Job Description
Senior HR Advisor
APS level 6
This is an Affirmative Measures opportunity
This position will be filled using the Affirmative Measure provision, which allows for the
targeted recruitment of Indigenous Australians into the Australian Public Service. The vacancy
is only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. The filling of this employment
opportunity is intended to constitute an Affirmative Measure under section 8(1) of the Racial
Discrimination Act 1+75.
AIATSIS Application Pack Senior HR Advisor | 1
Our Journey
AIATSIS has a proud identity as Australia’s only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led
national cultural institution that celebrates, educates, and inspires people from all walks of life
to connect with the rights, knowledge, cultures and stories of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples. We play a vital role in developing deeper and shared understandings of
our Nation’s history and future on Australia’s truth-telling journey, working towards collective
healing.
In 2026, AIATSIS celebrates our 60th anniversary and reflects on our evolution as an
organisation during that time. Over the next five years, our operating environment will continue
to change, and we must position ourselves to respond to this change.
Our Vision
To create a world in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights, knowledge,
cultures and stories are recognised, respected, celebrated and valued.
Our Purpose
We are the only national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural institution solely
dedicated to telling the story of Australia’s First Nations peoples.
We collect, steward and appropriately share Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’
knowledge through our collection, our leadership in research and our network of collaborations
and partnerships by:
Creating opportunities for everyone to encounter, engage with and be transformed by
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights, knowledge, cultures and stories.
Enhancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural vitality; and
Shaping our national narrative.
Our functions are established under the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Studies Act 1+8+.
AIATSIS Application Pack Senior HR Advisor | 2
Senior HR Advisor
Vacancy Information
Job Reference 1+3_08/24
Classification APS level 6
No. of vacancies 1
Salary $+0,1++ - $101,022
Group Strategic Operations
Area People Services
Employment Status Ongoing
Hours Full time 36.75
Close Date 11.30pm, Thursday 1+ September 2026
Contact Person Linda Renehan
(02) 6246 1613
Linda.Renehan@aiatsis.gov.au
AIATSIS Application Pack Senior HR Advisor | 3
About the Group
The Strategic Operations Group is an enabling services function providing strategic support to
the Institute. The group comprises 5 areas covering Governance, People Services, Finance,
Digital Services and the new Central Australia facility (Mparntwe).
About the Program Area
The People Services Unit sits within the Strategic Operations Group. People Services is
responsible for the delivery of human resource services across the Institute. It is a small team
that delivers workforce planning, recruitment, payroll, and performance as well as providing
sound HR advice and support.
People Services develop strategic HR programs and policies as well as administering key
committees including AIATSIS Consultative committee and Workplace Health and Safety
committee.
Key Responsibilities
The Senior HR Advisor sits in the HR Policy and Learning & Development function, providing
advice on employment conditions pertaining to the Enterprise Agreement and legislative
requirements, including APS specific conditions.
Key functions of the Senior HR Advisor are to review, undertake research, consult, and develop
HR policies and procedures to ensure alignment with the Enterprise Agreement and AIATSIS
processes. This role is integral to the HR governance frameworks, as the Senior HR Advisor
must actively incorporate the changes in internal policies to support the administration of
provisions and to provide guidance for employees.
The Senior HR Advisor also provides secretariat services to the Health and Safety (HSC) and
Consultative (ICC) committees and coordination of the Institute’s learning and development
activities.
Cultural capability - essential
The nature of this role requires the candidate to consistently demonstrate the following specific
cultural capabilities:
Understands Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business within the Institute and the
outcomes the Institute is responsible for delivering
Communicates respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders,
clients and colleagues
Models inclusive behaviour and ability to promptly deal with inappropriate behaviour
Considers and respects the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
and heritage
AIATSIS embodies Yindyamarra1 in everything we do
1 Yindyamarra is a shared Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal word meaning honour and respect. More broadly it implies
thoughtfulness, graciousness and kindness.
