About our team 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 (for example: cultural capability uplift, recruitment pathways, learning programs) informed by First Nations perspectives.

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.

The Department of Home Affairs offers an attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation perks 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.

📌 Director, First Nations Unit - Affirmative Measures - First Nations (Australian Capital Territory)
🏢 Department of Home Affairs
📍 Australian Capital Territory