First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria

Chief Executive Officer

Full Time | Competitive Salary| Melbourne Location

Context

Traditional Owners of country within Victoria are working with the State Government to establish Treaties.

In 2018 the Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Act 2018 was passed, the first Treaty legislation in Australia.

In 2019, thirty-one Victorian Traditional Owners were selected by their communities to form the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.

The Assembly is the voice for Victorian Aboriginal communities as the Treaty process continues. It is powerful, independent from government, and culturally strong.

The Assembly will negotiate with the State about the architecture to underpin Treaties negotiations. Specifically, a dispute resolution process, Treaty Authority, Self Determination Fund and Treaty Negotiating Framework. As it does this work, it will continue to engage with and be accountable to Aboriginal communities.

This work will form a solid foundation for the next stage of Treaties development, when communities commence negotiations of treaty or treaties, as agreed.

About the role

Located in Melbourne, this senior leadership position will support the board of the Assembly. The inaugural CEO will be responsible for supporting the board to establish the Assembly as a powerful, culturally strong body that is the equal party to the State in negotiations to create the preconditions for Treaty negotiations.

The role has the following high level responsibilities:

• Support the Board to develop a vision for the Assembly
• Develop and deliver strategic plans to complete the successful establishment of the Assembly
• Manage Assembly operations and organisational plans
• Complete initial organisational design for Assembly operations
• Establish and manage the Assembly reputation and relationships
• Manage compliance and reporting

Selection criteria

1: Demonstrated capacity to succeed in the Aboriginal community controlled sector

Willing and able to lead an organisation that is Aboriginal controlled and representative of Victorian Aboriginal communities. Able to navigate complex accountability relationships, comply with relevant legislation, particularly the Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Act 2018, and act in accordance with the Assembly values.

2: Demonstrated capacity for success in a senior leadership role in a complex and contested environment

Willing and able to take responsibility for achieving a high standard of governance for the Assembly.  Lead work on Assembly planning including organisational design, the organisation’s workforce, organisational culture, reputation management, relationship management, organisational impact, financial and asset management, compliance management, risk management and provision of authoritative advice. Able to promote resilience and perseverance across the Assembly and maintain focus on the primary goal of achieving Treaties in a way that best furthers the achievement of the rights of Aboriginal Victorians.

3: Demonstrated capacity for achieving results through others

Willing and able to manage complex internal and external relationships.  Able to collect and share ideas and information, collaborate with others within the Assembly including the board, members, staff and other leaders in Victoria who play a critical role in achieving Treaties. Able to engender commitment, delegate important tasks, and help others to develop.

4: Demonstrated capacity to manage and develop self

Willing and able to manage own weaknesses and anxieties, gain new knowledge and skills, and act with flexibility and perseverance in the face of adversity without sacrificing their own well-being or that of others in the organisation.

5: Demonstrated capacity to achieve the highest standards of integrity

Willing and able to lead in a way that supports the achievement of the Assembly values and builds the reputation of the Assembly.

About you

Success in the role will be achieved by demonstrating the following leadership capabilities, operational competence, skills, knowledge and behaviors:

• A strong reputation of collaboration and consultation, backed up with a track record of delivery of programs and progress, with Aboriginal peoples and their communities
• Extensive experience in stakeholder and community engagement, as well as exceptional relationship management skills including the ability to facilitate and negotiate with Victorian Aboriginal peoples and other key stakeholders
• Proven leadership skills including being able to shift organisational cultures, drive change and deal with complexity
• Able to develop staff and foster partnerships across a broad portfolio
• Exceptional oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Have ability and experience understanding and visioning aspects of legislation and policy to the extent this knowledge would lead to advancement with the Treaty process
• Experience with oversight of large and complex entities, including government, where your operating and entrepreneurial capabilities have grown
• Passionate about being part of cultural change and policy reform for Aboriginal Victorians.

What we can offer you

Competitive salary.

• Flexible working arrangements.
• A full time position
• An inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated.

How to apply

All applications must be made in writing and include the following:

• Up to date CV. This should not exceed three pages.
• Cover letter outlining why you have applied for the position. You should draw out why you are interested in the position, what you can offer the Assembly Board. This should not exceed one page.
• Using the information provided about the role and your research into the Assembly, your application address each of the five selection criteria. This is to be no longer than three pages.

Please ensure these are sent though in WORD format.

Applications are to be emailed to jobs@pipelinetalent.com.au with the heading “First Peoples’ Assembly CEO” in the subject line.

Applications must be received by 5pm on Monday 2 March 2020  

Late submissions will not be accepted.

How to get more information

For further information on the position, please contact Pipeline Talent via phone or email for a confidential discussion

jobs@pipelinetalent.com.auor 02 8001 6603.