Job Package $115,000 to $125,000 inclusive of Superannuation (negotiable based on experience)

Employment Type: Fixed Term-Full Time until June 30, 2023, with an option for renewal subject to funding.

Location: Regional NSW or Sydney (negotiable) must reside in NSW (role is a mix of home / office based plus frequent on site visits)

Responsible to: NSW Landcare Program Manager

Mandatory requirements: This is an Identified position – It is an occupational requirement that this position be filled by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Must have a valid NSW driver’s licence and be available for frequent travel throughout NSW (a company vehicle with a fuel card will be provided).

Context

The NSW Landcare Program 2019 – 2023 is a NSW Government-funded program of support for Landcare in NSW. Funded to a total of $22.4million over four years, the ultimate purpose of the NSW Landcare Program is to “equitably deliver support and resources that empowers Landcare volunteers, leading to the achievement of landscape, community and industry goals”.

It is co-managed and delivered by Local Land Services and Landcare NSW. It builds on the existing partnership between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW, on a number of previous Landcare Support Programs and regional Landcare investments. There are six components to the NSW Landcare Program. The role of Aboriginal Engagement Manager supports the Aboriginal Engagement Program component. This role’s current focus is to build upon the work to date, continue to develop and maintain the existing relationships up to the program end in June 2023, and also develop a strategy to support the future 2023 to 2027 program (which is subject to Government funding being received).

Primary purpose of the role

This is an exciting opportunity that builds upon our existing work of fostering cultural inclusion and representation of Aboriginal interests as they relate to and complement Landcare activity. The role is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships, processes, and protocols that lead to increasing engagement between Aboriginal people, Landcare groups, networks and coordinators increase cultural awareness within Landcare NSW and identifying opportunities to further engage Aboriginal peoples and organisations. The role will provide support and advice to Landcare NSW in developing mutually beneficial engagement and strengthened relations between Traditional Owners, Aboriginal organisations and Landcare at local, regional and state levels across NSW whilst recognising the extensive relationships that already exist in local and regional contexts.

Key Deliverables

Program Management

• Leading the Aboriginal Engagement component of the NSW Landcare Program (including the existing Working Together program) and providing expert input into the development, implementation and promotion of effective high-quality community engagement strategies, initiatives and programs.
• Establishing appropriate guiding protocols for incorporating Aboriginal practices into Landcare work and fostering understanding within Landcare groups where appropriate.
  Providing ongoing support and guidance to build proficiency and skills in appropriate cultural engagement into Landcare activities.
• Developing high-quality and effective information collateral, tools, outreach activities and other products.
• Actively developing and maintaining effective working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Collecting and collating data, analysing information and providing accurate, appropriately balanced advice, reports, and recommendations that will progress the success of this initiative.

Resourcing

• Work with strategic partners to identify potential sources of funding and resourcing to increase Aboriginal involvement in Landcare activities, networks and projects and/or establish connections between existing groups that could enhance activities through collaboration.
• Manage budgets and understand financial implications of decisions in leading the Aboriginal Engagement component of the NSW Landcare Program.
• Lead the design of strategy and planning, and resourcing of the Aboriginal engagement work across Landcare NSW, in particular both the existing NSW Landcare Program to June 2023, and also shaping a strategy for the uture program (2023 to 2027 – subject to funding

Acknowledgement

• Assist Landcare NSW to develop a clear statement of intent, which acknowledges the need to improve and foster relationships with Aboriginal peoples and communities in NSW.
• Assist Landcare NSW to develop the correct and appropriate terminology with regards to Aboriginal people and cultures in its communications, policies, procedures and working cultural practices.

Representation (Advocacy)

• Assist Landcare NSW and advise where Aboriginal voices and perspectives can be heard at regional and council forums.
• Assist Landcare NSW to investigate ways in which Aboriginal leadership can be integrated within existing Landcare governance and planning structures.

