Economic Development Policy Officer

The Northern Land Council is hiring a full-time Economic Development Policy Officer in Darwin, NT, Australia. The role involves shaping legislation and policy for Aboriginal communities, developing evidence-based advice, and representing the NLC in forums. Candidates should have a degree in a relevant field, at least four years of policy experience, and strong communication skills. The position offers competitive remuneration and benefits.
• Location: Darwin
• Status: Full-time ongoing

Are you passionate about policy, social justice, and driving positive change for Aboriginal communities? The Northern Land Council (NLC) is seeking a skilled and motivated Economic Development Policy Officer to join our Policy and Advocacy team.

About the Role: -

In this role, you’ll contribute to shaping legislation and policy reform that supports the rights and aspirations of Traditional Owners. You’ll develop evidence-based policy advice, prepare briefings, submissions and discussion papers, and represent the NLC in key forums and working groups. With a particular focus on areas such as economic development, land and water policy, or government service delivery, your work will help ensure Aboriginal voices are heard where decisions are made.

What you will Bring: -

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring a strong understanding of policy development, excellent research and writing skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. You’ll have experience engaging with government agencies and stakeholders, and ideally a background in one or more relevant policy areas. Most importantly, you’ll bring a culturally respectful and collaborative approach to working with Aboriginal communities.

In addition to this, you will have: -
• Degree level qualifications in Environmental Science, Law, Economics, Social Sciences or relevant equivalent qualification.
• Minimum of four (4) years’ experience in policy analysis, research and development, and a demonstrated ability to successfully advocate for change.
• Sound computer literacy skills in Microsoft Office 365.
• Current C Class Drivers Licence and the ability and willingness to undertake remote travel in a manual 4WD vehicle or light aircraft if required.

For a full copy of the Position Description refer to the link provided below.

What’s in it for you?

As Part of a dedicated and collaborative team that supports your professional development, this is an exciting opportunity to play a role in helping to advocate the NLC positions on a broad range of issues affecting aboriginal people.

NLC offers competitive and attractive remuneration, work life balance and a unique opportunity to support our Aboriginal communities in the NLC Region.

We offer:
• A base salary of $98,720 per annum plus 14.5% superannuation and salary sacrificing up to $15,900 + Meal Entertainment and Holiday Accommodation benefits up to $2,650 per year.
• Other benefits under our Enterprise Agreement include:
• * District allowance of up to $4,797 per annum for individuals with dependents and $2,630 without dependents.
• 5 weeks annual leave, leaving loading, 18 days personal leave;
• Paid Christmas close down;
• Upon completion of 12 months of service an Annual airfare with a net (in hand) value of $2,961

Interested applicants should send a copy of their CV along with a cover letter outlining why you are interested in this position and what relevant skills and experiences you will bring to the role.

If you have any further queries please contact: Sian Graham at GrahaS@nlc.org.au or 0419 617 309

Applications Close: Tuesday 29th April 2025

About the NLC

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is an independent statutory authority of the Commonwealth. The NLC is established under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT) 1976 and its purpose is to serve its constituents who are Traditional Owners (TOs) and other Aboriginal people living in their region. Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to the work that we do here at NLC. We are committed to enhancing Aboriginal peoples social, political and economic participation by supporting their aspirations and amplifying their voices on a range of issues impacting on their lands, seas, culture and communities.