified indicators of success.

Selection Criteria

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

The position is therefore strongly weighted to employment of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants.

You will have a qualification in Engineering related discipline; Optional additional qualification in Project Management, Social Sciences, Community Development and/or another relevant field.

Demonstrated success in and/or proven knowledge in:

• Engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and organisations, preferably with extensive networks and community connections.
• water and sanitation project design and delivery, participatory program design, strategic planning and delivery. Management of complex projects, preferably WASH projects.
• Leading and developing a healthy, passionate team culture built on results.
• Building a strong pipeline of funding and against delivering growth targets.
• Managing program and project budgets aligned to a strategic annual program plan.
• Experience brokering and managing partnerships across community, corporate and industry sectors, balancing dynamics and facilitating effective outcomes. Partnership and stakeholder management across engineering / technical and related sectors, government, businesses and the community
• Community development and facilitation, to deeply understand cultural, environmental and social aspects of engineering projects that lead ongoing ownership and to successful outcomes.
• Integrating a monitoring, evaluation and learning systems that reflects community indicators of success. Celebrating and sharing stories of success and of learning.

This role will require you to:

• Support the delivery of the Reconciliation Action Plan.
• communicate, both written and verbally, in a way that engages diverse audiences and builds trust. Able to adjust styles to suit various audiences, including community members, staff, corporate and industry partners, and volunteers.be confident working in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment;
• contribute learning, ideas, feedback, and knowledge across the EWB’s team and a network of partners;
• proactively engage with a wide range of stakeholders and appropriately identify and respond to opportunities and challenges presented;
• find inspiration in the potential of the EWB’s vision, strategy, values and our programs;
• consistently seek opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of EWB’s processes.

Conditions

Travel

Some interstate and overseas travel will be required.

Flexible working arrangements

You will have access to flexible working arrangements. We encourage a culture of flexibility and enable conversation between yourself and your manager about maintaining work-life balance.

Hybrid and Remote work

The Melbourne office is a hybrid workplace with staff working both in the office and from home each week. We also have team members located remotely. It is important to us that all staff feel part of the team and we are set up to ensure this works. The Melbourne office is at Our Community House, a vibrant and active working space, where dogs are welcome.

Leave

You will have access to 20 days of paid annual leave (pro-rated for part-time employees). You are also entitled to personal/carer’s leave, professional development leave, 3 months paid parental leave for all new parents, long service leave, cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and bereavement/Sorry Business leave. We also provide gifted leave during the New Year’s break when the office closes.

Employee Assistance Program

In case you need help with personal, family or employment related matters you and your family will have access to free external, professional and confidential counselling assistance.

Learning and Development

Our approach to learning and development will enable you to have the information, skills, and knowledge needed to do your job and to grow in your position. We build the capacity of our people and support you with on-the job experience, coaching and in-house training.

Salary Packaging

You will be eligible to salary package, resulting in an increase to your monthly take-home pay. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) allows us to reimburse you for your personal expenses without having to pay any income or fringe benefits tax that would normally be payable. These tax concessions are in addition to the income tax free threshold. The amount you are returned each month will depend on your circumstances including HECs contribution, with potential up to $15,000 a year.

If you have any questions, or would like to talk about the role, please contact Eleanor Loudon: [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Manager, Engineering On Country enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Engineers Without Borders Australia:

• Actively encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People to apply
• Celebrates diversity and supports an inclusive work place. Please contact us to discuss any personal assistance required to complete this application.
• Can only support the applications of Australian and New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, or those with existing working rights in Australia.

EWB adheres to statutory laws in Australia and foreign countries regarding child exploitation, child pornography and the abuse of children. We are committed to the protection of children from all forms of harm. You will be required to sign a Child Protection Code of Conduct and provide a Working with Children’s Check and a Federal Police check prior to commencement.

EWB Australia upholds the right of all people to live a life free from sexual violence, exploitation, and harassment regardless of their gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or nationality. EWB has zero-tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH) of any kind. We recognise that some individuals within communities may be more vulnerable to SEAH, including; children and vulnerable adults. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment that safeguards all the people we work with, and the communities we work for.