An exciting opportunity exists for two talented and passionate individuals to join the First Peoples-State Relations Group in the Aboriginal Land Rights Team as a Project Officer at Department of Premier and Cabinet. We have two ongoing positions on offer.

This is a unique opportunity to work in new and innovative ways that recognise First Peoples as the self-determining drivers of Aboriginal affairs in Victoria. This role will contribute to the ground-breaking work of the Group in the areas of truth, Treaty, self-determination and cultural rights.

The First Peoples - State Relations Group supports an extensive program of priority work with First Peoples, applying a strong understanding of self-determination to our work practices and in providing clear and robust advice to the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Premier, Cabinet and senior executives within the Group.

The role of the Project Officer is to support the development and management of a range of projects and programs to strengthen Victoria's Aboriginal communities, specifically at Lake Tyers and Framlingham Aboriginal Trusts. The Project Officer will also be responsible for assisting a small team that regulates the Aboriginal Lands Act 1970 and builds partnerships and engages across government and community to achieve better outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians.

Successful applicants will possess strong interpersonal skills, program management experience, policy skills, and demonstrated experience in working with Aboriginal communities. The position also requires sound judgment and a commitment to achieving results.

The First Peoples - State Relations Group recognises the invaluable contribution of existing Aboriginal staff and is committed to promoting Aboriginal leadership as reflected in the Group's executive team. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and strongly encouraged to apply.

About you

To succeed in this role, you will have:

• Strong project management, planning and organisational skills and the ability to implement and contribute to complex projects within the scheduled timeframe and budget.
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement skills with experience in working effectively with the Victorian Aboriginal community.
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to prepare briefs, correspondence, grants and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct language.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, with an ability to effectively negotiate and resolve project scope, design, and delivery issues with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Sound analytical, conceptual and problem-solving skills with sound judgement, initiative and strategic thinking.

Mandatory requirements

• Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of and experience with Aboriginal communities and an ability to apply this knowledge in the context of Victorian Aboriginal communities.

Current VPS employees are strongly encouraged to apply via the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) platform.

The closing date for this position is Monday, 20 January 2025.

How to apply

Apply before the advertised closing date. All applications should include:

• a resume; and
• a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages).

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Other relevant information

The department is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act), to support this DPC has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DPC employees be fully vaccinated.

Preferred candidates will be required to complete a Pre-employment Declaration and Consent form. Employment of successful candidates will be subject to a National Police Check. 

PC actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with disabilities. All roles at DPC can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.