Organisational Overview

The Tiwi Land Council was established on the 18 August 1978, following representation by the Tiwi people to the Federal Government for recognition of their distinct geographic and cultural identity.

The Tiwi Land Council represents all Tiwi people in the protection of land, sea, and environment, while at the same time supporting sustainable economic development to improve Tiwi lives through employment, income, education and health opportunities. Our reputation is founded on our cultural and leadership strengths, following in the footsteps of our visionary leaders.

Position Overview

The position is responsible for providing anthropological advice and services in relation to the implementation of the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act 1976 (Cth) (ALRA). This will involve contributing to the Tiwi Land Council’s (TLC) anthropological research relevant to Aboriginal peoples and groups on the Tiwi Islands. The primary focus of this position is to identify, represent and assist Traditional Aboriginal Owners in matters arising from the acquisition, use, occupation and management of their land under ALRA.

Role responsibilities

• Work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team to ensure that the TLC is complying with their statutory functions as prescribed by ALRA.
• Plan, record and undertake ethnographic research and analysis of Tiwi land tenure systems, social organisation, matters of cultural significance, composition of local descent groups and process of decision making by Tiwi people, in particular around male-specific cultural knowledge.
• Prepare anthropological material supporting land use applications, maintaining genealogies, sacred site registers, cultural maps and land tenure registers.
• Identify and consult with Traditional Aboriginal Owners (with a focus on discussions with male Traditional Aboriginal Owners, affected Aboriginal groups and other interests pursuant to ALRA in relation to a variety of matters pertaining to land, including addressing Land Use Agreements (LUA) applications.
• Contributes to the repatriation of Tiwi Cultural heritage and other cultural projects as required.
• Consulting with groups of male TOs; conducting site surveys and cultural mapping visits to country; and gathering ceremony information centred on male-specific knowledge.
• Identify, engage and oversee qualified Consultants to undertake ethnographic and other specialist research, as required. This includes preparing and drafting terms of reference, Consultant liaison, contract administration and compliance.
• Provide input into corporate tasks, including policy development, Corporate Plan and Annual Report, as required.

Please note the following:

• The filling of this position is intended to constitute an exemption in accordance with the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (ADA) - SECT 35 Exemptions – work;

  • A person may discriminate against another person in the area of work if the discrimination is based on a genuine occupational qualification which the other person is required to fill.

• For the above reason, this position is open to Male applicants only due to our cross-cultural working context, and the gender specific nature of a lot of our consultations.

• Male early career Anthropologists or graduates are strongly encouraged to apply.

What's on Offer?

12 month fixed-term full-time appointment. Regular travel to the islands will be expected in this role.

Council offers some great benefits including a competitive and attractive remuneration package, including:

• Option to salary package up to $15,900 per annum with further benefits that apply when working for a NFT organisation
• 6weeks annual leave plus an additional 3days paid leave (over Christmas & New Year period) and 17.5% leave loading
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program
• Training and development opportunities to support growth

If you are seeking a challenging and exciting new role for 2025 , we encourage you to click "Apply now" and submit your application.

Any questions can be directed to [email protected] using the subject line: Anthropologist - Darwin / Tiwi Islands enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Note: Council reserves the right to commence short-listing and interviews, prior to the closing date.

A position description is attached.