Senior Project Officer (First 2000 Days)

About The Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC)

The Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council (AH&MRC) is dedicated to assisting Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) across the four regions (Metropolitan, Northern, Southern and Western) of NSW to ensure they have access to an adequately resourced and skilled workforce enabling the ACCHSs to provide their local Aboriginal communities with holistic and culturally appropriate primary health care and Aboriginal health-related services.

Join our team of dynamic and innovative people who value and proudly play a meaningful role in delivering quality support and training to Aboriginal people and communities of NSW.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and driven Senior Project Officer (First 2000 Days) to lead key initiatives that support Aboriginal children and families from conception to five years of age. This role oversees the development, delivery and evaluation of programs focused on ear and hearing health, early development and family wellbeing.

Working closely with ACCHOs, communities and sector partners, you will provide strategic project leadership, high‑quality policy advice and culturally informed guidance that strengthens outcomes for Aboriginal families across NSW. 

Responsibilities:

• Lead planning, implementation and evaluation of First 2000 Days initiatives.
• Manage project plans, budgets, risks and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate activities and deliverables to meet timeframes and funding obligations.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen service integration and improve outcomes for Aboriginal children and families.
• Undertake research and analysis on maternal, child and family health issues.
• Prepare policy advice, briefing notes, submissions and reports.
• Monitor emerging policy and program developments relevant to early childhood and Aboriginal health.
• Build strong relationships with Member Services, government agencies and Aboriginal organisations.
• Facilitate meaningful engagement with communities to ensure priorities guide program design.
• Represent AH&MRC in committees, working groups and stakeholder forums.
• Support ACCHOs to strengthen capability in delivering First 2000 Days programs.
• Develop resources, workshops and information sessions to support best practice.
• Promote culturally responsive, strengths‑based approaches to family wellbeing.
• Track project outcomes and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with funding agreements, policies and governance requirements. 

Essential Criteria  

Qualifications & Experience:

• This is an identified position. Applicants must identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Tertiary qualifications in public health, health promotion, social sciences, early childhood, community development, project management or related fields, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex health or community projects.
• Experience working with Aboriginal communities and organisations, ideally within the ACCHO sector.
• Experience developing policy advice, strategic documents and program reporting.
• Knowledge of maternal and child health, early childhood development and preventative health.
• Understanding of Closing the Gap priorities, Aboriginal health and social determinants of health.
• Willingness to travel across NSW.

Skills & Attributes:

• Strong project management capability across planning, delivery and evaluation.
• Excellent research, analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• High‑level written communication skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship‑building skills.
• Cultural awareness, respect and understanding of Aboriginal communities.
• Strategic, proactive and solutions‑focused approach.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management systems.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role to ••••@ahmrc.org.au. Please include “Senior Project Officer (First 2000 Days)” in the subject line.

Join Us!

Be part of a transformative initiative that prioritises the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through innovative research and collaboration. We look forward to your application!