Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program Interim Governance Advisory Group

Position Status: Initial period of up to 12 months
Position Type: Non-Ongoing
Location: Remote 
Closing Date:   21 March 2025
Hours: Up to 2 days per month, on average
Remuneration: Sitting fees are guided by the Remuneration Tribunal (Remuneration and Allowances for Holders of Part-time Public Office Determination (No. 2) 2023)


Overview

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has established interim governance arrangements to support delivery of the Murray—Darling Basin Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program. The interim governance arrangement supports the purchase of $100 million of water entitlements to increase water ownership for First Nations Peoples in the Murray—Darling Basin.

The interim governance functions include an Advisory Group and Directorate made up of Basin First Nations Peoples. These functions are essential for informed decision-making regarding procuring and managing water entitlements. The Advisory Group consists of eight diverse members, including Elders, rising leaders, and jurisdictional representatives, ensuring gender and regional balance from both the northern and southern Basin. They help develop policies and protocols to support the Directorate's decisions until the water portfolio and remaining funds are transferred to a permanent water holding mechanism. Overall, this governance structure guides water entitlement decisions in the best interests of Basin First Nations.

 
The Role

We are seeking applications from First Nations individuals in the Murray-Darling Basin to join the Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program (the program) Advisory Group.  The successful candidates will undertake work that contributes to the management and implementation of the program.
  
In your role, you will be required to:

• Provide input and advice on the development of purchasing and trading policies for the program, such as market sensitivity, probity, compliance, reporting, etc.
• Provide culturally informed advice to the Directorate.
• Provide input and advice on the development of policies guiding the transition of purchased water entitlements to the enduring water holding mechanism under the program.
• Analyse complex information to provide written and verbal briefings and advice to the program Directorate.
• Undertake complex analysis and interpretation, applying significant judgment when providing advice.
• Review policies, papers and processes out of session.

  
Demonstrate behaviours:

• Maintain independence when providing advice on the program.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the program Directorate and relevant areas of the department to make informed decisions in the best interest of Basin First Nations within the scope of the program.
• Exemplify a high level of resilience, responsibility, accountability, and personal integrity.
• Work with the department to achieve balanced and informed decisions.

  
Knowledge and experience

• Must identify and be accepted as a Traditional Owner in the Basin and have place-based based knowledge of the Basin.
• Must have knowledge of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, the Water Act 2007 (Cth) and broader water issues impacting First Nations Peoples in the Basin.
• Traditional and/or cultural ecological knowledge, cultural values, and values associated with water.
• A collaborative mindset, with demonstrated experience building and maintaining strong relationships to positively influence the achievement of results.

  
Desired

• The vacancy is for a representative from the Northern Basin, with preference given to candidates who are Traditional Owners from this region.
• Traditional Owners from the Southern Basin are encouraged to apply, as the department aims to establish a merit pool of suitable candidates for potential future opportunities.

  

  
How to Apply

A statement of claims, addressing the knowledge and experience; skills and capabilities; and desirable criteria where applicable. Statement of claims may be submitted as:

• Written application – no more than 750 words, or
• If the job advertisement portal you are using supports it, please submit a recorded application (video or voice memo) no longer than 5 minutes. If this option is not available, please proceed with the standard application process.

1. Your current resume/CV and contact details of two referees.
2. Please describe your connection to the Basin, including your Mob and Country.
3. Please let us know whether you see yourself as an emerging leader or an Elder
4. Please let us know which state(s) you live in.

  
Submit your application via this job portal or directly to recruitment.gps@firstgrade.com.au by 11pm (AEDT) on Friday 21 March 2025.
  
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview with the independent Indigenous recruitment agency, up to two Australian Government senior executive staff, and a First Nations member of the Advisory group.
  
Applicants who are found suitable but were unsuccessful will have the opportunity to be placed on a merit pool for 12 months.  This pool may be used to fill future vacancies as they arise, ensuring an ongoing balance of skills, expertise, and geographical representation within the Advisory Group.


Further Information

For further information, including to obtain a copy of the formal position description, the Advisory Group Terms of Reference, or further information on the Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program, please contact Dan Wilson or Debra Kightley at First Grade Recruitment on recruitment.gps@firstgrade.com.au or visit www.dcceew.gov.au/aboriginal-water-entitlements-program/recruitment