• Ongoing & Non-ongoing (for an initial period of up to 18 months)
• Flexible working arrangements will be considered

The Opportunities

We are seeking policy and program advisers to support the development, implementation and evaluation of strategic, social and economic policies and programs in the NIAA. These roles are fast-paced, dynamic and present an exciting opportunity to ensure the NIAA is sustainable and its operations are underpinned by sound advice to government and support for impacted communities both now and into the future.

Social Policy and Programs Group

The Social Policy and Programs Group leads, influences and invests in social and cultural policies and programs that contribute to improving the health, wellbeing, education, safety and justice outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Early Years and Education Branch

The Early Years and Education Branch delivers program management and policy advice on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander early childhood, schooling and further education outcomes. The Branch has broad policy and program responsibilities working with other agencies (both Commonwealth and states and territories), strategic investment of funding under the Children and Schooling program to support education opportunities and program management of activities supporting school and tertiary students, teachers, youth academies and school attendance.

Families and Safety Branch

The Families and Safety Branch leads policy and investment approaches that contribute to enhancing the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families and improve justice outcomes for Indigenous Australians. The Branch achieves this thorough leading and influencing key government initiatives, promoting evidence-based policy and programs that are culturally informed and place-based and working in partnership with Indigenous communities, Commonwealth and State and Territory governments and various other stakeholders to ensure the needs of Indigenous communities are addressed.

Health and Wellbeing Branch

The Health and Wellbeing Branch leads policy and investment approaches that contribute to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Branch achieves this through driving policy reforms in the Indigenous health and wellbeing space and influencing or partnering with other government agencies, particularly the Department of Health, and community sector and other key stakeholders. The Branch is responsible for providing policy leadership on Indigenous mental health and suicide prevention, support for Stolen Generation members and their families, addressing volatile substance use, and Indigenous specific investment in alcohol and other drugs treatment services, social and emotional wellbeing, and youth engagement activities.

Culture and Heritage Branch

The role of the Culture and Heritage Branch is to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and identities underpin the policies and programs of the NIAA. The Branch influences and supports culturally competent policy development and service delivery in the NIAA's engagement with Indigenous Australians, government agencies, and non-government organisations. The Branch leads a number of key policies including truth-telling and identity, Indigenous broadcasting services, interpreter services, NAIDOC Week, and working across stakeholders to strengthen approaches to Indigenous heritage protection.

There are a number of vacancies within the Social Policy and Programs Group. The roles involve thinking long-term and across a range of contexts, including but not limited to supporting the delivery and implementation of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy and Closing the Gap targets and reforms.

Key responsibilities of these positions may include:

• in consultation with communities and key stakeholders, assist in the co-design and delivery of social policies, legislation and programs
• provide policy advice and program oversight to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities have sustained social opportunities as part of the delivery of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy
• provide research, data analysis and advice regarding existing and new policies and programs that can best contribute to improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• assist in managing programs including undertaking reporting and guideline development
• build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to deliver coordinated, effective and robust support and advice
• assist with program performance management, including reporting, evaluations and reviews of existing programs
• assist in supporting the delivery of actions under Closing the Gap as a part of the Agency and whole of government responsibilities.

We work in partnership to deliver our services and require people that are resilient, flexible and able to work together as one team to design and implement new ideas and ways of working that address the unique needs of individuals and communities across Australia.

Through this recruitment process, we will fill roles on an ongoing and non-ongoing basis (for up to 18 months). We have a number of immediate and future vacancies that may arise. The merit pools established will be drawn upon to fill policy and program roles over the next 18 months.

Our Ideal Candidates

To successfully undertake a policy and programs role in the NIAA, our ideal applicants will:

• be responsive and possess a strong desire to develop and contribute to implementation a broad range of policy, legislation reforms and programs
• provide evidence-based analysis and advice
• prepare draft briefs, correspondence and other communication materials with minimal guidance
• incorporate risk and implementation considerations into policy development
• demonstrate the ability to be self-directed, strategic and innovative
• demonstrate experience in negotiation skills with stakeholders to achieve outcomes
• lead, supervise and develop team members through performance feedback and career development
• have experience in preparing briefings, submissions and other Ministerial and correspondence
• build and maintain internal and external stakeholder relationships
• program management experience
• be self-aware, culturally competent and foster respect and inclusion in the workplace
• promote and demonstrate the APS values and code of conduct, as well as the NIAA values and behaviours.

Candidates must demonstrate cultural competency, including demonstrated skills in understanding, communicating, and effectively interacting with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

When drafting your application, you will be asked to indicate the role type (policy and/or program) that best aligns with your skills and experience. Note: you may select more than one.

Eligibility

To be eligible for these positions you must be an Australian Citizen.

The successful candidates will be required to be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check.

how to apply

To submit your application click Apply Now.

A position description is attached.

For enquiries please contact Johanna Parker on (02) 6152 3691 or [email protected] using the subject line: Advisers - Social Policy and Programs Group - Multiple Locations enquiry via EthicalJobs.