Senior Aboriginal Partnerships Officer

Company description:

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Job description:

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced and motivated individual to join the Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH) as the Senior Aboriginal Partnerships Officer.

• Are you passionate about creating and supporting opportunities for Traditional Owners for self-determination, influence and agency in the planning, decision-making, delivery and monitoring of environmental water on Country?
• Do you want to experience a collaborative culture where your efforts are valued and your growth is encouraged?

The Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH) is an independent statutory body responsible for managing Victoria's environmental water entitlements, in cooperation with program partners, to improve the environmental health of rivers and wetlands.

The Senior Aboriginal Partnerships Officer will assist the VEWH to embed Traditional Owner self-determination in the environmental watering program. The position will support Traditional Owners on the path to managing water held for the environment on Country, and work with the VEWH, the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (DEECA), waterway managers, and water corporations on the implementation of Victorian Government Aboriginal Water policy.

Identified position

This position is classified as an "identified position" aimed at increasing employment opportunities for Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People. The position requires an in-depth knowledge of Aboriginal culture and an ability to communicate with Aboriginal communities. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Key elements of this role are to:

• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with Traditional Owner groups and Aboriginal peak bodies to support Traditional Owner objectives and consideration of Traditional Owner knowledge and expertise in VEWH operations and decision-making.
• Work with Traditional Owners, waterway managers, storage managers, environmental water holders, other program partners and VEWH team members to identify and implement opportunities to strengthen and embed Aboriginal empowerment and agency in the environmental watering program.
• Coordinate across teams within the VEWH to support integrated consideration of Traditional Owner knowledge, objectives and expertise in VEWH operations and decision-making, and strengthen cultural competency in the organisation.
• Work with program partners to plan and deliver projects, clearly outlining tasks, roles, funding arrangements, governance structures and success measures; coordinate and guide internal and external stakeholders to carry out their work; monitor progress, manage risks, and make changes when needed to keep things on track.
• Support the Executive Team and Commission, including development of briefing papers and presentations and other material to support decision making and engagement as needed.
• To practice cultural safety by creating environments, relationships and systems free from racism and discrimination so that people can feel safe, valued and able to participate.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Demonstrated skills, experience and knowledge of Aboriginal Culture and contemporary issues affecting Aboriginal Victorians today to deliver culturally informed government programs and services is required.
• Demonstrated skills, experience and knowledge of land and/or water management, preferably in Victoria.
• A Victorian Driver's Licence is required.

This is a fixed term position available until 29 October 2027. The work location for this position is 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers.

Click the 'Apply' button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday, 21 September 2025.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave. For more information visit applying for a role with us.

This position is classified as an "identified position" aimed at increasing employment opportunities for Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People. The position requires an in-depth knowledge of Aboriginal culture and an ability to communicate with Aboriginal communities. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

We recognise the significant responsibility to enable self-determination, be accountable to Traditional Owners and provide opportunities to strengthen First Peoples' connection to Country. We are committed to creating a culturally safe environment, where individuals feel safe, valued, and able to celebrate their culture, and spiritual and belief systems.

For general information about Aboriginal Employment at DEECA, please contact