Advisor or Senior Advisor: Land Tenure and Native Title

Advisor or Senior Advisor: Land Tenure and Native Title

RFF is committed to positively impacting Western Australia's regions through sustainable development and economic growth initiatives. Specialising in land assembly, regional development, infrastructure projects, social programs, and supporting Aboriginal economic development, we work alongside a diverse range of clients and communities.

About the Role

We are seeking an Advisor or Senior Advisor: Land Tenure and Native Title, depending on experience, to lead advisory and project work in land access, tenure resolution, cultural heritage, and native title matters across Western Australia.

This role is central to supporting resource companies, government, pastoralists, and Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs) in navigating tenure complexities, statutory approvals, and land access negotiations. Candidates with qualifications in social science, law, planning, or a related discipline will be well suited to the role.

The position can be based in Perth or Karratha. Applicants applying from Karratha must have their own accommodation, however a housing subsidy may be available for the right applicant. Some regional travel will be required to support projects and engagement with clients.

Key Responsibilities

Native Title and Future Acts

Manage Future Acts processes under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (NTA), including notifications, objections, and negotiations for land access and development

Provide strategic advice to PBCs, pastoralists, and industry on land access issues, with a focus on tenure, native title, cultural heritage, and agreement-making

Negotiate Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) and other land access arrangements on behalf of proponents and or native title holders

Advise on competing and multiple land uses in the context of native title, mining, infrastructure, pastoral, and conservation activities

Land Tenure and Statutory Approvals

Provide advice on tenure pathways, including freehold conversion, leasehold restructuring, and tenure security

Assist in land assembly and tenure resolution for both public and private sector developments

Prepare and review tenure-related approvals, including Section 91 licences and Crown land dealings

Conduct tenure due diligence to identify risks and constraints affecting project feasibility

Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building

Work closely with PBCs, Aboriginal corporations, and Traditional Owners to build capacity in managing land and cultural heritage, decision-making, and governance

Facilitate effective consultation with government agencies, industry proponents, and legal representatives

Support PBCs in managing statutory functions and agreement implementation

Work constructively with government and industry to deliver beneficial outcomes for clients and regional communities

About You

Essential Requirements for Advisor

Experience effectively engaging with Traditional Owners, PBCs, government, and industry stakeholders

Sound understanding of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (NTA) and Future Acts processes, including ILUAs

Working knowledge of WA tenure systems and legislation, including the Land Administration Act 1997 and the Mining Act 1978

Demonstrated negotiation skills with experience delivering agreements

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including drafting reports, agreements, and policy documents

Qualifications in social science, law, planning, or another related field, as demonstrated to be relevant for the role

Additional Requirements for Senior Advisor

Strong working knowledge of WA Aboriginal heritage laws and compliance requirements

Extensive experience working with the NTA, LAA, AHA, and Mining Act

Demonstrated ability to manage tenure approvals and provide strategic advice on land access pathways

Experience supporting or coordinating heritage approvals in a land access context

How to Apply

If you're passionate about land access, cultural heritage, and creating positive outcomes for communities across WA, we want to hear from you.

Click 'Apply Now' and attach your resume. In your cover letter, please ensure you address the three application questions listed above. Applications that do not address these questions will not be considered.

Please outline your experience working with land tenure, native title, and Aboriginal heritage in Western Australia, and explain how your qualifications and experience align with either the Advisor or Senior Advisor requirements.

Describe your approach to engaging with stakeholders and Traditional Owners, including how you ensure culturally appropriate and effective consultation.

Provide an example of your experience negotiating agreements and navigating statutory approvals (such as under the Native Title Act, Land Administration Act, or Mining Act) and the outcomes achieved.

*Please note that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

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