The Opportunity

 As the Engagement Senior Officer, you will be part of a sub-regional team and report directly to the Engagement Assistant Director providing support, leadership and advice. They are responsible for:

• the development and implementation of strategies and projects that will have a positive impact on Closing the Gap targets under the Commonwealth Closing the Gap Implementation Plan
• have operational responsibility for assuring the effectiveness of several Indigenous Advancement Strategy projects
• representing the Agency to engage and build relationships with First Nations Corporations, community Traditional Owners, Elders, Leaders, partners, Government Agencies and Non-Government Organisations focused on the advancement of Indigenous Australians
• providing advice and assistance in a range of formats and channels to provide information, tools, and guidance to internal and external stakeholders
• developing and maintaining an understanding of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities, their needs, aspirations and priorities, emerging issues, and the services delivered to communities within the region. This will be conducted through research, gathering evidence and intelligence to analyse identified gaps in services and the quality of programs and policies impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• liaise extensively with communities and service providers to provide information and respond to questions about the government’s policies and programs
• identify opportunities for collaboration between communities, agencies or providers that may benefit the community and bring parties together to develop joint projects or funding requests
• competent in brief writing, completing grant administration processes and provide input on policy and program requests. The Engagement Senior Officer promotes a healthy and safe workplace environment, and models ethical behaviour in accordance with the APS Code of Conduct and APS Values.

The ability to travel, including overnight stays, is required and therefore a current Drivers Licence is essential.

Our Ideal Candidate

As an APS 6 the ideal candidate will:

• identify issues and provide solutions for consideration by the wider leadership group, guides others in implementing and adapting to change operates within the boundaries of organisational process and legal and public policy constraints
• focus on achieving objectives in difficult circumstances, challenges issues constructively and is an effective organisational representative in internal and external forums
• communicates tailored information and messages confidently with demonstrated cultural competence, with identified relevant stakeholders and anticipates expectations and concerns

• have the ability to approach difficult negotiations with a clear understanding of key issues and desired outcomes

• uphold the APS Values and Code of Conduct.