About NAAJA

Aboriginal Peak Organisations of the Northern Territory (APO NT) is an alliance comprising the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance of the NT (AMSANT), North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA), Aboriginal Housing NT (AHNT), NT Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN), Central Land Council (CLC), Northern Land Council (NLC), Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC) and Tiwi Land Council (TLC). The alliance was created to provide a more effective response to key issues of joint interest and concern affecting Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory, including through advocating practical policy solutions to government.

What we offer

• Salary packaging options up to $18,450 per annum tax free
• 6 weeks annual leave
• 3 weeks personal leave

About the role

APO NT is committed to increasing Aboriginal involvement in policy development and implementation, and to expanding opportunities for Aboriginal community control. APO NT also seeks to strengthen networks between peak Aboriginal organisations and small regional Aboriginal organisations in the NT.

What you'll be doing

• Apply high level policy, project and planning guidance and advice to projects and policy that is important to APO NT member organisations. This will include preparing, reviewing, and advising on policy reports, briefing papers, meeting talking points, speeches, and discussion papers.
• Lead a small team to engage and coordinate the input and direction from APO NT Board and Members regarding key policies and priorities.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships, collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to maximise policy development and advocacy outcomes.
• Developing policies and strategies aimed at achieving the objectives of APO NT.
• Supporting APO NT representatives in negotiations to achieve their objectives, including in relevant meetings.
• Liaising with Australian governments on behalf of APO NT to advance the objectives of our members.
• Supporting the positive cohesion, management, and motivation of the Policy and Secretariat Team.
• Attend and provide policy advice with APO NT member organisations for meetings with Commonwealth and NT Government Ministers and senior officials.
• Working closely with the APO NT CEO to provide managerial direction, support, and supervision to staff.
• Represent APO NT at senior/executive level meetings, forums and other events as required.
• Demonstrating leadership through their own behaviour, and their expectations of others’ behaviour, to maintain our high standard of service delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Complying with all organisational policies and procedures, and work, health and safety requirements

What we're looking for

• An in-depth knowledge and understanding of the political, social, cultural, and economic circumstances facing Aboriginal people and communities across the Northern Territory and nationally.
• Relevant experience and expertise in the Aboriginal Community Controlled sector and working in Aboriginal affairs.
• Demonstrated high level experience in research, policy analysis and development.
• Experience in managing and supervising a dynamic team and resolving operational, policy or project issues in situations of change.
• Demonstrated high level interpersonal and written communication skills, including maintaining linkages across a diverse network of Aboriginal people and organisations, Government agencies, Non-Government Organisations and with elected officials

Requirements

• Current drivers licence
• Ability to obtain a satisfactory working with children clearance (Ochre Card) upon commencement
• Satisfactory criminal history check and no history of disqualification from employment by a legal practice
• Eligibility for admission as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory and the High Court of Australia

How to apply

Applicants for this position must address the selection criteria in their written application, which should be sent to [email protected]

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications must be submitted by 6th May 2025