AIATSIS Application Pack Senior HR Advisor | 4
Skills, knowledge and personal attributes
The ideal candidate will come with the skills, experience, and attributes below:
Proven ability to work collaboratively within a small team
Enthusiastic and self-motivated
Effective communicator, with a high level of attention to detail
Positive team member with the ability to contribute to the achievement of outcomes
Experience in delivering APS policy and advice
Experience or willingness to learn in interpreting employment frameworks
What we offer
We understand that you will work best when you have a healthy work-life balance and can
attend to your family commitments. That is why we offer,
Great salary conditions
15.4% Superannuation
Competitive leave entitlements, including 20 days annual leave, 18 days personal leave,
Cultural, ceremonial and NAIDOC leave, up to 18 weeks parental leave, and the ability to
purchase extra leave.
Health benefits including, reimbursements for health promotion activities, eye health and
flu vaccinations.
For eligible employees, generous study leave, course fee and materials assistance, to
undertake relevant accredited study.
Paid leave during end of year shutdown
Flexible working conditions
Who to contact
For enquiries about this job please contact Linda Renehan, (02) 6246 1613,
Linda.Renehan@aiatsis.gov.au
If you are experiencing any difficulties accessing or submitting your online application, please
contact the AIATSIS Recruitment Team recruitment@aiatsis.gov.au
How to apply
If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you! Apply
through our online recruitment system (eRecruit)
Closing Date 11.30pm (AEDST) on Thursday 1+ September 2026
You will need to address both the Cultural Capability (no more than 500 words) and skills,
knowledge and personal attributes (no more than 750 words) sections, in your response.
Provide a succinct summary outlining why you are interested in this position and why you
believe that you have the cultural capability, skills, knowledge, and experience to be
considered for this role. Please provide examples which demonstrate your ability to perform
the duties of the position.
AIATSIS Application Pack Senior HR Advisor | 5
Your cultural competency will carry more weight than other factors in the assessment. These
requirements are based on the information provided to you as part of the job opportunity.
Do not simply state that you meet the requirements - it is essential that you provide
examples from your current or past role(s) which demonstrate how you meet each of the key
areas or points. You should focus on how your experience, achievements and capabilities
will enable you to successfully undertake the responsibilities of the role(s).
Applicants are also required to submit a current CV/resume.
If you need assistance developing your response, you may want to refer to the applying
for jobs on the Australian Public Service Commission website:
http://www.apsc.gov.au/working-in-the-aps/applying-for-jobs-in-the-aps
Affirmative Measures positions
Jobs in the APS are open to all Australian citizens. There are some jobs, though, that are open
only to specific members of the Australian population. This practice is known as an Affirmative
measure and is a targeted strategy to ensure the diversity of the APS workforce reflects the
diversity of the Australian population.
Any job can be restricted to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people only, and it doesn't
necessarily have to involve working on Indigenous issues. If a position has been advertised as
an Affirmative measure, it will be clearly marked as such.
The use of the Indigenous Affirmative Measures provision at AIATSIS allows for targeted
recruitment of Indigenous Australians into the organisation. If you are applying for an
Affirmative Measures position, you will need to indicate your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
Islander heritage on our application form and provide confirmation if required.
What is Cultural Capability?
As all positions at AIATSIS are ‘Identified’ each position will have various elements of
involvement with the delivery of Indigenous specific services, programs, and policies as part of
AIATSIS core functions. AIATSIS therefore needs to also identify the cultural knowledge; skills
and personal attributes needed to deliver the required outcomes.
Every part of how we work, who we work with and for, requires varying levels of knowledge of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, protocols and an understanding of issues that
enable effective communication and ultimately effective performance in the role. To assist you in
determining the required cultural capabilities of this role, you can refer to the Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Cultural Capability – A Framework for Commonwealth Agencies
AIATSIS Application Pack Senior HR Advisor | 6
APS level 6
This is an Affirmative Measures opportunity
This position will be filled using the Affirmative Measure provision, which allows for the
targeted recruitment of Indigenous Australians into the Australian Public Service. The vacancy
is only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. The filling of this employment
opportunity is intended to constitute an Affirmative Measure under section 8(1) of the Racial
Discrimination Act 1+75.
