Director - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Adviser

• Executive Level 2
• $139,979 - $165,728 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation
• Canberra or Melbourne

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is seeking a candidate that is passionate about using their skills and knowledge to realise health benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and communities. They will guide and influence policy development and programs design across NHMRC, supporting agency efforts to co-design with community as we contribute to Closing the Gap.

The work is challenging, engaging, and involves collaboration with all levels of NHMRC and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers, health organisations and communities. As a high performing individual, our ideal candidate will use their cultural knowledge and health policy experience to deliver outcomes and provide strategic advice to peers and NHMRC's senior executive.

A sound communicator, they will drive positive change and equity outcomes though NHMRC's investment in research and community health guidance. Of note, they will use their leadership and project management skills as they work with the NHMRC - MRFF Indigenous Advisory Group and progress other initiatives with their team and agency peers.

This role is available as a non-ongoing vacancy for 12 months. A merit pool may be established for use in filling any future ongoing or non-ongoing vacancies that may arise.

Job specific duties

The key responsibilities and duties of the position are to:

• provide strategic guidance and advice on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and medical research opportunities, relationships and policy across the agency
• establish and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, health organisations and communities
• deliver initiatives under, and annual reporting on, Road Map 3, NHMRC's comprehensive 10-year strategic framework to improve the health of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population
• facilitate the deliberations of the NHMRC-MRFF IAG as they formulate strategic advice on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and health research issues
• set priorities for and manage a small team and input into relevant governance, strategic and operational planning and performance reporting for NHMRC
• demonstrate the APS Values and Code of Conduct and champion NHMRC's values and behaviours across the agency.

Core capabilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to:

• communicate with impact, tailoring culturally competent messages and influencing outcomes from others
• establish productive working relationships and engage stakeholders as they represent NHMRC, securing stakeholder support to achieve shared outcomes
• lead with purpose, collaborating across the organisation and community, and staying attuned to the broader strategic landscape
• exercise judgement, identify and manage risks and make reasonable decisions on complex issues
• communicate with influence, including the ability to write and review complex written work to a consistently high standard
• lead a team and develop talent, fostering growth through coaching and mentoring, providing direction on tasks as needed to ensure the achievement of team outcomes.

Highly desirable

An understanding of the health and medical research sector in Australia and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research is highly desirable.

Further information

For further information refer to the Job Description or contact Alan Singh on or email

Location of role

The role is available in either Canberra or Melbourne.

Eligibility

This vacancy is only open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates. To be eligible for this role candidates must provide confirmation of their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage.

To apply for this role, you must submit a completed online application form prior to the closing date and time, be an Australian citizen and be able to provide evidence of this. If successful, you will also be required to undertake a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

Applications close

11:30 PM AEDT Sunday, 7 December

We embrace the strength of diversity - through our people and the perspectives they bring. We are committed to inclusive recruitment practices and encourage applications from people with disability or neurodivergence, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and individuals from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments can be provided throughout the recruitment process.

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