About the Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Limited

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Limited (VACSAL) is the recognised state-wide Peak Advisory body on Aboriginal Community issues. VACSAL is a community based, community-controlled organisation, comprising representatives from Aboriginal organisations across the State. As well as having an advisory role, VACSAL delivers and manages a range of critical community services across Victoria.

VACSAL plays an integral role in the development of programs aimed at strengthening family, culture and resilience in today’s contemporary society. We have a recognised reputation for delivery of programs that support; Homeless Aboriginal young people, Youth Justice, Family violence, Family Services as well as a range of educational programs across Victoria.

About the Aboriginal Justice Caucus

The Aboriginal Justice Caucus (Caucus) is the conduit between the Aboriginal community and the justice system, and to provide leadership, advocacy and drive continuous change to address the drivers of offending, and influence and negotiate system and programmatic reform to the criminal justice system. The Caucus comprises the nine Chairs of the Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committees (RAJACs) and key representatives of the Aboriginal non-government organisations that are members of the Aboriginal Justice Forum (AJF).

Each member of the Caucus participates in the AJF individually and as a collective to address justice related issues and influence the development of government policy, programs and investment. The Caucus believes Aboriginal people can build stronger communities by advocating from a knowledge base that increases community awareness of social and justice issues and provides a voice, independent of government, that is grounded in self-determination and self-management.

This position is a role you will work within and across the Aboriginal Justice Agreement arena.

About tHIS ROLE

The Caucus Executive Officer leads the Secretariat Team and provides day to day supervision of the Policy Officer and Administrative Officer which includes coordination of workload and performance management.

The Caucus Executive Officer is responsible for ensuring Caucus receive high quality logistical, administrative and policy support in a timely and organised manner. The functions of the Secretariat are critical the coordination of effective engagement between Caucus and government partners through the provision of well researched and relevant information that is independent of government.

The Caucus Executive Officer works directly to the Caucus Co-chairs to ensure they are well supported in their roles.

EXECUTIVE OFFICER DUTIES

Operational:

• Prepare for all meetings, engagements, and initiatives in line with the roles and responsibilities summary
• Coordinate Caucus members attendance at the AJF (includes logistical support, briefing materials and strategic advice)
• Coordinate Caucus members attendance at Collaborative Working Groups and other advisory groups and committees as needed (includes logistical support, briefing materials and strategic advice)
• Coordinate secretariat support for all Caucus meetings (includes agenda and information paper preparation, minutes, and actions in accordance with required timelines)
• Track and progress Caucus actions arising from the AJF, Caucus meetings, and other governance/ oversight committees
• Identify and provide timely briefing materials regarding emerging issues
• High level strategic policy advice on Aboriginal justice matters and relevant government policy reform
• Support the Caucus to develop strategic stakeholder networks, through identifying and facilitating ongoing engagement opportunities with government and other stakeholders
• Develop and maintain the Caucus communication and stakeholder engagement plans ensure streamlined and efficient stakeholder engagement with Caucus
• Co-ordinate public relations activities, and oversee the development and dissemination of media releases and formal communication
• Develop and maintain the Caucus annual strategic plan.
• Develop and maintain the Caucus Terms of Reference
• Act as the primary liaison between the Koori Justice Unit, AJF Secretariat and the Caucus and work in partnership to ensure Caucus input into AJF business

Management:

• Supervise performance of the Secretariat Team members
• Identify and develop capability building and professional development opportunities for the Caucus Secretariat Team member
• Develop and maintain data collection tools that demonstrate the Secretariat performance and deliverables
• Support VACSAL to acquit output requirements as detailed in the Caucus Secretariat funding agreement with the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS)

A current Victorian Driver’s License, current Working with Children Check, current National Police check and Proof of full COVID-19 Vaccination, are mandatory requirements prior to employment with VACSAL.

The position will be based in the Northcote, statewide travel is a requirement. A vehicle is available for work related travel.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are encouraged to apply for this position.

A position description is attached.