Education

• Assist Landcare NSW to develop educational materials to explain Aboriginal perspectives and involvement in Landcare activities sharing their cultural knowledge of Traditional Land Care Practices.
• Provide regular communications that can be incorporated into Landcare NSW newsletters, information, and websites to promote this program, highlighting significant cultural events, shared learnings, Aboriginal engagement, collaboration outcomes and successful partnerships.

Previous Experience

The Requirements (Essential Criteria)

To be successful in this role you have a good understanding of local Aboriginalcultural and heritage issues and ability to deal with a range of sensitive cross-cultural issues. The role requires demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal peoples, groups and organisations to foster engagement with other stakeholders in the Natural Resource Management space. You have a current driver’s licence and a willingness to travel frequently and regularly throughout NSW developing and maintaining connections and relationships (travel/vehicle is financially supported by the program).

Key Compentencies

• Develop and implement community-based information and assistance to projects that increase the ability of Aboriginal groups, rural landholders, land managers, community groups, partner organisations and industry groups to work together to manage and deal with environmental issues
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills – open communicator and ability to promote Landcare in a range of forums and inspire confidence through the timely resolution of enquiries or work requests; be adaptable in challenging situations, demonstrate a high level of effective verbal and written skills communicating with diverse people at all levels, including the skills to use information technology, Microsoft applications and databases for communication, data collection, reporting and evaluation.
• Knowledge – excellent knowledge of key issues related to Aboriginal people, knowledge of cultural practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and the importance of connecting to Country.
• Teamwork – works collaboratively with project partners across the regions to accomplish organisational goals and reinforce the vision, respects and recognises the needs and contributions of others for quality service delivery, appreciates the operational pressures within the region/centre.
• Self-Motivation – self-starter with excellent organisational and time management skills, ability to self-motivate and multi-task and work independently, aptitude to think on your feet and produce practical answers, proactive, shows initiative, leads by example, maintains accountability.
• Collaborative Skills – an ability to engage Landcarers, various stakeholders and knowledge holders in the co-design of innovative and culturally appropriate events, design of innovation and culturally appropriate events, workshops and or information.

Essential Criteria

1. Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, and communities and with people engaged in natural resource management.
2. A results-driven self-starter with a high degree of self-motivation and drive, and with a passion for actively engaging and developing relationships on the ground.
3. NSW Driving License and the ability and willingness to regularly travel throughout NSW.
4. The ability to both adapt and thrive under changing conditions and operate under ambiguous situations.
5. Relevant practical expertise and experience in community engagement and community development.
6. Skills and ability to use a range of computer software including word processing, databases and spreadsheets.
7. Knowledge and understanding of community engagement in working on country.
8. Ability to collaborate effectively and develop partnerships with key service providers within the community, government and non-government organisations.

Additional information

Landcare NSW Inc is an equal opportunity employer, with employment under the organisation’s standard employment agreement or as negotiated.

We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Previous work experience or knowledge of working in a community-based or not-for-profit organisation.

Applications

Please apply via SEEK and include your resumé along with a short (no more than 2 page) cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria.

Applications close 18 November 2022.

About Landcare and the NSW Landcare Program 

Landcare NSW is the peak body of community-led conservation and natural resource management in NSW. With up to 3000 Landcare Groups and 60,000 volunteers, Landcare NSW is the conduit between local Landcare communities, funders and decision-makers, supporting local Landcare communities by providing representation and resources. The NSW Government investment into the NSW Landcare Program and other large-scale projects has enabled the ongoing success of the organisation. Through the NSW Landcare Program, Landcare NSW and NSW Local Land Services partners with 50 host organisations who collectively employ a total of approximately 100 staff including 84 Landcare coordinators across NSW. A small corporate team, facilitate support to local and regional volunteers. Landcare NSW and its member groups, contribute to the employment of 30,000 people including contractors, administration, support, and services in small businesses, and generates total revenues from grants of more than $30m annually, including the NSW Government-funded NSW Landcare Program. Surpluses are invested directly back into regional NSW making it unique to the landscape management and ecosystem services delivery market.

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