This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Designated Position, classified under ‘special measures’ of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible 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’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
This is a strategic advisory role providing support to First Peoples’ Assembly members within one of Gellung Warl’s five operational regions.
The purpose of this role is to provide political and strategic advice and support to First Peoples’ Assembly Members. The role assists Assembly Members to be well prepared, well connected and well supported in the performance of their responsibilities.
The role is located within the Community Engagement Team and reports to the Regional Manager responsible for local operations on a day-to-day basis. The role is also part of and has a matrix reporting line to the Head of Public & Political Relations & Negotiations in relation to the delivery of their advisory function.
This role requires the ability to navigate a complex and politically sensitive environment, ensuring advice, coordination and member support uphold Gellung Warl’s cultural authority, priorities and values while maintaining constructive relationships with Members, Traditional Owners, communities, government stakeholders and internal teams.
As part of the regional team, the Gellung Warl Advisor & EA provides advice and coordination support on regional stakeholder, government and political matters, while also delivering high-quality executive and administrative support to elected Members. The role works closely with the Regional Manager and other regional team members and peers in other regions, as well as central specialist functions, to provide Assembly Members in their region with strategic and political briefings, and support stakeholder engagement, and communications. The role also provides scheduling and administrative support to those Members.
Key Duties
- Provide practical advice and support on regional stakeholder, government and political matters affecting First Peoples’ Assembly Members, communities and Gellung Warl priorities.
- Prepare and coordinate high-quality briefs, background notes, correspondence, agendas, meeting papers and talking points to support Assembly Members in meetings, events, forums and stakeholder engagements.
- Manage scheduling, diaries, travel, logistics and administrative arrangements for Members and related regional activities, ensuring preparedness and smooth delivery of commitments.
- Establish and maintain trusted relationships with Assembly Members and provide responsive support, advice and coordination to assist them in fulfilling their representative and portfolio responsibilities.
- Support regional meetings, forums and engagement activities by coordinating requirements, preparing materials, following up actions and maintaining accurate records.
- Anticipate the needs of Assembly Members and implement practical systems, processes and workflows that improve responsiveness, consistency and service quality.
- Support local reporting loops by gathering, organising and sharing information arising from Assembly Member activity, stakeholder engagement and community issues to inform regional planning and organisational decision-making.
- Coordinate communications and liaison between Assembly Members, the Regional Manager, central specialist teams and external stakeholders to ensure issues are escalated, addressed and tracked appropriately.
- Contribute to induction and onboarding processes for Assembly Members and representative structures as required.
- Identify emerging issues, risks and opportunities relating to Assembly Member support, stakeholder management and regional government and political matters, and escalate them in a timely and practical way.
- Undertake other duties consistent with the role’s classification and purpose as directed.
Key Selection Criteria
Skills, Competencies & Knowledge
- Demonstrated ability to provide strategic and political advice and executive support in a complex, community-facing and politically sensitive environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to Aboriginal self-determination and experience working in partnership with First Peoples and/or Aboriginal communities and organisations, preferably in Victoria.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills and a proven capacity to build and maintain trusted working relationships with Assembly Members, communities, government stakeholders and internal teams.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality briefs, correspondence, meeting materials and advice for varied audiences.
- Strong organisational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, scheduling, logistics and follow-up actions to time and quality expectations.
- Demonstrated ability to navigate complex relationships, community politics and competing priorities with sound judgement and professionalism.
- Ability to work effectively across multiple teams and within a matrix reporting model.
- Sound digital literacy, including competence in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to manage calendars, records, briefings and coordination systems effectively.
- Sound knowledge of governance, confidentiality, records management and administrative processes relevant to member support and stakeholder coordination.
- Knowledge of obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) and related privacy legislation.
Experience & Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience providing strategic and political advice and executive support in a complex, values-led, for-purpose, public sector, statutory, representative or reform environment.
- Experience supporting elected representatives, senior leaders, boards, committees or community representatives is highly desirable.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement, government relations, political liaison, executive support or related coordination roles is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated skill and capacity to work effectively and with integrity in the context of a Victorian First Peoples’ representative body or similar environment.
- Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience is desirable.
- As part of our commitment to child safety and in line with the Working with Children Act 2005 (Vic), all roles within Gellung Warl require a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC).
- Current full Victorian Driver Licence.
- Ability to travel and stay overnight across Victoria as required.
Personal Attributes
- Demonstrates sound judgement, maturity and professionalism in complex and sensitive environments.
- Shows empathy and respect in working with colleagues, Traditional Owners, First Peoples, Members and stakeholders.
- Leads with integrity, calmness and accountability, and can maintain focus on operational and organisational outcomes.
- Is committed to cultural safety, self-determination and the broader reform objectives of Treaty in Victoria.
- Values collaboration, listens well, and contributes positively to team and organisational culture.
Behavioural Responsibilities
- Ethical Values & Compliance with Policies: Upholds the standards of Respect, Accountability, Honesty, Equality, Legal Compliance, and Conflict of Interest, as found in Gellung Warl’s Standards of Conduct Policy, and adheres to all other Gellung Warl policies.
- Team Focus: Recognises and respects the strengths of others within the team, listens and responds to feedback from managers and colleagues, and understands personal impact upon team goals.
- Personal & Professional Development: Actively seeks opportunities for personal and professional growth through ongoing learning and development.
- Leads with Conviction: Considers Gellung Warl’s values when making decisions within the scope of the role, and presents a mature, balanced and constructive approach in supporting Assembly Members, regional priorities and organisational outcomes.
Salary and Term
Ongoing role
Salary from $113,022 per annum (full-time equivalent) plus superannuation, based on experience and expertise.
Location
South West based. This role extends its reach across the Regional Victoria with some travels as required.
How to apply
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]
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Note that interviews may commence prior to application close dates as suitable applications come through so job may be filled before close date.
Applications close: 06/04/26