Branch Head, First Nations Branch (Affirmative Measure – Indigenous Employment)

Who we are 

The Portfolio Strategy Division is the department's central policy area. The division supports our Ministers and the department to engage with the complex cross-cutting policy challenges in Australian climate, energy, environment and water policy. We lead on the Cabinet strategy and strategic policy, First Nations and national policy, whole-of-portfolio projects, and work to build the department's policy capability. In addition, we are the centralised hub for communications, media, parliamentary and governance support across the department.

The First Nations Branch is focused on engaging across the department to develop an understanding of policies and programs that impact First Nations people and their communities. Our work identifies opportunities to embed and deepen the department’s work on the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, develop strategies to ensure that we are more consistent and strategic in our approach and support the department to build and maintain strong and respectful relationships with First Nations people.

For more information about us please visit our website.

The job

In the Branch Head role you will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Branch, reporting to the Division Head of Portfolio Strategy Division. Your key duties include:

• Providing strategic oversight and implementation of the department’s First Nations Strategy (2025 - 2030).

• Providing advice to the department’s Executive on First Nations matters.

• Coordinating the department’s contributions to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

• Working collaboratively across the department to provide strategic advice and coordination of departmental engagement activities and cultural capability uplift.

• Providing Secretariat support to the Minister for Environment and Water’s Indigenous Advisory Committee and working across the department to improve collaboration across the department’s First Nations advisory committees.

• Developing, mentoring and growing capability in the branch with a focus on resilience, innovation and leadership capabilities consistent with the DRIVE Leadership Charter.

• Working collegiately with all stakeholders, including internal and external, fostering collaboration and sharing of information. 

What we are looking for

Your roles and responsibilities will be aligned to the SES Band 1 Work Level Standards and the Secretaries’ Charter of Leadership Behaviours.

To be successful, you will demonstrate:

• Excellent written and verbal communication, organisational and engagement skills.

• Ability to think critically and apply sound judgement to inform risk-based decision making.

• Ability to work as part of a team, including encouraging the exploration of diverse views, recognising the different working styles of individuals, and ability to see things from different perspectives.

• The ability to develop and implement strategic direction for the department, translating policy and business outcomes including analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. 

• Effectively influencing stakeholders and negotiating positive outcomes, often within sensitive political environments. 

• Communicating effectively, adapting messaging to different audiences, and demonstrating active listening and strong negotiation skills. 

• Approaching discussions and negotiations with a strong grasp of key issues and achieving successful outcomes. 

• Understanding the complex governmental landscape and navigating its processes effectively. 

• Analysing complex information, identifying critical factors, and developing innovative solutions. 

Eligibility and other requirements

Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Heritage

In applying under this affirmative measure, you will be required to provide evidence to confirm you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australian. This evidence may be provided as part of your application or at a later stage of the recruitment process. Acceptable evidence includes:

• a letter signed and executed by the Chairperson of an incorporated Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation confirming you are recognised as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person; or

• a confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent form executed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation; or

• two statutory declarations confirming you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australian. The first declaration must be completed by you, and the second declaration can be completed by a First Nations Service Provider (e.g. a University Support Unit or an Indigenous Medical Service) or an APS employee, who is also Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

Security Clearance - this position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.