About the role The Senior Policy Officer supports the Legal and Corporate Affairs Manager by delivering high‑level policy, research and analysis functions, including coordinating executive and government interfaces, preparing briefing materials, and analysing contemporary Aboriginal policy. The role exists to strengthen ALC's strategic direction and contribute to collaborative partnerships across NT government agencies and the Aboriginal Affairs sector in the planning, coordination and delivery of Closing the Gap policy initiatives. Funded through the Aboriginal Peak Organisations NT (APONT), the position will engage in the development of policy initiatives and reforms that address Aboriginal disadvantage and advance the economic, cultural and social wellbeing of First Nations people in the NT.

This position bridges highly traditional Aboriginal first‑language speakers with their aspirations to participate in the broader Australian and international economy, while navigating a complex environment shaped by significant mining royalty income and legislative frameworks. The role achieves this through strategic communication, solid cultural awareness, innovative policy insight, and the ability to translate strategic intent into practical, high‑quality advice and documentation. This position is full time, fixed term for 12 months.

Key responsibilities

- Deliver high‑level professional support to the Legal & Corporate Affairs Manager by undertaking policy analysis and research and participating in inter‑governmental committees and policy forums, to ensure informed decision‑making and effective corporate governance.
- Support governance and policy development by assisting with drafting, implementation, monitoring, and reporting on policy initiatives, including Closing the Gap and national policy frameworks, to strengthen ALC's compliance, accountability, and strategic performance.
- Engage with government agencies and peak bodies and represent the ALC on relevant committees and working groups.
- Coordinate meetings and working groups by preparing high quality advice,



briefings, presentations, speaking notes, and supporting documentation, to ensure leaders and stakeholders are well informed and able to make effective decisions.
- Conduct clear, accurate, and evidence based policy research and analysis to inform the ALC on contemporary issues impacting Traditional Owners and to support strategic direction and advocacy efforts.
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and Traditional Owners by engaging collaboratively to support respectful and productive partnerships and smooth organisational operations.

About you

- Demonstrated experience in preparing high quality policy analysis, research and development reports, submissions, briefing papers, and other complex written materials.
- High level written communication skills, including experience in preparing complex policy and strategies.
- Highly developed organisational and time management skills, with a proven ability to coordinate projects, manage competing priorities, and deliver outcomes in a dynamic environment with limited supervision.
- Sound knowledge of local and national policy initiatives in Aboriginal Affairs with particular focus on the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and its Priority Reforms.
- Genuine commitment to improving outcomes for the Traditional Owners of the Groote Archipelago, with an interest in the Groote Archipelago Local Decision‑Making Agreement and the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.
- Well developed cultural awareness and an understanding of the social, cultural, environmental, and economic issues affecting Aboriginal communities.




- Solid work ethic demonstrated by the ability to work independently and collaboratively, meet deadlines, and produce high‑quality work.
- Proven ability to coordinate and participate in stakeholder meetings, supported by highly developed interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline, such as public policy, social sciences, Aboriginal affairs, business administration, law or a related field.
- A valid C class motor vehicle licence is required for this position.
- A National Police Check is required for this position prior to appointment.
- A valid Working with Children check/clearance is required for this position - Northern Territory Working with children clearance [Ochre Card].

About us The Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC) represents the Traditional Owners of the Groote Archipelago. The ALC is a 'future-forward' Land Council, directed by the 14 clans of the Groote Archipelago region, enabling the Anindilyakwa people to take full advantage of the opportunities and technology available in the 21st century, while simultaneously preserving land, language and culture. The ALC functions to ascertain and express the wishes and opinions of the Anindilyakwa people as to the management of the land and sea in the Groote archipelago region, protecting the interests of the Traditional Owners, assisting in the protection of sacred sites, assist the Anindilyakwa people in traditional land claims, negotiation with persons desiring to obtain an estate or interest in the land, assist Traditional Owners in carrying out commercial activity, and supervise and provide administrative and other assistance for Land Trusts holding Indigenous land in the Groote archipelago region.

Benefits

- Attractive Remuneration starting from $116,000 per annum, fixed term for 12 months
- Annual leave: 5 weeks per annum
- Personal leave: 18 days per annum
- Salary Sacrifice available (up to $18,500 per year)
- 2 weeks paid Christmas/New Year shut down - in addition to annual leave

📌 Senior Policy Officer - Fixed term for 12 months (Darwin)
🏢 Anindilyakwa Land Council
📍 Darwin