This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Designated Position, classified under ‘special measures’ of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

An extraordinary opportunity in senior leadership role, steering and advancing the self-determination of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians.

Location: 48 Cambridge Street, Collingwood

Employment Type: Full-Time

Further Information: Chelsea Currie, [email protected] using the subject line: Chief Executive Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

THE ASSEMBLY

The Assembly’s objective is to promote the self-determination and empowerment of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians in the Treaty process, including by:

• Acting as the First Peoples’ Representative Body to negotiate and agree Statewide Treaty and Interim Agreements,
• Acting as the Aboriginal Representative Body to support Treaty negotiations (including administering the Self-Determination Fund)
• Enabling Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians to exercise sovereignty, the right to self-determination and other rights; including those contained in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

The First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria is the democratically elected representative body for all First Peoples living in Victoria.

Established in 2019, thirty-one Victorian Traditional Owners were selected by their communities to form the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria. The Assembly is powerful, independent from government, and culturally strong.

During its first term, the Assembly negotiated with the State to establish the ground-breaking architecture for the Treaty process in Victoria – the Treaty Negotiation Framework and the establishment of the Treaty Authority and the Self-Determination Fund.

Now in its second term following elections in 2023, the Assembly is preparing for the negotiation of a Statewide Treaty, with negotiations to begin later in 2024. The Treaty process also enables Traditional Owner groups around Victoria to prepare for and negotiate their own Traditional Owner Treaties.

Treaty provides the opportunity for First Peoples living in Victoria to put First Peoples in the driver’s seat – so that First Peoples and not the government are making decisions about the matters that affect our lives.

As it does this historic work, the Assembly will continue to represent and be accountable to Aboriginal communities in Victoria.

THE ROLE

Located in Melbourne, this senior leadership position will support the Council (board) and Members of the Assembly to strengthen the Assembly as a powerful, culturally strongbody that is the equal party to the State in negotiations for Treaty.

The Assembly is a distinct organisation, having the character of both an elected office (supporting the work of the Assembly as an elected representative body) and a more traditional organisation supporting the day-to-day functions of the Assembly.

The skills required to lead those two different aspects of the organisation, while overlapping, have very distinctive elements. If you feel as though a combination of the below skills resonate with your experience, we welcome an application.

Since being established, the Assembly has grown considerably both in size and in the scope of work it is undertaking. Further growth is anticipated.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Council through the elected co-Chairs the CEO will:

1: Support the Assembly and Council to implement a vision and key deliverables for the Assembly’s second term:

The CEO will support the Assembly in negotiating Treaty outcomes, in line with its purpose, powers, authority, functions, deliverables, and reporting requirements.

2: Develop and implement strategic plans to deliver the Assembly’s evolving functions:

Working with the Assembly Council and staff, the CEO will support elected Members to transform the political aspirations of Treaty into a strategic program of work. The CEO is responsible for overseeing the delivery of the Assembly’s strategic priorities, including to provide strategic advice to the Council and Members, ensuring that operations staff have the necessary skills and capabilities to perform the Assembly’s evolving functions, and identifying and managing emerging risks and challenges.

3: Manage Assembly operations and organisational plans:

The CEO will deliver the Assembly's operational, financial, workforce and other plans to deliver the Council’s vision and meet the Assembly's obligations under its Constitution and relevant legislation. Working with the Council and staff the CEO will:

• manage Assembly finances and assets to meet all legal requirements and best practice business management,
• ensure strong, culturally safe and effective communication and engagement,
• manage the staff team, to develop team member capacity and ensure their safety and wellbeing,
• establish and maintain a strong workplace that is culturally safe and drives productivity, satisfaction and wellbeing,
• ensure effective and sound governance practices are in place.

4: Establish and manage the Assembly reputation and relationships:

The CEO will work with the Assembly members and staff to build and maintain a positive reputation for the Assembly that engenders trust and credibility; and to manage communications and collaborations with other organisations.

5: Manage compliance and reporting:

Working with the Council and staff, the CEO will ensure compliance with the Assembly Constitution and relevant legislation, including the Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Act 2018 (Vic), the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and the requirements of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and Australian Charities and Not-for- profits Commission.

Selection Criteria:

1: Demonstrated capacity to succeed working in and with Aboriginal representative and community-controlled organisations:

Willing and able to lead an organisation that is led by democratically elected Members and representatives of Victorian Aboriginal communities. Able to navigate complex accountability relationships, comply with relevant legislation, and act in accordance with the Assembly values.

2: Demonstrated capacity for success in an organisational leadership role in a complex and contested environment:

Willing and able to take responsibility for planning, organisational design, the organisation's workforce, organisational culture, reputation management, relationship management, organisational impact, financial and asset management, compliance management, risk management and provision of authoritative advice. Able to promote resilience and perseverance across the Assembly and maintain focus on the primary goal of achieving Treaties in a way that best furthers the achievement of the rights of Aboriginal Victorians.

3: Demonstrated capacity for achieving results through others:

Willing and able to collect and share ideas and information, collaborate with others within the Assembly including the Council, members, staff and other leaders in Victoria who play a critical role in achieving Treaties. Able to engender commitment, delegate important tasks, and help others to develop.

4: Demonstrated capacity to manage and develop self:

Willing and able to manage own weaknesses and anxieties, gain new knowledge and skills, and act with flexibility and perseverance in the face of adversity without sacrificing their own well-being or that of others in the organisation.

5: Demonstrated capacity to achieve the highest standards of integrity:

Willing and able to lead in a way that supports the achievement of the Assembly values and builds the reputation of the Assembly.

6: Demonstrated ability to translate Aboriginal Victorian aspirations into outcomes:

Willing and able to transfer directions led by Assembly members, Council and the Victorian Aboriginal community into implementable programs of work.

Download a copy of job profile attached and visit our website or reach out to us at [email protected] using the subject line: Chief Executive Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs for more information.