Head of Indigenous Affairs & Human Rights

About Woodside

We know great results come from our people feeling valued, getting the support they need to reach their full potential and working in a psychologically and physically safe work environment. We recognise that enduring, meaningful relationships with communities are fundamental to maintaining our licence to operate.

Sustainability performance is fundamental to the long-term success of our business. We use technology to help reduce emissions at our operations. We are also working to improve energy efficiency, offset emissions, reduce emissions intensity and explore options for lower-carbon energy. Woodside led the development of the LNG industry in Australia and is applying this same pioneering spirit to contribute towards future energy challenges globally.

Refer to our corporate website for more information about our different locations and projects: https://www.woodside.com/what-we-do

About the Role

As the Head of Indigenous Affairs and Human Rights, you will provide enterprise-wide leadership to advance Woodside's global Indigenous Peoples Strategy and human rights commitments across our Australian and global operations. Reporting to the Executive Vice President of Sustainability, Policy and External Affairs, this influential leadership role will drive strategic engagement and governance across the business.

This is a rare and exceptional opportunity for an experienced leader with a demonstrated record of delivering sustained outcomes to deliver meaningful impact, strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities, and embed responsible business practices in one of the world's leading energy companies. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply and lived experience and cultural awareness will be highly valued.

Duties and Responsibilities

First Nations Strategy and Leadership

• Lead the execution of Woodside's global Indigenous Peoples Strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and the priorities, rights and interests of Indigenous communities and Traditional Owners
• Build enduring and trusted relationships with Traditional Owners, Indigenous organisations, community leaders, governments, and key stakeholders globally.
• Provide strategic advice to Executive Leadership and senior business leaders on Indigenous engagement, Traditional Owner rights, cultural heritage, social performance, and community investment.
• Champion initiatives that increase Indigenous employment, leadership development, supplier diversity, and procurement opportunities.
• Lead delivery of Woodside’s reconciliation commitments and associated accountabilities. 

Leadership and Capability Building

• Lead and develop a high-performing team across Indigenous Affairs and Human Rights, with clear priorities, accountabilities and ways of working.
• Build a strong and inclusive team culture that encourages collaboration, constructive challenge, shared accountability and continuous learning.
• Build depth and resilience across the team by strengthening capability, sharing knowledge and developing succession for critical areas of expertise.
• Create an environment where people feel supported to contribute, grow and perform at their best.
• Build organisational capability across Woodside in Indigenous engagement, human rights obligations and responsible business practices.

Human Rights Leadership

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Woodside's Human Rights Framework.
• Ensure alignment with international standards including the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
• Oversee human rights impact assessments and due diligence processes across the business.
• Identify emerging risks and opportunities, including, but not limited to topics relating to modern slavery, labour rights, community impacts, security, and vulnerable populations.
• Support transparent disclosure and reporting of human rights performance and commitments.

Strategic Influence and Governance

• Provide enterprise-wide leadership and subject matter expertise on Indigenous affairs and human rights.
• Develop policies, standards, frameworks, and governance processes that drive accountability and continuous improvement.
• Partner with operational and project teams to ensure Indigenous affairs and human rights considerations are integrated into decision-making processes.
• Monitor changing stakeholder expectations, regulatory developments, and industry trends to inform strategic priorities.
• Represent Woodside Energy at industry forums, conferences, community meetings, and government engagements.

Skills and Experience

You are a respected and authentic leader who combines strategic judgement, commercial acumen and a demonstrated record of advancing Indigenous rights and community outcomes.

You will bring:

• Significant executive or senior leadership experience in Indigenous Affairs, Human Rights, Sustainability, Corporate Affairs, ESG, or Community Relations
• Demonstrated experience building trusted relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and representative organisations within Australia
• Deep expertise in building and sustaining relationships with Indigenous Peoples and Traditional Owners, cultural heritage management, and social investment practices
• Proven experience developing and implementing human rights frameworks and due diligence programs
• Knowledge of international human rights standards, modern slavery obligations, and responsible business practices
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to influence complex organisational decisions
• A level of expertise that enables you to effectively challenge and shape organisational decisions
• Exceptional stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication skills
• Experience leading high-performing teams and driving enterprise-wide change

Recognition and Reward

What you can expect from us:

• Commitment to your ongoing development, including on-the-job opportunities, formal programs and coaching
• Industry-leading 18 weeks paid parental leave for primary carer, and maintenance of superannuation or retirement benefits at the current rate during any period of unpaid parental leave for up to 24 months (plus secondary carer leave entitlements)
• Values led culture with a focus on creating a psychologically and physically safe work environment
• Active employee-led working groups driving initiatives to build an inclusive culture
• Community volunteering opportunities
• Relocation assistance (if required)
• A competitive remuneration package featuring performance-based incentives

Woodside is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce culture, which is supported by our Values. Our aim is to attract, develop and retain a truly diverse and high-performing workforce. 

Diversity encompasses various differences, including but not limited to differences in age, nationality, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, intersex status, gender identity or expression, relationship status, disability, neurodiversity, veteran status, cultural background, thinking styles, experience, family background, including caregiving commitments, and education. Inclusion centres on all employees creating a climate of respect, trust and belonging, where people feel enabled to be their best and authentic version of themself.

We offer supportive pathways for all employees to grow and develop leadership skills. We encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples and those seeking a more flexible working environment, including part-time opportunities.

Applications close at 11:59pm AWST on Friday 30th October 2026.

Click APPLY to submit your application

Please note Woodside Energy will only accept direct candidate applications. We do not accept applications from Recruitment Agencies.