Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer

The Northern Land Council is seeking a Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer in Darwin, NT, Australia, for a full-time, ongoing role. The position involves leading a team to develop evidence-based policy, advocate for Aboriginal rights, and champion sustainability, particularly regarding water resources. Candidates should have relevant qualifications, experience in policy analysis, and cultural competence. The role offers competitive remuneration and benefits, with an emphasis on community empowerment.
• Location: Darwin
• Status: Full-time ongoing

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for shaping real change? Do you thrive at the intersection of policy, advocacy, and community empowerment? Join the Northern Land Council (NLC) in a pivotal role that lets you turn insight into action for Traditional Owners

About the Role:

As a Senior Policy & Advocacy Officer at NLC, you will lead a dedicated team that helps to shape high-impact policy reform: Lead the development of evidence-based, community-driven policy advice. Be a voice for justice: Advocate across all levels of government to drive legislative and policy change that reflects the rights and aspirations of Aboriginal peoples. Champion sustainability: Focus on the critical issue of water a precious and finite resource balancing ecological, cultural, and economic priorities. Work with purpose: Make a meaningful difference, backed by a team that values cultural knowledge, collaboration, and long-term outcomes.

What you will Bring:
• You will be well versed in Developing policy and its effectiveness and able to use evidence-based research while listening to and working with our stakeholders to help to create effective strategies and solutions that enable the NLC to advocate on behalf of our constituents effectively with both Territory and Federal Government entities to bring about great outcomes for our communities. Previous experience in supervising a small team of dedicated professionals

In addition to this, you will have:
• Bachelor level qualifications in Environmental Science, Law, Economics, Social Sciences or relevant qualification.
• Minimum of four (4) years’ experience in policy analysis, research and development, and a demonstrated ability to successfully advocate for change.
• Demonstrated cultural competence, with an ability to communicate and engage sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal people.
• Effective time management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines.
• A current drivers’ licence, with the ability and willingness to undertake remote travel in a manual 4wd vehicle or light aircraft.

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 $110,763 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 $4,631 per annum for individuals with dependents and $2,539 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 $2,724

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: jobs@nlc.org.au

Applications Close: Wednesday 23rd April 2025

About the NLC

Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to the work that we do here at NLC. The Northern Land Council (NLC) was established 50 years ago under the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act in 1976, to assist Aboriginal people in the Top End of the NT to acquire and manage their traditional lands, waters and seas. 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.