• Location: Anywhere in Australia - Travel is an essential requirement

The Role

As a Senior Associate at First Nations Co., you will support the successful delivery of diverse client engagements that advance Cultural Safety and support systemic reform. Working under the guidance of Managers and Senior Managers, you will contribute to the planning, coordination, and delivery of projects across a range of sectors, ensuring high-quality outputs aligned with First Nations Co.’s values, ways of working, and commitment to Cultural Safety.

You will contribute across a broad portfolio of work, including community consultation, Cultural Safety reviews, evaluations, implementation planning, policy and strategy development, and workforce capability initiatives. This includes supporting project delivery activities, coordinating resources and timelines, preparing client-ready materials, and contributing to effective consultation and engagement processes with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), government departments, and other sector stakeholders.

As a Senior Associate, you will apply consistent project methodologies and systems to support effective delivery, manage multiple deliverables across concurrent projects, and maintain accurate documentation and reporting. You will contribute to internal capability by sharing knowledge, supporting continuous improvement of processes and tools, and working collaboratively across the organisation.

This role is fast-paced, collaborative, and delivery-focused, suited to someone who brings strong organisation, attention to detail, and accountability to their work, while continuing to build their leadership, consultation, and project delivery capability.

You are:

• Committed to embedding Cultural Safety and supporting reform that leads to improved outcomes for First Nations peoples.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, timelines, and project deliverables concurrently.
• A clear and confident communicator, able to contribute to written reports, proposals, and client-ready materials.
• Culturally informed and values-led, ensuring First Nations knowledges and ways of being are respected and reflected in all work.
• A collaborative team member who works effectively with Managers, Senior Managers, Associates, and external stakeholders.
• Proactive and accountable, taking ownership of tasks and contributing to high-quality delivery within agreed timeframes.

And you bring the practical experience:

• Demonstrated experience working in Aboriginal affairs, public health, community development, evaluation, justice, social policy environments or similar.
• Proven ability to contribute to the delivery of complex projects, including coordinating activities, tracking deliverables, and supporting timelines.
• Experience engaging with government departments, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), and other sector organisations.
• Strong skills in business writing, report preparation, proposal development, and preparation of client-ready documentation.
• Experience supporting consultation and engagement activities, including interviews, workshops, and virtual or in-person sessions.
• Confidence using Microsoft 365 and project management systems to support effective delivery and collaboration.
• Willingness to travel as required (travel is a core component of the role).
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline (Bachelor’s degree or higher), or equivalent experience.

What’s in it for you?

• The opportunity to contribute to high-impact work focused on Cultural Safety, evaluation, and systemic reform.
• A culturally safe, inclusive, and supportive workplace that values learning, collaboration, and contribution.
• Structured professional development and clear pathways to build capability and progress your career.
• Exposure to diverse projects across consultation, evaluation, policy, strategy, and implementation.
• A competitive remuneration and benefits package, reflective of your experience and contribution.

About First Nations Co.

At First Nations Co., we believe that First Nations knowledge is central to the solution. Our work is grounded in a cultural framework that prioritises self-determination, equity, and Cultural Safety. We partner with government, non-government, community-controlled, philanthropic, not-for-profit and national organisations to co-design and implement solutions that embed Cultural Safety, support systemic reform, and improve outcomes for First Nations peoples.

Our Strategic Pillars

Leadership: We embed First Nations leadership across every aspect of our work to drive systemic impact and strengthen community success.

Transformation: We drive systemic change informed by cultural frameworks and the principle of self-determination.

Growth: We equip organisations with tools and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to the communities they serve.

Identified Position Statement:

This role is only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants. First Nations Co. considers that being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational requirement for this position. This position is advertised as an Identified Role under the lawful "special measures" and exemptions of relevant Australian anti-discrimination laws. This practice is permitted in accordance with the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) – Section 8(1) 'Special Measures'.