AIATSIS Application Pack Senior HR Advisor | 1
Our Journey
AIATSIS has a proud identity as Australia’s only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led
national cultural institution that celebrates, educates, and inspires people from all walks of life
to connect with the rights, knowledge, cultures and stories of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples. We play a vital role in developing deeper and shared understandings of
our Nation’s history and future on Australia’s truth-telling journey, working towards collective
healing.
In 2026, AIATSIS celebrates our 60th anniversary and reflects on our evolution as an
organisation during that time. Over the next five years, our operating environment will continue
to change, and we must position ourselves to respond to this change.
Our Vision
To create a world in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights, knowledge,
cultures and stories are recognised, respected, celebrated and valued.
Our Purpose
We are the only national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural institution solely
dedicated to telling the story of Australia’s First Nations peoples.
We collect, steward and appropriately share Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’
knowledge through our collection, our leadership in research and our network of collaborations
and partnerships by:
Creating opportunities for everyone to encounter, engage with and be transformed by
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights, knowledge, cultures and stories.
Enhancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural vitality; and
Shaping our national narrative.
Our functions are established under the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Studies Act 1+8+.
AIATSIS Application Pack Senior HR Advisor | 2
Senior HR Advisor
Vacancy Information
Job Reference 1+3_08/24
Classification APS level 6
No. of vacancies 1
Salary $+0,1++ - $101,022
Group Strategic Operations
Area People Services
Employment Status Ongoing
Hours Full time 36.75
Close Date 11.30pm, Thursday 1+ September 2026
Contact Person Linda Renehan
(02) 6246 1613
Linda.Renehan@aiatsis.gov.au
AIATSIS Application Pack Senior HR Advisor | 3
About the Group
The Strategic Operations Group is an enabling services function providing strategic support to
the Institute. The group comprises 5 areas covering Governance, People Services, Finance,
Digital Services and the new Central Australia facility (Mparntwe).
About the Program Area
The People Services Unit sits within the Strategic Operations Group. People Services is
responsible for the delivery of human resource services across the Institute. It is a small team
that delivers workforce planning, recruitment, payroll, and performance as well as providing
sound HR advice and support.
People Services develop strategic HR programs and policies as well as administering key
committees including AIATSIS Consultative committee and Workplace Health and Safety
committee.
Key Responsibilities
The Senior HR Advisor sits in the HR Policy and Learning & Development function, providing
advice on employment conditions pertaining to the Enterprise Agreement and legislative
requirements, including APS specific conditions.
Key functions of the Senior HR Advisor are to review, undertake research, consult, and develop
HR policies and procedures to ensure alignment with the Enterprise Agreement and AIATSIS
processes. This role is integral to the HR governance frameworks, as the Senior HR Advisor
must actively incorporate the changes in internal policies to support the administration of
provisions and to provide guidance for employees.
The Senior HR Advisor also provides secretariat services to the Health and Safety (HSC) and
Consultative (ICC) committees and coordination of the Institute’s learning and development
activities.
Cultural capability - essential
The nature of this role requires the candidate to consistently demonstrate the following specific
cultural capabilities:
Understands Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business within the Institute and the
outcomes the Institute is responsible for delivering
Communicates respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders,
clients and colleagues
Models inclusive behaviour and ability to promptly deal with inappropriate behaviour
Considers and respects the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
and heritage
AIATSIS embodies Yindyamarra1 in everything we do
1 Yindyamarra is a shared Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal word meaning honour and respect. More broadly it implies
thoughtfulness, graciousness and kindness.
