This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Designated Position, classified under 'special measures' of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

OVERVIEW

Gellung Warl - meaning 'tip of the spear' in Gunaikurnai language - is a First Peoples’ representative and deliberative body, underpinned by Aboriginal Lore, Law and Cultural Authority.

Gellung Warl is established as a statutory corporation under the Treaty Act. It is made up of three arms that work together:

the First Peoples' Assembly, the political decision-making arm

Nginma Ngainga Wara, an independent government oversight and accountability arm and

Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna, an independent mechanism for ongoing truth-telling.

Gellung Warl is guided by the Ngarrakeetoong Martongakeeyt (Community Vision) and is answerable to Community through the Larbargirrar Gnuurtak Tulkuuk (Community Governance and Answerability Framework), which sets out how Gellung Warl engages with and is answerable to First Peoples in Victoria.

Gellung Warl’s underlying purpose is to promote collective self-government, self-determination and empowerment of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, including by:

representing First Peoples in Victoria and exercising decision making powers in relation to First Peoples in Victoria

representing First Peoples in Statewide Treaty negotiations with the State, including undertaking ongoing Statewide Treaty negotiations, and supporting Traditional Owner treatymaking

providing for ongoing truth-telling and healing

advising the Parliament and the State government in relation to matters that affect First Peoples and holding the State government to account in relation to its commitments to, and the impact of its actions on, First Peoples.

Walk with us and make history!

THE ROLE

The Head of Policy is a senior executive responsible for leading the strategic policy, research and analysis functions of the First Peoples’ Assembly and providing authoritative advice to the Chief Executive Officer, elected Members and staff.

The role is central to supporting the organisation in the exercise of its statutory functions, including representing First Peoples, participating in Statewide Treaty negotiations, advocating for the interests of First Peoples, developing rules, standards and guidelines, making decisions affecting First Peoples, and supporting capacity building across First Peoples communities.

The Head of Policy ensures elected Members have access to high-quality, timely and culturally informed policy advice to support informed and effective governance, decision-making and representation. The role leads the development of policy positions, strategic analysis and evidence-based recommendations on matters of significance to First Peoples in Victoria.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Head of Policy contributes to organisational strategy, governance and performance and works collaboratively across the organisation to advance First Peoples' self-determination and the aspirations of First Peoples communities.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Head of Policy is accountable for:

Leading the development and implementation of the organisation’s strategic policy agenda.

Providing high quality strategic, legislative and policy advice to the CEO and elected Members to support informed decision making in the exercise of statutory functions.

Leading the development of policy positions, reform proposals, submissions, briefing papers, reports and other strategic advice in accordance with organisational priorities, cultural authority, evidence, legal considerations and best practice.

Monitoring and analysing emerging legislative, policy, political and social developments and advising on their impact on the organisation.

Leading the policy engagement with First Peoples’ communities, Traditional Owners, community controlled organisations and other stakeholders.

Supporting the organisation's engagement and other operational functions through the development of policy frameworks, resources and strategic initiatives.

Leading and overseeing the Policy Team to ensure effective planning, prioritisation, delivery, staff development and alignment with organisational objectives.

Promoting a high-performance, values-led and culturally safe team environment.

Contributing to organisational leadership, strategy, planning and performance as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Required

Strategic policy advice and development

Demonstrated senior leadership experience and tertiary qualifications in public policy, law, public administration, advocacy, governance or a related field.

Extensive experience providing high quality strategic advice to executive leaders, governing bodies, boards, elected representatives or statutory office holders.

Experience leading complex policy development, legislative analysis and strategic reform initiatives.

Subject matter expertise

Demonstrated understanding of First Peoples self-determination, rights and contemporary policy issues affecting First Peoples communities.

Strong political acumen, judgement and capacity to navigate complexity and competing priorities

Cultural Capability

Demonstrated understanding of the histories, cultures, rights and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Experience working respectfully and collaboratively with First Peoples communities, organisations and leadership structures, navigating complex accountability relationships and recognising the cultural authority of Traditional Owners.

Stakeholder Engagement

Exceptional communication, relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.

Demonstrated ability to engage sensitively with complex, contested and emotionally significant subject matter.

Proven capacity to build effective working relationships across communities, representative structures, government and partner organisations.

Leadership and management

Demonstrated leadership capability, including experience leading multidisciplinary teams and fostering a high performing and collaborative culture.

Communication skills

Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality briefs, papers, policy advice and presentations for varied audiences.

Desirable

Experience supporting Treaty, Indigenous rights, constitutional, governance or major reform processes.

Knowledge of Victoria's First Peoples policy, legislative and governance environment.

SALARY & TERM

Fixed term – 5 years

Salary from $189,991- $237,177 plus superannuation

Location

This role extends its reach across the Melbourne region with some regional travel as required.

How to apply

Please visit our website to review the full job profile and find out more about us on Treaty journey. Jobs - Gellung Warl - www.gellungwarl.org/jobs/

If you are ready to take on a challenging role and make a significant impact, please submit your resume, cover letter, and any other supporting documents to peo•••@gellungwarl.org or follow the prompts to Apply Now!

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Note that interviews may commence prior to application close dates as suitable applications come through, so the position may be filled before close date.

Applications close: 12/07/26