Job Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position ASGF Koorie Caucus Secretariat – Executive Officer
Reports to Senior Manager, Policy and Redress
Direct Reports 1
Status Full time, fixed two-year contract.
Location Based at the Preston office
Special Measures Provision Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are eligible to apply as this position is exempt under the special measures provision

BACKGROUND

The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) is the largest organisation of its kind in Australia. VACCA is an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation that supports and advocates for the Aboriginal community. Our strength lies with our people. Our team is committed to the organisation’s vision and values; advocates for our children and other vulnerable community members; and shows respect for, observance and compliance with Aboriginal cultural protocols, practice and ceremony. Our Aboriginality is what distinguishes us from mainstream services and what enables us to deliver the positive outcomes we achieve for our people.

VACCA employs over 900 staff and delivers more than 70 programs across the state. VACCA’s experience and expertise in the delivery of therapeutic interventions are underpinned by culture, connection, and healing. VACCA designs, develops and delivers programs with self-determination and an understanding that the intergenerational trauma experienced by our community requires intergenerational and community healing.

Central to VACCA’s work is the importance of connection to family, community and culture as essential to Aboriginal children’s safety, stability and ensuring that they have an ongoing sense of belonging. As Victoria’s largest Aboriginal child welfare agency, VACCA will play a key role in the process of transitioning the care and case management of Aboriginal children from government and non- Aboriginal organisations to Aboriginal community-controlled organisations following the recent decision of the Victorian Government.

VACCA is implementing cultural therapeutic ways which is an agency wide framework that underpins our work with the community, our clients and staff

OUR VISION

Aboriginal self-determination - Live, Experience and Be.

OUR PURPOSE

Supporting culturally strong, safe and thriving Aboriginal communities.

PROGRAM AREA

Two dedicated positions have been created to function as the Secretariat for the Aboriginal Strategic Governance Forum Koorie Caucus, and VACCA is hosting the Secretariat for two years.

While this role is independent to the work of VACCA and serves the membership of the Koorie Caucus; the Executive Officer, and the Senior Policy Officer positions will sit within VACCA’s Office of the CEO. The Office of the CEO includes, Policy and Redress, Communications, Fundraising and Resources. The Senior Manager Policy and Redress will provide supervision and performance oversight for the Secretariat. The Koorie Caucus will direct and lead the work of the Secretariat.

ABORIGINAL STRATEGIC GOVERNANCE FORUM - KOORIE CAUCUS

The Aboriginal Strategic Governance Forum (ASGF) is the principal Aboriginal advisory and decision- making forum for the human services portfolio as well as health. The ASGF will set the strategic direction for this portfolio and provide advice to other Victorian Government departments on portfolio matters. They will resolve strategic cross cutting issues escalated by Divisional Aboriginal Governance Committees and provide oversight and direction to these committees.

The ASGF Koorie Caucus provides a strong governance platform for peak Victorian Aboriginal organisations to advocate for broad community interests at ASGF meetings and government actions under the Korin Korin Balit Djak Framework. The Secretariat will provide administrative and policy support to the Koorie Caucus.

POSITION SUMMARY

You will be responsible for secretariat functions for ASGF Koori Caucus meetings and will provide a single point of contact and effective communication amongst Caucus members. The ASGF Koorie Caucus Executive Officer will support Caucus members to be well briefed and prepared in relation to emerging issues, and will build and maintain strong and effective relationships with relevant government departments. The role will also work collaboratively with the ASGF Forum Secretariat located in the Aboriginal Strategy and Oversight (ASO) at Department of Families Fairness and Housing.

The position will be a hybrid role based at the VACCA Preston office.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Internal: Office of the CEO and CEO