AIATSIS Application Pack Senior HR Advisor | 4
Skills, knowledge and personal attributes
The ideal candidate will come with the skills, experience, and attributes below:
Proven ability to work collaboratively within a small team
Enthusiastic and self-motivated
Effective communicator, with a high level of attention to detail
Positive team member with the ability to contribute to the achievement of outcomes
Experience in delivering APS policy and advice
Experience or willingness to learn in interpreting employment frameworks
What we offer
We understand that you will work best when you have a healthy work-life balance and can
attend to your family commitments. That is why we offer,
Great salary conditions
15.4% Superannuation
Competitive leave entitlements, including 20 days annual leave, 18 days personal leave,
Cultural, ceremonial and NAIDOC leave, up to 18 weeks parental leave, and the ability to
purchase extra leave.
Health benefits including, reimbursements for health promotion activities, eye health and
flu vaccinations.
For eligible employees, generous study leave, course fee and materials assistance, to
undertake relevant accredited study.
Paid leave during end of year shutdown
Flexible working conditions
Who to contact
For enquiries about this job please contact Linda Renehan, (02) 6246 1613,
Linda.Renehan@aiatsis.gov.au
If you are experiencing any difficulties accessing or submitting your online application, please
contact the AIATSIS Recruitment Team recruitment@aiatsis.gov.au
How to apply
If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you! Apply
through our online recruitment system (eRecruit)
Closing Date 11.30pm (AEDST) on Thursday 1+ September 2026
You will need to address both the Cultural Capability (no more than 500 words) and skills,
knowledge and personal attributes (no more than 750 words) sections, in your response.
Provide a succinct summary outlining why you are interested in this position and why you
believe that you have the cultural capability, skills, knowledge, and experience to be
considered for this role. Please provide examples which demonstrate your ability to perform
the duties of the position.
AIATSIS Application Pack Senior HR Advisor | 5
Your cultural competency will carry more weight than other factors in the assessment. These
requirements are based on the information provided to you as part of the job opportunity.
Do not simply state that you meet the requirements - it is essential that you provide
examples from your current or past role(s) which demonstrate how you meet each of the key
areas or points. You should focus on how your experience, achievements and capabilities
will enable you to successfully undertake the responsibilities of the role(s).
Applicants are also required to submit a current CV/resume.
If you need assistance developing your response, you may want to refer to the applying
for jobs on the Australian Public Service Commission website:
http://www.apsc.gov.au/working-in-the-aps/applying-for-jobs-in-the-aps
Affirmative Measures positions
Jobs in the APS are open to all Australian citizens. There are some jobs, though, that are open
only to specific members of the Australian population. This practice is known as an Affirmative
measure and is a targeted strategy to ensure the diversity of the APS workforce reflects the
diversity of the Australian population.
Any job can be restricted to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people only, and it doesn't
necessarily have to involve working on Indigenous issues. If a position has been advertised as
an Affirmative measure, it will be clearly marked as such.
The use of the Indigenous Affirmative Measures provision at AIATSIS allows for targeted
recruitment of Indigenous Australians into the organisation. If you are applying for an
Affirmative Measures position, you will need to indicate your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
Islander heritage on our application form and provide confirmation if required.
What is Cultural Capability?
As all positions at AIATSIS are ‘Identified’ each position will have various elements of
involvement with the delivery of Indigenous specific services, programs, and policies as part of
AIATSIS core functions. AIATSIS therefore needs to also identify the cultural knowledge; skills
and personal attributes needed to deliver the required outcomes.
Every part of how we work, who we work with and for, requires varying levels of knowledge of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, protocols and an understanding of issues that
enable effective communication and ultimately effective performance in the role. To assist you in
determining the required cultural capabilities of this role, you can refer to the Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Cultural Capability – A Framework for Commonwealth Agencies
AIATSIS Application Pack Senior HR Advisor | 6
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Senior HR Advisor |Affirmative Measures position is now open for candidates interested in the Waiter / Steward Jobs sector. This role in Canberra 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 Waiter / Steward Jobs is a plus.