Principal Advisor, Justice Sector Strengthening | REMOTE/HYBRID|
Salary $151,252 + Super + Salary Packaging Benefits

Join a proudly Aboriginal Community-Controlled Peak Body committed to achieving justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (NATSILS) represents and is the national voice of community-controlled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (ATSILS). We advocate at the national level for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within the justice system and work to ensure that our peoples have equitable access to justice. NATSILS is currently auspiced by the Aboriginal Legal Service (ACT/NSW).

NATSILS is a collegiate and supportive environment with a high-performing, positive workplace culture.

In this pivotal role, you will finalise and deliver a comprehensive Sector Strengthening Plan (SSP) to strengthen the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice sector. Responsible for providing expert policy advice, project management and delivery, and stakeholder engagement. You will ensure the successful implementation of the SSP and alignment with Closing the Gap, the National Legal Assistance Partnership (NLAP), and the National Access to Justice Partnership (NAJP) objectives.

You will contribute to NATSILS, Closing the Gap (CTG) and Justice Police Partnership (JPP) strategic initiatives that will strengthen the capacity and sustainability of justice Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations. As a vital member of the practice leadership team, you will contribute to the development of NATSILS policies and positions, providing strategic advice to its membership and partners. You will take the lead in cultivating strong partnerships with government agencies, legal bodies, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and leaders, and advocacy groups, driving meaningful change to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities.

Each day, you can expect to:

• Lead and oversee the development and implementation of the SSP, ensuring alignment with CTG priority reforms and targets, and NATSILS strategic priorities.
• Work independently to develop detailed project documentation including project plans, schedules, budgets, risk registers and consultation plans
• Ensure delivery of project milestones to schedule and in accordance with contractual requirements.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting on project to funders.
• Provide high-level policy advice on justice sector capacity-building initiatives, identifying and mobilising opportunities to strengthen the sustainability and effectiveness of community-controlled organisations.
• Provide supervision, line management and guidance to direct reports, advisors and junior staff, promoting professional development and a high-performance culture.
• Develop and oversee workforce planning initiatives, including recruitment strategies, retention policies, and training programs in line with the SSP.
• Collaborate with NATSILS membership and stakeholders to identify infrastructure needs and funding priorities for community-controlled justice sector facilities.
• Develop strategic frameworks, detailed action plans, and project management tools to support the delivery of the SSP.
• Oversee consultation processes with NATSILS membership, Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations, and government agencies to ensure the SSP reflects diverse needs and priorities.
• Develop and support governance models to ensure accountability, transparency, and self-determination within the community-controlled justice sector.
• Prepare high-quality reports, policy submissions, and briefing materials to support decision-making by NATSILS leadership and the Justice Policy Partnership.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, fostering collaboration and mutual accountability.
• Lead the development of data-sharing frameworks and support economic modelling to demonstrate the financial and social impact of sector strengthening.
• Oversee a small team, including the Advisor, Sector Strengthening.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the SSP, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with agreed outcomes. Adhere to NATSILS/ALS Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Work Health and Safety (WHS) policies and practices, values, and the ALS Code of Conduct.

Who Are We Looking For?

You are an expert in the justice sector, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the justice systems.

Your professional experience should demonstrate expertise in the following areas:

• A proven track record in delivering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice policy outcomes, including demonstrated knowledge of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and national legal assistance funding agreements.
• Expert capability in strategic planning, project management, project delivery and policy analysis.
• Leading individuals to achieve collective success, delivering positive outcomes.
• Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and lead multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Exceptional communication skills, including experience preparing high-level reports and policy submissions.

Please note that due to the criticality of this role to our organisation, we will move at pace through our recruitment process. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply ASAP. The role will close when an offer is accepted by a suitable candidate.

Why Join Us?

Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) was established over 50 years ago in response to a protest movement and is the auspicing body for NATSILS. We provide high-quality, culturally safe legal and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout NSW and the ACT.

At ALS, you can discover a fulfilling career that truly makes an impact in the community. We also offer a range of generous benefits designed to enhance your overall compensation. Our not-for-profit salary packaging program is specifically tailored to reduce your tax burden, which means you get to keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket (for more information relating to this visit ato.gov.au). Additionally, we provide a generous annual leave loading of 17.5%, ensuring that you are rewarded for your time off and can enjoy a well-deserved break.

At ALS, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of safe recruitment practices. Therefore, it is essential that candidates either possess or have the capacity to obtain a current and valid Working with Children (NSW) or Working with Vulnerable People (ACT) check for this role. Additionally, you may be requested to complete an international police and background check to satisfy our probity policy & requirements.

Committed to providing equal opportunities to all candidates, please let us know if you identify as a person with a disability and need any adjustments or support with your application including throughout the recruitment process by contacting our Talent Team at [email protected]