Principal Consultant

About First Nations Economics

First Nations Economics' vision is to walk alongside First Nations communities to achieve their self-determined prosperity. As an Aboriginal-led and Supply Nation registered charity, our mission is to work with partners as independent First Nations economic advisors to achieve the social, cultural and economic sovereignty of First Peoples through policy, evidence and evaluation, in Australia and globally.

We offer professional services on projects that have a net-positive impact on First Peoples and align with our community values, and use the revenue from these services to build prosperity for First Nations. Our model is reflective of the communities we serve: we redistribute 100% of our profits back into the economic development of First Nations communities through our foundation and we work in partnership with our partners to deliver outcomes for First Peoples alongside First Peoples in everything we do.

FNE is a medium-sized national Public Benevolent Institution headquartered in Sydney, however we operate in all states and territories. We have a small, Aboriginal-majority team of eight professionals located in Sydney, Darwin, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, Canberra, Byron Bay and Auckland, New Zealand. We engage both in-person and online with our clients and stakeholders across Australia.

FNE's services include:

• public and economic policy;
• outcomes monitoring, evaluation and reporting;
• program design and implementation;
• strategy, co-design and facilitation;
• business case and evidence development;
• cost-benefit-analyses, social return on investment and more.

FNE's foundation programs include:

• our
  Leah Armstrong Scholarship Program
  for First Nations women studying at tertiary levels;
• our
  Pro Bono Advisory
  for First Nations community-controlled organisations and groups;
• our
  education and training
  programs.

About the Role

The Principal Consultant plays a key leadership role in the organisation, reporting directly to the Managing Director. The role is responsible for attracting, leading and overseeing the delivery of multiple, concurrent strategic initiatives across both advisory services and foundation programs. As a senior leader, the position drives and maintains key relationships with executive partners across industry, government and the community-controlled sector, and is commonly expected to represent the organisation in senior engagements.

The Principal Consultant is accountable for the end-to-end delivery of key projects undertaken on behalf of our partners through oversight of small project-based teams. This involves leading and managing the delivery of multiple complex strategic initiatives in areas such as economic policy, outcomes monitoring and evaluation and education. The role is expected to have a strong focus on business development, client engagement, public relations, team and people management.

Working independently and strategically, the Principal Consultant will be responsible for:

• Public Policy and Economic Project Leadership:

Leading the whole-of-lifecycle delivery of strategic initiatives in economics and public policy across both FNE's advisory and foundation practices.
- Driving Business Development:
Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, partnerships, and funding sources that align with FNE's mission and goals.
- Client Engagement & Relationship Management:
Developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including executive industry leaders, government agencies, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Organisations.
- Public Relations & Advocacy:
Enhancing FNE's visibility and influence by leading public relations initiatives, attending industry events, and representing the organisation in key forums.
- Team Leadership & Development:
Overseeing small project-based teams delivering strategic projects, with accountability for ensuring high-quality delivery and professional development.

Who We're Looking For:

• The ability to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities on complex matters with a high degree of cultural capability
• At least six years' experience working in a relevant industry, with at least two years of management
• Tertiary (including non-university) qualifications in relevant areas (or equivalent lived experience)
• Strong project management skills and the ability to win and lead the delivery of a number of complex priorities running concurrently across sectors and partners
• Highly advanced verbal and written communication, including strong presentation and facilitation skills
• Strong engagement skills with experience in building and maintaining high-level partnerships.
• Strong leadership and the ability to self-manage whilst working remotely and travelling
• There is a requirement for this role to work both remotely, as well as the requirement to attend local offices up to three days per month.
• There is also a requirement to travel domestically (up to 2 or 3 days per month), and sometimes overnight.

What We Can Offer

• Highly competitive salary package that meets industry benchmarks
• Annual non-for-profit salary packaging of up to $15,900
• Five weeks paid annual leave and flexible leave options
• Flexible working arrangements and culturally appropriate support
• Strong mentoring and professional development support
• A workplace committed to First Nations self-determination, human rights, equity and inclusion of all peoples, regardless of their background or any trait, characteristics or identifiers