Who we are
The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) implements the Australian Government’s policies and programs to enable the self-determination and aspirations of First Nations communities by ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are heard, recognised and empowered. The NIAA influences policy across the Australian Government, and state and territory jurisdictions, to ensure First Nations policies, programs and services are developed and delivered effectively to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The NIAA works in genuine partnership to enable the self-determination and aspirations of First Nations communities. We lead and influence change across government to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a say in the decisions that affect them. We have a large national footprint with over 1500 passionate staff spread across offices in remote, regional and urban locations. This enables us to work closely and partner with First Nations communities and leaders, organisations, peak bodies and all levels of government to develop, implement and evaluate policies and programs. We coordinate and influence across government to ensure policies and programs are fit for purpose, impactful and aligned with community aspirations.
We’re driven by an understanding that valuing and preserving the world’s oldest living cultures strengthens the whole nation. Reconciliation is at the heart of what we do, and we play a key role in promoting reconciliation across the Commonwealth and all levels of the Australian Public Service. NIAA’s shared Values and Behaviours underpin how we work, and how we do business with our partners and stakeholders. We are committed to adapting and evolving the way we work to make sure we continue to deliver positive outcomes in partnership with First Nations people.
What we do
The NIAA’s work is guided by our purpose. We focus on building genuine partnerships, investing effectively, and leading and coordinating across government to achieve better outcomes for First Nations peoples and communities.
Our priority areas are informed by the NIAA vision, overarching narrative, government and ministerial priorities, and our Executive Order, including:
- Jobs
- Housing
- Education
- Health
- Justice
- Food Security
All NIAA activity is clearly framed and aligned to Closing the Gap priorities, policy and initiatives and is informed by the best available evidence and data.
Our key activities to deliver our purpose are:
- Build and maintain effective partnerships to support the empowerment and self-determination of First Nations peoples
- Lead and Coordinate across government to implement the National Agreement on Closing the Gap
- Invest and deliver programs and policies to achieve positive outcomes for First Nations peoples and Communities
- Use evaluation findings and information to inform evidence-based decision that support the positive impact of policies and programs.
Read our Corporate Plan to find out more about our priorities and key activities.
About the Role
The NIAA Graduate Program aims to offer graduates a platform to apply and develop knowledge and skills within a nurturing work environment. The program offers a variety of work placements, fosters ongoing development, enhances networks and supports career advancement, all while contributing to the Government's priorities to empower First Nations people and communities.
Graduates have the opportunity to rotate across the Agency’s key business areas, gaining hands-on experience and exposure to important government initiatives. Rotations provide graduates with a broad understanding of the Agency and APS priorities.
Our key business areas include:
- Policy and Programs - responsible for leading, designing, influencing and investing in national social, economic and cultural policies and programs that advance the wellbeing and economic aspirations of First Nations peoples. This includes partnering across Commonwealth, state and territory governments, First Nations organisations, and peak bodies to deliver Government priorities and drive initiatives that create lasting change.
- Operations and Delivery - responsible for ensuring the successful implementation of place-based service delivery to First Nations communities across the country and providing oversight of emergency management efforts. The groups foster strong partnerships and supports connected and community-led solutions that are tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of communities.
- Corporate and Enabling Services – responsible for providing strategic advice and functions to support the Agency’s operations. Functions including grants management, finance, human resources, communications, integrity, governance, data and legal services. The groups focus on empowering our workforce, enhancing capabilities, and ensuring the Agency is well equipped to deliver on our vision.
Placements are tailored to each graduate’s interests, skills, abilities, while also considering location preferences and the Agency’s priorities.
Regardless of the roles a graduate undertakes during the course of the program, the work will be engaging, complex and fulfilling and at the forefront of Indigenous affairs.
Our Ideal Candidate
We are seeking graduates from across all academic disciplines that want to work at the NIAA because they are passionate and want to make a real difference by contributing to work that ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are heard, recognised and empowered.
To be successful in the NIAA Graduate Program you will:
- have a genuine interest in making a positive contribution to the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- be committed and proactive in developing your skills including and openness to new opportunities and learning.
- communicate information and ideas clearly in a variety of forms (both verbal and written) and build and maintain relationships.
- have analytical and strategic skills, using data and evidence and considering risks and impacts to inform decision making.
- be creative and innovative in developing ideas and solving problems.
- have flexibility and resilience including the ability to adapt to new situations, respond to challenges and learn from mistakes.
- have an awareness of issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, the ability to communicate sensitively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and a commitment to developing your ongoing cultural capability.
- be a collaborative team member, embracing and respecting diversity, ensuring everyone feels included and being sensitive to other perspectives, work styles and ideas.
- be a committed, energetic and curious person who embodies NIAA’s values and behaviours.
Key facts about the NIAA Graduate Program
- 12 months in duration and consists of three rotations through various work areas, including a potential rotation in a different location across one of our many metropolitan, regional or remote locations.
- Access to extensive professional learning and development, particularly ongoing cross-cultural learning through NIAA’s ‘Footprints Program’, as well as some fantastic personal development opportunities.
- Dedicated pastoral care and a distinctive support program which includes a formal mentor program and a graduate buddy.
- Generous relocation assistance is available.
- Participants are assessed for potential advancement to APS5 and APS6 upon completion of the program.
Eligibility
- You’ll need to be an Australian Citizen to work for the NIAA.
- You’ll need to agree to pre-employment screening checks to work for the NIAA. This role also requires a Baseline Vetting (Protected) Security clearance. We may also conduct further integrity checks during the course of your employment.
- To be eligible for the 2026 NIAA Graduate Program, you must be in the final year of your undergraduate degree (or higher) or have completed your university studies within the past eight years.
- This position constitutes an Affirmative Measure — Indigenous position under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 and is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates.
How to apply
If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you! Submit an online application by Sunday, 27 April 2025 at 11:30pm AEST.
Who to Contact
For more information about the role, please contact Timarah Kingston on (02) 6152 3648 or at entrylevelprograms@niaa.gov.au.
If you experience any difficulties accessing or submitting your online application, please contact the Recruitment Team on (02) 6152 4357 or email help@niaa.gov.au.
