• 12-month Fixed Term Contract
• Based in Darwin with travel to remote locations as required

About Us

Children's Ground is working to create an environment where families realise their aspirations for the next generation of children to be free from trauma and suffering, enjoy equity and safety, be able to grow into adulthood happy and healthy, and have agency over their social, cultural, political and economic life. To learn more about Children's Ground and the work we do, visit our website: https://childrensground.org.au

Our approach recognises the cultural, social, and economic strength of our communities. We build on this over a generation to ensure a future for our children and grandchildren that gives them freedom, opportunity and rights to their culture and identity.

In the Top End of the NT, we work in the communities of Minmarama, Kulaluk, Knuckey Lagoon, 15 Mile and Marlkawo.

About the Job

The First Nations Community Researcher will work as part of the Research & Evaluation Team and alongside communities to support our monitoring and evaluation.

The focus of Children’s Ground’s evaluation and research is to demonstrate the impact of Children’s Ground Approach for children, families and communities. Children’s Ground is committed to monitoring and evaluation being led by Children’s Ground First Nations staff, families and communities and privileging First Nations culture.

The Community Researcher will play a key role in supporting the collection, analysis, and communication of data and stories from the communities we work with. This role is central to ensuring that the voices and experiences of communities are recorded and reflected. This includes a focus on supporting engagement of staff, families and communities in Children’s Ground’s evaluation and research. It will also involve supporting data sovereignty and sharing and learning research and evaluation knowledge within the communities. This includes talking with families about our daily data collection and long-term evaluation over 25 years.

The role involves working under general direction from the Research and Evaluation Coordinator, with responsibility for planning and organising work, setting priorities, and managing time effectively.

This role will work with all the communities in the Top End that are currently leading Children’s Ground, including Knuckey Lagoon, Minmarama, Kulaluk and 15 Mile around Darwin, Marlkawo (outstation) in West Arnhem and any new communities. The role includes working with people from many different Nations.

About You

You are a First Nations person who can work in collaboration with the communities leading Children’s Ground. Learning new things is important to you and you are willing to jump in and get things done. You are well organised and able to manage time and tasks effectively.

Essential Selection Criteria

1. Demonstrated experience working with First Nations people and communities in a culturally appropriate and respectful way.
2. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with community members.
3. Ability to handle sensitive information with care, respecting privacy and confidentiality protocols.
4. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to identify themes and insights from data.
5. Good written and verbal communication skills.
6. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
7. Commitment to the principles of self-determination and cultural safety.
8. Ability to plan, organise and prioritise workload around importance and timelines.
9. Ability to work in a flexible team environment.
10. Willingness to undergo a National Police Check and obtain an OCHRE Working with Children Check.

We invite you to walk with us on this unique journey…

Please apply via SEEK where you will be asked to upload your resume and a cover letter sharing why you think you are the best person for the role.

Applications will remain open until the position has been filled.

Due to the cultural requirements of this role, this is an identified position for a First Nations Australian person.