Job Description
Full job description
Ongoing & Non-ongoing for an initial period of up to + months, Flexible working arrangements will be considered
Alice Springs, NT; Woden, ACT (other NIAA office locations will be considered)
Location: Alice Springs, NT; Woden, ACT (other NIAA office locations will be considered)
Application Closing Date: 11-Sep-2026
Classification
APS Level 5 ($85,633 - $+1,54+)
APS Level 6 ($+4,715 - $106,438)
Employment Type
Ongoing & Non-ongoing (for an initial period of up to + months)
This role is being advertised as both ongoing and non-ongoing, with the employment type to be determined in negotiation with the preferred candidate and the NIAA delegate.
Where a non-ongoing specified term is offered, this would be for an initial period of up to + months, with possibility of extension up to a maximum period of two years.
A non-ongoing offer may result in conversion to an ongoing offer of employment, however this must occur within 18 months from the opening date of this advertisement.
Flexible Work
Flexible working arrangements will be considered
The Opportunity
The NIAA is seeking experienced, committed and highly skilled APS 5 and APS 6 staff members with a range of skills to join our team to support work on the Central Australia Plan (CAP) based in Alice Springs NT, Canberra ACT or other NIAA office locations subject to agreement.
The Taskforce implements the Australian Government’s plan for A Better, Safer Future for Central Australia (Central Australia Plan – CAP). The Taskforce team works closely with communities, service providers and the Northern Territory Government to develop and implement solutions in partnership with the local communities in Central Australia.
The team implements the Australian Government’s investment package in the Central Australian region and supports the Office of the Central Australia Regional Controller. This requires engagement across multiple jurisdictions, with stakeholders and First Nations partners for the delivery of the CAP. In addition, the team undertakes strategic planning for longer term outcomes to address social determinants that contribute to complex problems identified in the Central Australian region.
The team’s work is strongly aligned to community and Government’s priorities, including the Priority Reforms under the National Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap. Working closely with the Central Australian Regional Office, the team works seamlessly across locations, with people based in Canberra, Alice Springs and other NIAA office locations across Australia. Alice Springs based staff are responsible for working alongside the existing regional and policy teams to leverage local intelligence and policy insights to deliver outcomes in a place-based approach. Canberra and other staff are responsible for coordinating Commonwealth efforts to support the implementation of programs and improved delivery of services in the Central Australian region.
Together, the teams influence policy design and model place-based implementation, focusing on activities that empower self-determination for community through genuine partnership and a regional focus. Canberra-based staff are responsible for working alongside Commonwealth departments and NIAA policy teams to implement the CAP. Travel to Alice Springs is a requirement of the role. The Canberra teams manage a range of policy, program, media and communications and corporate functions to ensure the smooth operation of the team.
We are seeking individuals to assist on both a short and long term basis in Alice Springs and Canberra and, subject to agreement, other NIAA office locations. We would welcome conversations on individual circumstances and preferences. Reasonable relocation support to Alice Springs will be negotiated with successful candidates as well as provision of remote localities entitlements (including allowance, additional leave and travel fares) as detailed in our Enterprise Agreement.
Working independently or under limited guidance, the key responsibilities for the APS5 role include:
providing secretariat and other support to the CAP Aboriginal Leadership Group and Youth Roundtable, to implement priorities for the CAP
assisting with the drafting of briefing, policy papers and submissions to Government
assisting with mapping services and Australian Government funding committed to Central Australia to identify gaps and opportunities
assisting with the drafting of responses to media inquiries and communique
undertaking research and analysis to obtain accurate conclusions based on evidence
harnessing data to provide insights into policy issues, implementation and evaluation of the CAP
liaising with internal and external stakeholders and respond to stakeholder needs.
Working independently and with limited direction, the key responsibilities for the APS6 role include:
providing high level secretariat and other support to the CAP Aboriginal Leadership Group and Youth Roundtable, to implement priorities for the CAP
supporting the development of briefing, policy papers and submissions to Government
assisting with mapping services and Australian Government funding committed to Central Australia to identify gaps and opportunities
drafting responses to media inquiries and communique
conducting research and analysis on complex matters
assisting with planning how data can be used and harnessing data to provide insights into policy issues, implementation and evaluation of the CAP
maintaining awareness of the longer-term strategic, political or operational outcomes for the agency and possible impacts on the work area
identifying emerging opportunities or issues and respond quickly to competing priorities
developing and maintaining internal and external relationships with key stakeholders, providing appropriate advice and managing the resolution of issues or complaints.
