• Be responsible for the development and design of the programmatic components of the Phase 5 of the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement.
• Fixed, Full-Time opportunity (12 months).
• VPS Grade 5: $113,022 - $136,747 plus superannuation.

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is seeking a Senior Program Officer, Aboriginal Justice Agreement Phase 5 to provide a critical role within the Koori Justice Unit.

About the Business Unit

The Aboriginal Justice Group is committed to driving systemic change in the justice system, to deliver better outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians. The group works in close partnership with Victorian Aboriginal communities and is guided by principles of Aboriginal self-determination.

The Koori Justice Unit (KJU) is responsible for the stewardship, coordination, and implementation of Burra Lotjpa Dunguludja Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement Phase 4 (AJA4), a formal partnership with Aboriginal communities to reduce Aboriginal over-representation and improve justice outcomes KJU provides coordination and support to the Aboriginal Justice Forum (AJF) and its associated partnership mechanisms, to deliver on the goals of the AJA. It is responsible for leading effective engagement with the department's key Aboriginal partnership, the Aboriginal Justice Caucus, and other Aboriginal stakeholders.

The Victorian Government is committed to the next iteration of the AJA being the fifth phase. AJA5 is expected to build on the legacy of AJA4 and continue the long-term partnership between the Aboriginal community and Victorian Government to improve justice outcomes for Aboriginal people. The AJA5 will be developed in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal community and informed by other key inquiries.

About the Role

Reporting to the Manager, you will work within a small team to provide policy advice, analysis and initiatives to develop the AJA5. Work is driven by close engagement with the Aboriginal Justice Caucus and Forum, ensuring community voice is at the heart of KJU's work.

This is a prioritised role for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, who will be given priority consideration as per the special measures provision of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

Some of your duties will include:

• Lead the design of AJA5 programmatic components by applying program design expertise and experience to ensure initiatives are evidence-based, culturally responsive, and aligned with Aboriginal community priorities.
• Review existing programs and initiatives under the AJA4, to assess performance, alignment with existing policy settings and objectives, to inform future programs and initiatives for consideration in the development of AJA5.
• Draft and coordinate the AJA-related budget bid in collaboration with other key stakeholders aligned with AJA priorities and objectives.

To learn more about this role before applying, please read the attached position description.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal culture and society and understanding of historical and contemporary issues relating to Aboriginal Victorians.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and work effectively with the Victorian Aboriginal community.
• Demonstrated experience in advocacy and delivering project related functions through community consultation and targeted engagement.

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification in law, public policy, Aboriginal affairs or similar is desired.

How to Apply

Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and misconduct screening.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.