Organisational Overview

The Tiwi Land Council was established on the 18 August 1978, following representation by the Tiwi people to the Federal Government for recognition of their distinct geographic and cultural identity.

The Tiwi Land Council represents all Tiwi people in the protection of land, sea, and environment, while at the same time supporting sustainable economic development to improve Tiwi lives through employment, income, education and health opportunities. Our reputation is founded on our cultural and leadership strengths, following in the footsteps of our visionary leaders.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Manager, Policy and Advocacy, the Senior Policy and Development Officer will work to progress the Tiwi Land Council’s policy and advocacy priorities.

The role will be expected to undertake research, develop policy positions and prepare submissions, as well as supporting the Tiwi Land Council’s engagement in key policy forums.

The role will work closely with Tiwi people to inform the Land Council’s policy positions and progress implementation of policy priorities in Tiwi communities in partnership with Tiwi stakeholders.

The nature of the work will be heavily informed by the Tiwi Land Council’s agreed policy priorities, which have recently been endorsed by the Full Council: economic participation; housing and homelands; and social and emotional wellbeing.

Role responsibilities

Policy and Advocacy

The Senior Policy and Development Officer will work in collaboration with the Manager, Policy and Advocacy, to progress the Tiwi Land Council’s policy and advocacy agenda, involving:

Support for the Tiwi land Council’s engagement with:

Tiwi Land Council members, to set Land Council policy and advocacy priorities

Tiwi community members, to understand policies affecting Tiwi people, including through the Tiwi Leaders Forum and Land Council sub-committeesGovernment agencies, elected officials and various policy forums

Conducting research to understand policy frameworks affecting Tiwi communities and considering specific policy issues in detail

Working with Tiwi Land Council staff to better understand policies affecting core Land Council business and prepare internal policy advice as required

Working closely with Tiwi organisations, the Northern Territory’s three other Land Councils and further key stakeholders to coordinate policy positions

Developing coherent policy positions and preparing policy submissions on behalf of the Tiwi Land Council

Economic participation

A core statutory function of the Land Council, and a recurring priority in its Corporate Plan, is support for Tiwi economic participation. The Senior Policy and Development Officer will take primary responsibility for translating policy to increase economic participation into action on Tiwi. This will involve:

Developing an understanding of existing Tiwi assets, infrastructure, industries and market opportunities, as well as the strengths and employment aspirations of Tiwi people.

Coordinating planning for a future Tiwi economy, with reference to the above inputs, together with the Australian and Northern Territory Governments, Tiwi led enterprises and industry partners.

Facilitating opportunities for economic growth and participation, in line with the output from the above planning work.

Facilitating support for the growth of small scale, Tiwi enterprises, including through access to capital, networks and capability.

Working together with Tiwi clan corporations, alongside Tiwi Resources, to ensure the strategic application of land use funds for the benefit of Tiwi people.

Implementation of further policy priorities

While economic participation is a consistent priority, the Tiwi Land Council has further endorsed Tiwi priorities of housing and homelands and social and emotional wellbeing. The Senior Policy and Development Officer will work to develop policy in these areas and translate policy into tangible action for the benefit of Tiwi, including through:

Development of a master plan for Tiwi homelands, that enables the Tiwi Land Council – together with its partners – to secure investment in the essential maintenance and future growth of Tiwi homelands.

Support for the development and implementation of a plan to strengthen Tiwi social and emotional wellbeing, together with members of the Tiwi Leaders Forum and in coordination with government agencies and service providers.

Other

Any other duties, as and when directed.

What's on Offer?

Council offers some great benefits including a competitive and attractive remuneration package, including:

$120,000 per annum plus superannuation

Option to salary package up to $15,900 per annum with further benefits that apply when working for a NFT organisation

6weeks annual leave plus an additional 3days paid leave (over Christmas & New Year period)

17.5% leave loading

Access to our Employee Assistance Program

Training and development opportunities to support growth

How to apply

If you are seeking a challenging and exciting new role for 2025 , we encourage you to apply.

All applications must include a current resume and a one-page cover letter addressing the selection criteria.

To request a copy of the position description, please email [email protected]

Note: Council reserves the right to commence short-listing and interviews, prior to the closing date.

Applications Close: COB Friday, 30 May 2025