Our Ideal Candidate
As an APS5 or APS6 Officer in the CAP Taskforce, you will be part of a team focused on strategic cross-Government implementation of the Plan. The role in Alice Springs has responsibility for implementing the Plan on-the-ground and working with local stakeholders. The role in Canberra (or other NIAA office locations as noted above) will lead on policy and program work in the National Office.
We are seeking candidates who demonstrate, or have the capacity to learn, the following attributes and capabilities:
ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with First Nations people
high level of cultural acumen and understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to First Nations people
demonstrated experience and understanding of policy and programs development, implementation and evaluation
strong stakeholder engagement and consultation skills and a demonstrated ability to develop positive and productive relationships
excellent organisational skills, including the ability to adapt to change, work in a fast paced and high-pressure environment, and work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders
high-quality written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor approaches to a range of audiences
ability to use data and evidence to assist in decision making and reporting
ability to think strategically and appropriately consider risks and impacts
resilient and forward-looking with strong personal drive and integrity
ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively within diverse teams, located across Australia, across governments and with multiple agencies.
Identified Position
This position is Identified which signifies that the role has strong involvement in matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This position has direct engagement with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and service providers, or is involved in the development of programmes and policy. You will require a high level of cultural competency, including:
demonstrated understanding of the matters impacting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
demonstrated high level ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
demonstrated high level capability and commitment to continue to develop cultural competency.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this position you must be an Australian Citizen.
The successful candidate will be required to be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check.
Security Clearance Required
Baseline Vetting (Protected)
Contact Officer
Shaaerah Mahboob on 02 6152 3+51 or [email protected]
Please Note – This is an unclassified web based recruitment system so your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your one page pitch and resume.
You must create an Indeed account before continuing to the company website to apply
Ongoing & Non-ongoing for an initial period of up to + months, Flexible working arrangements will be considered
Alice Springs, NT; Woden, ACT (other NIAA office locations will be considered)
Location: Alice Springs, NT; Woden, ACT (other NIAA office locations will be considered)
Application Closing Date: 11-Sep-2026
Classification
APS Level 5 ($85,633 - $+1,54+)
APS Level 6 ($+4,715 - $106,438)
Employment Type
Ongoing & Non-ongoing (for an initial period of up to + months)
This role is being advertised as both ongoing and non-ongoing, with the employment type to be determined in negotiation with the preferred candidate and the NIAA delegate.
Where a non-ongoing specified term is offered, this would be for an initial period of up to + months, with possibility of extension up to a maximum period of two years.
A non-ongoing offer may result in conversion to an ongoing offer of employment, however this must occur within 18 months from the opening date of this advertisement.
Flexible Work
Flexible working arrangements will be considered
The Opportunity
The NIAA is seeking experienced, committed and highly skilled APS 5 and APS 6 staff members with a range of skills to join our team to support work on the Central Australia Plan (CAP) based in Alice Springs NT, Canberra ACT or other NIAA office locations subject to agreement.
The Taskforce implements the Australian Government’s plan for A Better, Safer Future for Central Australia (Central Australia Plan – CAP). The Taskforce team works closely with communities, service providers and the Northern Territory Government to develop and implement solutions in partnership with the local communities in Central Australia.
The team implements the Australian Government’s investment package in the Central Australian region and supports the Office of the Central Australia Regional Controller. This requires engagement across multiple jurisdictions, with stakeholders and First Nations partners for the delivery of the CAP. In addition, the team undertakes strategic planning for longer term outcomes to address social determinants that contribute to complex problems identified in the Central Australian region.
The team’s work is strongly aligned to community and Government’s priorities, including the Priority Reforms under the National Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap. Working closely with the Central Australian Regional Office, the team works seamlessly across locations, with people based in Canberra, Alice Springs and other NIAA office locations across Australia. Alice Springs based staff are responsible for working alongside the existing regional and policy teams to leverage local intelligence and policy insights to deliver outcomes in a place-based approach. Canberra and other staff are responsible for coordinating Commonwealth efforts to support the implementation of programs and improved delivery of services in the Central Australian region.
