Senior Policy Advisor

About Us

The First Nations Portfolio (FNP) works with colleagues across the University to ensure ANU is a leader in teaching and research of First Nations issues. It also works to ensure that the University makes a leading contribution to national policy in the relationship between Indigenous Australians and the nation.

FNP provides an environment for debating significant and strategic issues and seeks to partner with communities, their representative organisations and enterprises to further the status, recognition and lives of Indigenous peoples. Achieving this outcome requires constant attention to impact, engagement and partnership with First Nations communities, and a commitment to innovative and multidisciplinary approaches to our work.

This role will work closely with the teams from two portfolio Centres: Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute for First Nations Gender Justice and the Centre for Indigenous Economic Transformation.

The Role

The Senior Policy Advisor role connects policy development, research, knowledge and practice to drive effective and sustainable outcomes for Indigenous Australians. Of critical importance is partnering with First Nations communities and their organisations to support and inform the choices that best reflect them on their journey to self-determination and self-governance.

The role requires sound judgement, strong interpersonal capability and the ability to synthesis complex information quickly and clearly. Operating in a high-trust environment, the Senior Policy Adviser will engage closely with senior leaders across the University, government and external stakeholders, while managing sensitive matters with professionalism and care.

The successful candidate will be an experienced adviser with a demonstrated ability to operate effectively in complex organisational environments. They will bring exceptional written communication skills, strong analytical capability and the ability to provide clear, practical and proportionate advice in situations that are often ambiguous, fast-paced and high profile.