External: ASGF Koorie Caucus Members, ASGF, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are eligible to apply as this position is exempt under the special measures provision
• Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to, the values that underpin Korin Korin Balit Djak’s (KKBD) principles and supporting strategies and the capacity to take a leadership role in championing these internally and externally
• Demonstrated awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal societies and cultures, and commitment to continually build knowledge of such, along with a high level of awareness of the key issues which impact upon Aboriginal communities
• Demonstrated experience in working and engaging with Aboriginal families and children/ Demonstrated experience in child and family sectors or other sectors represented by KKDB
• Strong connections with the Victorian Aboriginal community, and a proven ability to work collaboratively with other ACCOS in a respectful, culturally safe and effective manner
• Demonstrated understanding of the authorising environment and how to work with Koorie Caucus members, ASGF members and DFFH.
• Demonstrated conflict management and negotiation skills and strong stakeholder engagement skills
• Minimum five years' experience in a senior policy, project or research role, with at least three years’ experience in staff and project management
• Strong research, analytical and writing skills (examples of work may be requested from shortlisted applicants)
• Strong organisational and coordination skills with experience in delivering projects highly desirable
• Proficiency with MS Office and intranet-based information.
• Demonstrated capacity to negotiate and work constructively with key stakeholders - Demonstrated high level conceptual, strategic and analytical skills along with sophisticated understanding of program implementation, management and evaluation
• Excellent written and verbal communication and time management skills and the ability to manage multiple complex demands and meet timelines

REQUIREMENTS

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal ways of knowing, doing and being and the impact of both federal and Victorian policies and services systems on Aboriginal peoples and communities.
• Knowledge and understanding of the community services or child and family welfare sector, family violence sector, youth or justice sectors.
• Experience in coordination and implementation of projects that have community impact.

Mandatory

• A tertiary degree in a relevant subject such as social or public policy.
• You must have and continue to hold a full Victorian Driver’s Licence, a current employment Working with Children Check card and a National Police Check.
• Current COVID-19 vaccination (minimum one dose, prior to commencement)
  
  

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Plan, manage and coordinate meetings, including scheduling, preparing and sharing agenda and papers with members in advance, taking minutes and following up with Caucus member on follow up actions.
• Consult and follow agreed processes in engaging with Koorie Caucus members.
• Prepare reports, briefs, research and policy papers as directed by Koorie Caucus.
• Coordinate and convene working groups to support policy work as needed
• Provide authoritative, informed advice and recommendations to support the Chair and Koorie Caucus members in their work
• Coordinate projects, including tender and acquittal processes to progress the work of Caucus as directed.
• Support and maintain close liaison, cooperation and effective relationships with key stakeholders including Koorie Caucus members, ASGF Secretariat and ASO.
• Provide high level analyse and critical evaluation of information and the potential implications, opportunities and risks of proposed policy options and provide timely advice.
• Supervise and support the ASFG Koorie Caucus Senior Policy Officer
• Develop and report on a workplan for the Secretariat
• Work positively and effectively in a small team environment.
• Attend all meetings of ASGF Secretariat and Koorie Caucus as required.
  
  

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Excellent understanding and knowledge of Aboriginal affairs both at a state and national level.
• Excellent understanding and knowledge of government and policy especially at the Victorian state level
• Strong ability to communicate ideas through written papers, briefs and presentations
• Strong writing, proof reading and communication skills with superior attention to detail
• Strong verbal communication skills with ability to communicate complex ideas simply

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Managing Oneself: Manages and cares for self to maintain resilience and support when working within a challenging operating environment.
• Supervision: Provides supervision, guidance and mentoring to the Senior Policy officer
• Teamwork: Cooperates and works well with others in the pursuit of team goals. Collaborates and shares information. Shows consideration, concern and respect for others’ feelings and ideas. Accommodates and works well with the different working styles of others. Encourages resolution of conflict within group.
• Initiative and Accountability: Proactive and self starting. Seizes opportunities and acts upon them. Takes responsibility for own actions.
• Integrity: Committed to Aboriginal communities. Operates in a manner that is consistent with VACCA code of conduct. Inspires trust by treating all individuals fairly.
  
  
  

HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLBEING

• Ensure compliance with the OH&S Act and VACCA policies.
• Contribute positively and proactively to team and organisation wide OH&S activities.
  
  

QUALITY & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

• Ensure compliance with legislation, contract and policy requirements in your day to day work in order to meet the organisation’s audit, contract and registration obligations.
• Proactively apply your specialist knowledge in the review and maintenance of policies, systems and processes.
• Continue the development of a culturally strong and positive working environment using a continuous improvement approach.
  
  
  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

We are committed to Aboriginal self-determination and supporting strong, safe, thriving Aboriginal communities and aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity, honouring all cultural backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities and spiritual beliefs.

VACCA is a child-safe organisation and is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people with zero tolerance for child abuse. All successful applicants will be required to undertake a National Police Record Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencement of employment and periodically following commencement.

VACCA is an equal opportunity employer and has a smoke-free workplace policy.