Together, the teams influence policy design and model place-based implementation, focusing on activities that empower self-determination for community through genuine partnership and a regional focus. Canberra-based staff are responsible for working alongside Commonwealth departments and NIAA policy teams to implement the CAP. Travel to Alice Springs is a requirement of the role. The Canberra teams manage a range of policy, program, media and communications and corporate functions to ensure the smooth operation of the team.
We are seeking individuals to assist on both a short and long term basis in Alice Springs and Canberra and, subject to agreement, other NIAA office locations. We would welcome conversations on individual circumstances and preferences. Reasonable relocation support to Alice Springs will be negotiated with successful candidates as well as provision of remote localities entitlements (including allowance, additional leave and travel fares) as detailed in our Enterprise Agreement.
Working independently or under limited guidance, the key responsibilities for the APS5 role include:
providing secretariat and other support to the CAP Aboriginal Leadership Group and Youth Roundtable, to implement priorities for the CAP
assisting with the drafting of briefing, policy papers and submissions to Government
assisting with mapping services and Australian Government funding committed to Central Australia to identify gaps and opportunities
assisting with the drafting of responses to media inquiries and communique
undertaking research and analysis to obtain accurate conclusions based on evidence
harnessing data to provide insights into policy issues, implementation and evaluation of the CAP
liaising with internal and external stakeholders and respond to stakeholder needs.
Working independently and with limited direction, the key responsibilities for the APS6 role include:
providing high level secretariat and other support to the CAP Aboriginal Leadership Group and Youth Roundtable, to implement priorities for the CAP
supporting the development of briefing, policy papers and submissions to Government
assisting with mapping services and Australian Government funding committed to Central Australia to identify gaps and opportunities
drafting responses to media inquiries and communique
conducting research and analysis on complex matters
assisting with planning how data can be used and harnessing data to provide insights into policy issues, implementation and evaluation of the CAP
maintaining awareness of the longer-term strategic, political or operational outcomes for the agency and possible impacts on the work area
identifying emerging opportunities or issues and respond quickly to competing priorities
developing and maintaining internal and external relationships with key stakeholders, providing appropriate advice and managing the resolution of issues or complaints.
Our Ideal Candidate
As an APS5 or APS6 Officer in the CAP Taskforce, you will be part of a team focused on strategic cross-Government implementation of the Plan. The role in Alice Springs has responsibility for implementing the Plan on-the-ground and working with local stakeholders. The role in Canberra (or other NIAA office locations as noted above) will lead on policy and program work in the National Office.
We are seeking candidates who demonstrate, or have the capacity to learn, the following attributes and capabilities:
ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with First Nations people
high level of cultural acumen and understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to First Nations people
demonstrated experience and understanding of policy and programs development, implementation and evaluation
strong stakeholder engagement and consultation skills and a demonstrated ability to develop positive and productive relationships
excellent organisational skills, including the ability to adapt to change, work in a fast paced and high-pressure environment, and work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders
high-quality written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor approaches to a range of audiences
ability to use data and evidence to assist in decision making and reporting
ability to think strategically and appropriately consider risks and impacts
resilient and forward-looking with strong personal drive and integrity
ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively within diverse teams, located across Australia, across governments and with multiple agencies.
Identified Position
This position is Identified which signifies that the role has strong involvement in matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This position has direct engagement with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and service providers, or is involved in the development of programmes and policy. You will require a high level of cultural competency, including:
demonstrated understanding of the matters impacting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
demonstrated high level ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
demonstrated high level capability and commitment to continue to develop cultural competency.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this position you must be an Australian Citizen.
The successful candidate will be required to be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check.
Security Clearance Required
Baseline Vetting (Protected)
Contact Officer
Shaaerah Mahboob on 02 6152 3+51 or [email protected]
Please Note – This is an unclassified web based recruitment system so your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your one page pitch and resume.
You must create an Indeed account before continuing to the company website to apply
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Engagement and Policy Officers| Central Australia Plan Taskforce position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Alice Springs offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.
