Aboriginal Commissioning & Planning Officer

- Location – Ballina or Coffs Harbour (ongoing) and Sydney Metro and Regional NSW (temporary roles)
- Employment type – Ongoing and temporary full-time, 35 hours per week
- Grade – Clerk Grade 7/8
- Salary – $116,981 pa - $129,492 pa plus employers’ contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

This position is open to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only

About Commissioning And Planning

The Commissioning and Planning directorate, within Strategy, Policy and Commissioning division, lead engagement with the sector to inform and shape system reform, service improvement, and innovation. They work in partnership to develop and procure services, manage contracts and monitor performance to ensure accountability and value for money. They are responsible for sector development, stewardship of the service system and achieving quality outcomes for individuals, families and communities in NSW.

Commissioning and Planning is a statewide directorate and manage over 1350 contracts on behalf of DCJ, across multiple program areas.

Your role

Make a real difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across NSW.

As an Aboriginal Commissioning & Planning Officer, you will use your cultural knowledge, community connections and professional expertise to help improve outcomes for Aboriginal children, families and communities. Working alongside Aboriginal organisations, community members, service providers and government partners, you will play a key role in managing contracts with funded services and ensure Aboriginal voices are central to local planning and decision‑making.





To be successful in this role you will have strong influencing and negotiation skills and have demonstrated experience in developing and building relationships with key stakeholders across Government and the non-government human services sector.

What You’ll Do

As part of the Commissioning and Planning team, you will help strengthen services and outcomes for communities and will be responsible for, but not limited to:

- Building and maintaining strong relationships with Aboriginal organisations, communities and service providers.
- Monitoring contract performance, compliance and accountability to support quality service delivery and value for money.
- Analysing service, financial and performance data to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.
- Assisting with contract establishment, administration, contract variations and payment processes.
- Conducting financial acquittal analysis, reconciliations and monitoring the appropriate use of public funds.
- Providing advice and support to service providers on contractual obligations, governance requirements and program guidelines.
- Building and maintaining productive relationships with service providers, communities and key stakeholders.

What We’re Looking For

- Strong cultural capability and demonstrated connection to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.




- Ability to engage respectfully with community members, Elders, Aboriginal organisations and stakeholders.
- Experience building partnerships across community and government sectors.
- Strong communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
- Experience in managing contracts or projects to ensure accountability, high quality outcomes and client service delivery needs according to timeframes.
- High‑level computer skills and administrative capability.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team workplace.
- Current driver's licence and willingness to travel.
- Relevant qualifications and/or equivalent experience, with a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Why join us?

- Make a meaningful impact for Aboriginal children, families and communities.
- Use your cultural knowledge and community connections to drive positive change.
- Join a supportive team that values Aboriginal perspectives and leadership.
- Enjoy ongoing career development, competitive salary and flexible work opportunities.

As an Identified role, this position is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons.

Where a position is identified, an applicant’s race is a genuine occupational qualification under the exception in Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

Role

There are two alternatives to confirming your Aboriginality, one of which must be uploaded to be considered for the role as follows. Either will be accepted:

Confirmation of Aboriginality form

or

Written confirmation from 2-3 Aboriginal organisations within the

📌 Aboriginal C&P Officer (Coffs Harbour)
🏢 Nsw Department Of Communities And Justice
📍 Coffs Harbour