Community Planning and Development Project Officer X 2

• Location: Darwin or Katherine
• Status: Full-time ongoing and 12-month fixed term positions available
• Special Measures: This is a prioritised Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander position.

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is seeking a motivated Project Officer to join our Community Planning & Development (CP&D) team. This is an exciting opportunity to support Traditional Owners and native title groups in planning and delivering community projects that strengthen governance, build skills, and create long-term benefits across the Top End.

About the Role:

The CP&D Project Officer plays a critical role in helping Aboriginal groups identify priorities, strengthen governance, and turn community aspirations into real outcomes. You will work directly with Traditional Owners and native title groups to facilitate participatory planning, support effective decision-making, and manage community projects from design through to evaluation. The role also includes advocacy, partnership development, and ensuring projects are delivered in line with NLC's CP&D Framework and community aspirations. This is a hands-on role that involves working closely with Aboriginal communities, government, and non-government partners. You'll contribute to initiatives that connect financial resources, cultural knowledge, and community priorities into sustainable locally driven solutions.

What You Will Bring:

You are a skilled and adaptable professional with strong project management and community engagement experience. You thrive in cross-cultural contexts and are committed to empowering Aboriginal people to achieve their goals for development and self-determination

In addition, you will have:

• Degree in Community Development, Project Management or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 3 years' experience working in Aboriginal or community-based decision-making contexts
• Strong skills in end-to-end project management, including financial management and reporting
• Knowledge of the lived experiences, cultural and socio-political issues affecting Aboriginal people in the Top End.
• Current C Class Driver's Licence and ability to undertake remote travel in manual 4WD vehicles or light aircraft

For a full copy of the Position Description refer to the link provided below.

Why Join the NLC?

The CP&D team is nationally recognised for its community-driven approach to planning and development. Working in this role means you'll contribute to projects that improve governance, support economic participation, and build stronger futures for Aboriginal people across the Top End.

We offer:

• A base salaryof$102,669per annum plus 15% superannuation and salary sacrificing up to $15,900 + Meal Entertainment and Holiday Accommodation benefits up to $2,650 per year.
• Other benefits under our Enterprise Agreement include:
• District allowance of up to $4,631 per annum for individuals with dependents and $2,539 without dependents.
• 5 weeks annual leave, leaving loading, 18 days personal leave;
• Paid Christmas close down;
• Upon completion of 12 months of service an Annual airfare with a net (in hand) value of $3,177,64

Interested applicants should send a copy of their CV along with a cover letter outlining why you are interested in this position and what relevant skills and experiences you will bring to the role.

This position is designated under Special Measures, with priority consideration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants under section 57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1996 (NT).

For further queries please contact: Iain Loganathan - mobile

Applications Close: Thursday 18 September 2025

About the NLC

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is an independent statutory authority of the Commonwealth. The NLC is established under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT) 1976 and its purpose is to serve its constituents who are Traditional Owners (TOs) and other Aboriginal people living in their region. Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to the work that we do here at the NLC. We are committed to enhancing Aboriginal peoples' social, political and economic participation by supporting their aspirations and amplifying their voices on a range of issues impacting on their lands, seas, culture and communities.