Policy Opportunities (Multiple Roles)
Policy Officer | Senior Policy Officer | Principal Policy Advisor | Policy Manager
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.
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
We are seeking talented policy professionals to join the Policy Team at Gellung Warl. We have multiple opportunities available across a range of levels, from policy officer level through to senior policy experts and managers. Appointments will be made based on the skills, experience and strengths of applicants.
Working within a complex and culturally significant reform environment, you will contribute to policy advice and development, research, managing strategic projects and Treaty-related initiatives that support the self-determination, empowerment and collective decision-making of First Peoples in Victoria. You will work closely with Traditional Owners, Assembly Members, community experts, leadership and key stakeholders to develop high-quality policy advice, support informed decision-making and advance Gellung Warl’s priorities. The roles operate within a dynamic environment requiring strong cultural capability, strategic and analytical thinking, sound judgement, stakeholder engagement skills and a commitment to community-informed policy development.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
Depending on the level of appointment, responsibilities may include:
- Developing and delivering high-quality policy advice, research, strategic analysis and recommendations on complex issues.
- Leading or contributing to strategic projects that support organisational priorities, Treaty-making activities and reform outcomes.
- Supporting coordination of work across Gellung Warl’s committees and broader governance framework, enabling informed decision-making
- Preparing briefs, reports, submissions, discussion papers, options papers and governance materials for a range of audiences.
- Supporting policy development and decision-making through evidence-based research and analysis.
- Building and maintaining trusted relationships with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal community representatives, Assembly Members and other stakeholders.
- Contributing to community engagement activities, consultation processes and stakeholder forums.
- Identifying emerging issues, risks and opportunities and providing practical recommendations in response.
- Coordinating competing priorities and delivering work to agreed timelines and quality standards.
- At senior levels, providing project leadership, team coordination, mentoring and strategic policy leadership across multiple priority areas.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:
- Strong policy, research and analytical skills, including the ability to assess complex issues and develop practical, evidence-based recommendations.
- Excellent written communication skills, including experience preparing briefs, reports, submissions, policy papers and other strategic documents.
- Strong verbal communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build relationships across diverse groups and interests.
- The ability to work effectively in complex, sensitive and evolving environments while maintaining professionalism, integrity and sound judgement.
- An understanding of, or ability to quickly develop an understanding of, Victorian Aboriginal communities, organisations and policy environments.
- Demonstrated commitment to cultural safety, self-determination and working respectfully with First Peoples communities.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver quality outcomes within tight timeframes.
- For senior positions, demonstrated experience leading complex policy initiatives, strategic projects, teams or significant stakeholder relationships.
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
Successful applicants will typically possess a combination of the below:
- Experience working in policy, law, strategy, research, government relations, public administration, advocacy, social policy or a related field.
- Experience developing policy advice, undertaking research or delivering strategic projects in a complex and fast paced environment, supporting informed decision-making.
- Experience engaging with stakeholders and building collaborative relationships to achieve outcomes.
- For manager positions, demonstrated experience managing a team is highly desired.
- Relevant qualifications in policy, law, public administration, Aboriginal affairs or a related discipline, or equivalent demonstrated experience working across these areas.
- A current Working with Children Check , or the ability to obtain and maintain a WWCC.
SALARY & TERM
- Multiple ongoing and fixed-term opportunities may be available.
- Positions will be offered across a range of classifications and salary levels commensurate with skills, experience and responsibilities.
- Competitive remuneration, superannuation and flexible hybrid working arrangements are available.
- These roles are based in Collingwood, Victoria, with flexibility for hybrid working arrangements.
ABOUT THIS RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN
We recognise that exceptional policy practitioners bring diverse experiences, backgrounds and strengths. Rather than recruiting to a single predefined role, we are seeking to grow and strengthen our existing Policy Team and encourage applications from candidates across a range of experience levels. Following assessment, applicants may be considered for a Policy Officer, Senior Policy Officer, Principal Policy Advisor or Policy Manager opportunity, based on their capabilities, experience and organisational needs. As we continue to expand our policy capability, we are looking for individuals who can bring complementary expertise, fresh perspectives and diverse experiences that will further enhance the strength and impact of our team.
We are intentionally building a multidisciplinary policy team and are interested in hearing from candidates with expertise across a broad range of policy domains, including economics and finance, law, Treaty and First Peoples affairs, governance, social policy, strategy, community engagement, public administration and reform. Whether your experience has been gained in community-controlled organisations, government, academia, advocacy, corporate or other sectors, we value the diverse perspectives and policy approaches that strengthen decision-making and create better outcomes for First Peoples in Victoria.
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]. Please also make sure you specify which position you are applying for.
To support timely recruitment, applications will be reviewed as they are received and suitable candidates may be contacted for interview prior to the closing date. We encourage interested applicants to submit their application as early as possible, as the recruitment process may conclude before the advertised closing date if all positions are filled.