About the Role
The ABI Indexer will work closely with the Family History Unit Manager to undertake indexing activities for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Biographical Index (ABI). ABI Indexing practice provides access to the content of select items held in the AIATSIS collections and makes the retrieval of information as accurate and meaningful as possible. ABI record content aims to be culturally and emotionally respectful and while each indexer may approach the practice with different subject knowledge and experience, you must always work with sensitivity, impartiality, and best judgement.
Key responsibilities of the role include:

• selecting, evaluating, and indexing materials in the AIATSIS collections for the ABI.
• apply appropriate criteria and terms using AIATSIS name authorities, AIATSIS thesauri and following ABI policy and procedures.
• establish Indigenous personal and family names where applicable following AIATSIS name authority protocols and maintain and update ABI policies and procedures.
• perform other tasks as required.

Our Ideal Candidate
To be successful in this role, you will have a high level of demonstrated cultural competency that ideally includes experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You will have strong research skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and work to deadlines.
You will come with the following skills, experience and attributes:

• professional qualifications in Librarianship and/or Information Studies recognised by the Australian Library and Information Association or experience as an indexer.
• ability to select and index materials and enter bibliographic and biographical information and subject terms sensitively, accurately, and efficiently, using a Library Management System or a relational database templated within the library context.
• ability to undertake research using authoritative online and print references from the AIATSIS collection, libraries and other organisations to verify information.
• demonstrated ability to undertake research and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• ability to prioritise tasks and work to deadlines efficiently and effectively, whilst maintaining excellent attention to detail.
• ability to work as part of a team and undertake a wide variety of tasks adapting to unit priorities in a flexible manner as required.
• demonstrated experience working and communicating sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as these roles require a high level of cultural competency.
• demonstrated ability to recognise and use initiative to solve problems in a creative manner.
• exemplary accuracy and organisational skills and the ability to work under limited supervision.
• information management knowledge and/or experience working with collections will be highly regarded.

Cultural Capability
Roles at AIATSIS require candidates to have an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and proven culturally appropriate engagement and communications skills. The nature of this role requires the candidate to consistently demonstrate the following specific cultural capabilities:

• understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business within the agency and the outcomes the agency is responsible for delivering.
• understands the sources of knowledge resting with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, stakeholders, and networks.
• understands Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and the dynamics of engaging with them respectfully.
• understands the heritage, cultural and intellectual property rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities as they apply to research.
• understands the impact of attitudes, beliefs, and past experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the engagement and consultation process.

AIATSIS embodies Yindyamarra in everything we do

What we offer

We understand that you will work best when you have a healthy work-life balance and can attend to your family commitments. That is why we offer,

• great salary conditions
• 15.4% Superannuation
• competitive leave entitlements including 20 days annual leave, 18 days personal leave, Cultural, ceremonial and NAIDOC leave, up to 18 weeks parental leave, and the ability to purchase extra leave.
• health benefits including, reimbursements for health promotion activities, eye health and flu vaccinations.
• for eligible employees, generous study leave, course fee and materials assistance, to undertake relevant accredited study.
• paid leave during an extended end of year shutdown
• flexible working conditions

Contact
If you have any questions about the role, you can contact Jatham Staudinger on 02 6129 3956 or [email protected]

This is an Affirmative Measures opportunity
This position will be filled using the Affirmative Measure provision, which allows for the targeted recruitment of Indigenous Australians into the Australian Public Service. The vacancy is only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. The filling of this employment opportunity is intended to constitute an Affirmative Measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.