The Opportunity:
The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) works in genuine partnership to enable the self-determination and aspirations of First Nations communities. We implement the Australian Governments’ priorities and support the Minister for Indigenous Australians.
NIAA has a number of APS 4 opportunities within the Grants Management Unit (GMU) in a range of NIAA office locations throughout Australia. The GMU is seeking applicants to fill current and anticipated vacancies and to create a merit pool for future vacancies.
The GMU provides high quality, professional grants management and administration services to our stakeholders that supports the outcomes of Government and improves the lives of First Nations peoples. The core function of the GMU is to manage grant agreements. This includes drafting agreements, negotiating and executing grant agreements, monitoring compliance and performance, managing risk, making payments, analysing financial reports and acquitting funding.
The GMU provides strategic direction and leverages expertise to ensure quality outcomes are delivered across a range of program areas. The GMU works with its NIAA internal stakeholders—who are in policy and program areas or engagement roles—to provide professional grant management services for Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) grants. GMU’s Agreement Managers (APS4) have a critical role in ensuring grant agreements comply with statutory requirements, regulatory frameworks, and NIAA policy (eg. risk and assurance) and the relevant Grant Opportunity Guidelines.
Candidates with broadly transferrable skills across the GMUs functions are strongly encouraged to apply. The GMU provides a supportive environment to assist you to learn the specifics of the role.
Information Session:
An information session will be held to explain the position and potential applicants wishing to attend can email or call the contact person for further details.
As an APS4 GMU Agreement Manager you will be expected to:
• support the work of agreement management by undertaking basic grant agreement management and administrative tasks under the supervision and guidance of senior staff
• possess knowledge of grant agreement management, the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and financial delegations
• perform basic analysis of performance and understand financial statements
• manage grant agreements with a lower level of complexity and identify potential risks to relevant internal stakeholders when appropriate
• provide assistance and services to stakeholders and escalate issues where appropriate
• model supportive and collaborative behaviours, encourage innovation and contribute to an environment where staff are valued and committed to producing quality outcomes.
Our Ideal Candidate:
Our ideal candidates are passionate about understanding the key issues faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Applicants will need to demonstrate cultural competency, including:
• good understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, cultures and history (ideally with direct experience working with Indigenous stakeholders)
• understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
• ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
• willingness and commitment to continue to develop cultural competency.
Candidates should exhibit sound judgement and professionalism and have the capacity to work flexibly and responsively to achieve results. To fill the role, we are looking for candidates who will play a key role in overseeing all elements associated with grant administration processes.
Candidates will be required to provide advice and recommendations on grant agreements and ensure compliance with relevant legislation, guidelines, and policy frameworks. The role requires an understanding of financial statements and the ability to use online grant management systems.
To fill the role, we are looking for candidates who can demonstrate the following competencies:
• basic analytical, research and problem solving skills
• ability to manage grant agreements with a lower level of complexity and identify potential risks to relevant internal stakeholders when appropriate
• ability to engage effectively with stakeholders regarding the management of grant agreements e.g service delivery and provider capability risks, performance reports, grant payment instalments
• ability to maintain appropriate and accurate records and use online databases
• demonstrated flexibility and good judgement
• willingness and commitment to develop cultural competency in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
