Senior Advisor, Aboriginal Employment and Cultural Safety

The Senior Advisor, First Peoples Employment and Development, plays a key role in the strategic planning, review, development and implementation of Aboriginal employment initiatives that support the department's Aboriginal employment objectives and commitments outlined in Pupangarli Marnmarnepu: Owning Our Future Aboriginal Self-Determination Reform Strategy.

The role is responsible for ensuring the team is positioned to deliver on its strategic priorities by identifying emerging opportunities, risks and challenges, and providing evidence-based advice to inform decision-making. The Senior Advisor supports a clear line of sight between strategy, implementation and outcomes, embedding continuous improvement practices to enhance organisational performance and Aboriginal employment outcomes.

A critical element of the role is building effective partnerships across the department to strengthen business-as-usual workforce initiatives and embed strategic design principles within First Peoples Employment and Development programs, projects, frameworks and strategies.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Demonstrated lived and/or professional experience and a strong understanding of Victorian Aboriginal communities, including their diversity, aspirations, strengths and perspectives.
• Extensive experience building and maintaining effective relationships and networks with Aboriginal people and communities across Victoria, with a demonstrated understanding of cultural protocols, cultural safety and effective engagement practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal employment, workforce development, self-determination policy settings and the Victorian Government Aboriginal affairs landscape.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of Theory of Change, Program Logic, evaluation frameworks and outcomes-based planning methodologies.
• Demonstrated project management experience, including governance, risk management, reporting, budget oversight and stakeholder engagement to deliver strategic outcomes.
• Demonstrated understanding of workforce strategy, organisational development, change management and organisational systems, including the ability to influence business practices and drive sustainable workforce outcomes.
• Demonstrated commitment to Aboriginal self-determination and culturally safe practices, with an understanding of the Victorian Aboriginal cultural landscape and its diversity.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers. 

Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on Monday, 05 October 2026. 

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave. For more information visit applying for a role with us.

This position is classified as an “identified position” aimed at increasing employment opportunities for Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People. The position requires an in-depth knowledge of Aboriginal culture and an ability to communicate with Aboriginal communities. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

We recognise the significant responsibility to enable self-determination, be accountable to Traditional Owners and provide opportunities to strengthen First Peoples’ connection to Country. We are committed to creating a culturally safe environment, where individuals feel safe, valued, and able to celebrate their culture, and spiritual and belief systems. For general information about Aboriginal Employment at DEECA, please contact aboriginal.employment@deeca.vic.gov.au.