Project, Policy, and Strategy Specialist (6-month contract)

Gellung Warl is the new First Peoples’ representative body established through Treaty in 2026. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Salary & Term

• Fixed term – 6 month contract
• Salary from $193,946 to $266,316 per annum (full-time equivalent) plus superannuation, based on experience and expertise.
  
  

Overview

Gellung Warl – meaning ‘tip of the spear’ in Gunaikurnai language – is a First Peoples’ representative and deliberative body, underpinned by Aboriginal Lore, Law and Cultural Authority.

Gellung Warl is established as a statutory corporation under the Treaty Act. It is made up of three arms that work together:

• the First Peoples’ Assembly, the political decision-making arm
• Nginma Ngainga Wara, an independent government oversight and accountability arm and
• Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna, an independent mechanism for ongoing truth-telling.

Gellung Warl is guided by the Ngarrakeetoong Martongakeeyt (Community Vision) and is answerable to Community through the Larbargirrar Gnuurtak Tulkuuk (Community Governance and Answerability Framework), which sets out how Gellung Warl engages with and is answerable to First Peoples in Victoria.

Gellung Warl’s underlying purpose is to promote collective self-government, self-determination and empowerment of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, including by:

• by representing First Peoples in Victoria and exercising decision making powers in relation to First Peoples in Victoria,
• representing First Peoples in Statewide Treaty negotiations with the State, including undertaking ongoing Statewide Treaty negotiations, and supporting Traditional Owner treatymaking,
• providing for ongoing truth-telling and healing,
• advising the Parliament and the State government in relation to matters that affect First Peoples and holding the State government to account in relation to its commitments to, and the impact of its actions on, First Peoples.

Walk with us and make history!

The Role

The purpose of this role is to provide high-level strategic advice, project leadership and analytical support that advances Gellung Warl’s strategic policy priorities, organisational objectives and Treaty outcomes. The role supports the effective development and delivery of projects across a range of issues by providing specialist strategic, legislative and policy advice that inform decision-making and support Treaty-making with Traditional Owners and First Peoples in Victoria.

This role requires the ability to navigate a complex and politically sensitive environment, ensuring strategic advice, stakeholder engagement and project delivery uphold Gellung Warl’s cultural authority, priorities and values while maintaining constructive relationships with colleagues, Traditional Owners, communities, stakeholders and relevant internal teams.

Accountabilities

Strategy & Planning

• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic plans, priorities and organisational initiatives.
• Provide strategic advice and recommendations to support informed decision-making.
• Identify emerging risks, opportunities and trends to inform future planning.
• Support the achievement of organisational priorities through effective planning and execution.

Service Delivery

• Deliver high-quality services that meet organisational standards and stakeholder expectations.
• Ensure work is delivered accurately, efficiently and within agreed timeframes.
• Monitor service delivery and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement processes that enhance service quality and efficiency.

Project & Program Management

• Lead and coordinate projects from planning through to implementation and evaluation.
• Manage competing priorities, timelines, resources and project risks.
• Monitor project progress and report on outcomes and deliverables.
• Ensure projects are delivered within scope, budget and agreed timeframes.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent Gellung Warl at meetings, forums and community events.
• Collaborate across teams to achieve shared organisational outcomes.
• Engage respectfully with Traditional Owners, Members, communities and partner organisations.

Advice & Support

• Provide timely, accurate and practical specialist advice to managers and stakeholders.
• Prepare reports, briefings, correspondence and recommendations.
• Support informed decision-making through analysis and evidence-based advice.
• Respond to enquiries and provide expert guidance within area of responsibility.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies, procedures and organisational standards.
• Monitor and manage risks within the scope of the role.
• Support effective governance through accurate documentation and reporting.
• Maintain records in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements.

Key Selection Critieria

• Lead the development and delivery of key projects and strategic approaches to support Gellung Warl across a range of issues, proactively addressing issues, tracking key deadlines and negotiating outcomes and outputs with stakeholders to ensure project objectives are achieved.
• Manage projects within agreed timelines that support Gellung Warl in carrying out its functions.
• Prepare project briefs, reports, service plans and policy options and recommendations on complex issues that are clear, comprehensive and support a preferred position or course of action.
• Use leadership, judgement and subject matter expertise to address stakeholder issues, identify opportunities and broker practical, durable solutions.
• Ensure contingency plans are in place where required to support effective project and policy delivery.
• Undertake other duties consistent with the role’s classification and purpose as directed.
• Sound understanding of relevant legislation, policies and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience applying professional expertise to complex issues.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability within area of expertise.

Experience & Qualifications

Required:

• Demonstrated experience in complex strategic and research projects.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders and First Peoples community representatives to achieve strategic objectives.
  
  

Desirable:

• Experience supporting Treaty, Indigenous rights, constitutional, governance or major reform processes.
• Knowledge of Victoria’s First Peoples policy, legislative and governance environment.
  
  

Location

This role extends its reach across the Melbourne region with some regional travel as required. 

How to apply

If you are ready to take on a challenging role and make a significant impact, please submit your resume, cover letter, and any other supporting documents to [email protected].

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Note that interviews may commence prior to application close dates as suitable applications come through, so the position may be filled before close date. 

Applications close: 04 October 2026