About Universities Australia

Universities Australia (UA) is the national peak body collectively representing Australia’s 39 comprehensive universities. Its key role is to assist in securing, through policy development and political advocacy, a policy, regulatory, and funding environment that supports the maintenance of a world class university system.

UA also promotes the role of university education and research in underpinning national economic, social, and cultural wellbeing. The organisation seeks to ensure that relevant policy discussion is as well informed as possible through the development and prosecution of whole-of-sector policy positions.

It provides representation to relevant committees, advisory groups and working parties, pursues and implements agreements with international bodies that facilitate member engagement and builds and executes issue specific campaigns.

Universities Australia assists its members by serving as a hub for the exchange of information, ideas and learning across the sector.

The role

Australia’s university sector is navigating its way through an ever increasingly complex policy environment, which has the potential to result in a once in a generation transformation of Australia’s university system. A refreshed leadership team provides Universities Australia (UA) with the opportunity to deliver impact in the policy reform process and to place the sector at the heart of the Australian Government’s thinking on the role of Australia’s universities in contributing to Australia’s future prosperity.

The Senior Policy Adviser, Indigenous will lead UA’s commitment to Indigenous education and research with a particular focus on the development of a new UA Indigenous Strategy. The incumbent will work with the UA Board, Plenary and Deputy Vice-Chancellors Committees, government agencies, Indigenous higher education bodies and other stakeholders to support the advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in and through universities.

The Senior Policy Adviser, Indigenous will have the necessary insider influence, policy clout and insight to ensure UA has an active role in the development of policies which impact our universities and help shape Australia as a forward-thinking nation that champions Indigenous matters in higher education. The role will include engagement with key departments and Ministries, including Education, NIAA, Prime Minister and Cabinet, DFAT and Attorney Generals’ Department. The Senior Policy Adviser will also engage with international counterparts who share a common goal in advancing the interests of Indigenous matters in their respective jurisdictions.

This is an identified position, and applicants must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Person (Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under Section 14(D) of the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1977).

Key Responsibilities

• Cultivate and nurture relationships with internal and external stakeholders including with Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, university executives, ministers, overseas universities, and domestic and international government bodies involved in Indigenous policy.
• Monitor and analyse policy developments at the national and international levels, assessing their impact on Indigenous higher education and work with various stakeholders to develop appropriate responses on behalf of the sector.
• Lead the development and implementation of next iteration of the UA Indigenous Strategy, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s overall goals.
• Represent UA in relevant committees, advisory groups, and working parties related to Indigenous higher education.
• Facilitate collaboration and information exchange between UA’s member universities on Indigenous issues.
• Undertake other duties within the designated function of the position as directed.

Skills and Experiences Required

• Proven experience in the effective synthesis and analysis of relevant information and data to deliver sound policy advice with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Indigenous students and researchers.
• A broad knowledge of sector priorities and agendas (that extends beyond knowledge of Indigenous students and researchers) as a foundation to understand the considerations of how Indigenous strategy is positioned in the wider context.
• Well-developed analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret complex policy issues and provide strategic advice.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and ensure delivery of projects in a dynamic and collaborative team environment on time.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a commitment to working collaboratively with Indigenous communities and other stakeholders.
• Culturally sensitive and aware, with a deep respect for Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.
• A proactive and results-oriented approach, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience in a senior role in a government department, industry peak body, Ministerial office, or advocacy-based organisation would be desirable.
• A relevant tertiary qualification, ideally in education, public policy, Indigenous studies, or a related discipline.

Additional Information

• This position may require occasional travel to engage with stakeholders and attend relevant meetings or events.

Please apply via Seek Online providing a Cover Letter and Resume.
Applications close on Monday 7th October 2024 at 11:59pm.