Director, First Nations Unit

Job Details

Job Req ID

Home Affairs - 142231

Location

ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA

Classification

Executive Level 2 - $140,893.00 to $183,347.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time

Contact Officer

Chelsea Parnell at chelsea.parnell@homeaffairs.gov.au 

Office Arrangements

Flexible - Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational requirements of the role.

Applications close on 29/10/2026 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

About the opportunity

This process is being used to fill 1 immediate position

The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under Section 31 of the Australian Public Service Commissioner's Directions 2022. This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months anywhere in ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA.

About our team

Chief Operating Officer | People | Recruitment Diversity & Learning | First Nations Unit

The First Nations Unit (FNU) is as a dedicated section within the Recruitment, Diversity and Learning Branch in People Division. The Unit plays a key role in uplifting our collective cultural capability, improving how we engage and drive genuine reform in our policy development and program delivery.

The First Nations Unit is positioned in People Division and supports improved cultural capability across the entire Department, including the ABF.  The Unit is a vital contributor to strengthening enduring partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, organisations and groups to collectively address shared border protection challenges.

The Unit is a central coordination point for all First Nations initiatives, including Departmental contributions to Priority Reform as outlined within the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, enabling prioritisation of reform initiatives with the most meaningful and positive impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border Force.

Our ideal candidate

• Exceptional strategic leadership skills, with the ability to influence enterprise outcomes and drive complex reform in a large and diverse organisation
• Deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and issues, with a strong commitment to cultural safety, inclusion and self-determination
• Proven experience building and maintaining trusted relationships with First Nations stakeholders, communities, senior executives and external partners
• Strong governance, planning and performance management capability, including oversight of complex programs, reporting, risk management and accountability frameworks
• A track record of leading and developing high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, innovation and delivery of meaningful outcomes.

Duties and responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of governance frameworks, strategic initiatives and culturally safe practices that support the Department's First Nations priorities.
• Oversee the Department's Closing the Gap commitments, including planning, performance monitoring, reporting, assurance activities and the provision of high-quality advice to senior executives.
• Provide leadership and quality assurance across policies, programs and workforce initiatives to ensure alignment with First Nations priorities, perspectives and outcomes.
• Monitor and report on First Nations initiatives, risks, dependencies and outcomes across the Department to support effective decision-making and accountability.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships, engagement networks and governance forums to strengthen collaboration, accountability and First Nations-informed decision-making across the Department and with external stakeholders.

Additional information

This position is an Affirmative Measure position for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Preferred Role Requirements and Qualifications: 

• Experience leading and coordinating whole-of-organisation First Nations initiatives, including governance, reporting and executive briefings
• Demonstrated experience supporting delivery of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (including Priority Reforms) and/or Reconciliation Action Plan implementation and reporting
• Experience developing and embedding culturally safe engagement protocols and advising on cultural risk/sensitivity for programs, communications and events
• Proven ability to build trusted partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, peak bodies and cross-government stakeholders
• Experience in workforce or organisational development initiatives (e.g., cultural capability uplift, recruitment pathways, learning programs) informed by First Nations perspectives.

How to apply

Submit your application and CV through Home Affairs' recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 29/10/2026 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEST - Late applications will not be accepted.

As part of your application, you will be required to prepare and submit a one-page applicant response document in relation to the advertised role, outlining:

• How your skills, knowledge, and experience will be relevant to this role
• Why you are interested in the role and what you can offer us
• Any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role

Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and Requisition Number - 142231 in the document footer.

Prior to preparing your response it is recommended you review the Work Level Standards relevant to the classification you applying to. It may also be useful to refer to the Integrated Leadership Systems information relevant to the classification.

Evidence of heritage

Shortlisted applicants will be required to provide confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage.

A confirmation must stipulate that a person:

• is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent; and
• identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person; and
• is accepted as such by the community in which they live, or formerly lived.

Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage can be provided by a wide range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and bodies, and commonly include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Councils;
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations can be incorporated under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006, the Corporations Act 2001, or other states and territory legislation);
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical services.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the position you must be an Australian Citizen.

The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain Baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance, and:

• ABF Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC).
• Home Affairs Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Onboarding Check.

In certain circumstances, an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC) may be required in addition to, or in lieu of, an Onboarding Check, which will be determined by the delegate as necessary.

Diversity and inclusion

The Department is committed to workforce diversity and applicants who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, come from a diverse cultural or linguistic background or have a disability are encouraged to apply.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://apsc.gov.au/recuitability

Technical assistance

For technical enquiries please call or email for assistance:

• Email: recruitment@homeaffairs.gov.au
• Phone: 1300 793 883 (within Australia) or +61 2 6196 0444 (outside of Australia)

Please include any applicable screen captures, a response will be provided during business hours.

Notes

The Department of Home Affairs offers an attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation benefits and flexible working conditions appropriate to the level of the position, to read more click here. The Australian Public Service (APS) Employee Value Proposition (EVP) highlights the top reasons our employees enjoy working in the APS.

The Department may provide relocation assistance to eligible APS employees required to relocate. The level of assistance will vary depending on the reason for relocating and your personal circumstances. For further information please enquire with the contact officer listed in the advertisement.

AI tools may be used to support parts of this recruitment process. The selection panel will disclose where and how AI is used.

Information about employment and advice on how to apply for vacancies can be obtained from the Department's website at https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/careers.