First Nations Strategy and Engagement Consultant
The First Nations Strategy and Engagement Consultant is an exciting role that will encourage and resource the Uniting Church to build empowering and authentic connections with First Nations peoples and communities.
The Role
Working with the Head of First Peoples Strategy and Engagement, you will encourage and resource the Uniting Church to build empowering and authentic connections with First Nations peoples and communities.
You will play a pivotal part in fostering relationships, understanding, and collaboration between the Uniting Church and First Nations communities and organisations across NSW and ACT.
The role requires an excellent understanding of Aboriginal peoples, cultures and communities, and will regularly engage with Aboriginal people, communities and organisations, to support the implementation of the Walking Together Action Plan and the provision of services to Aboriginal people and communities.
As part of Uniting Mission and Education, the role will make a significant contribution to the Synod’s vision as outlined in the Future Directions strategy.
Some weekend and after-hours work will be required.
This role is identified for an Aboriginal person under s.14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977, as
Aboriginality is considered to be a genuine occupational requirement for this role.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the implementation of the Walking Together Action Plan 2024-2027 (WTAP) across the Synod.
- Support the Synod, Presbyteries and Congregations to implement the WTAP, including support for the development of local relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Assist Presbyteries and Congregations to develop Local Walking Together Action Plans (LWTAP), including running workshops with Church Councils, Congregations, and/or other church groups such as Social Justice Committees.
- Developing and curating educational materials, resources, and programs to support Church engagement with First Nations communities.
- Co-design and implement specific collaborative partnerships for First Nations advocacy, reconciliation, self-determination, and justice.
- Representing the Synod at conferences, community meetings, and other events relevant to the Synod’s engagement with First Peoples.
- Collecting, reviewing, and collating data about First Peoples's engagement with the Synod.
- Reviewing and reporting on the progress of the WTAP and its impact.
- Sharing good news stories and learnings to inspire and encourage the wider church in their missional activity.
Essential criteria:
- Aboriginality (able to be demonstrated via a Certificate of Aboriginality and/or similar evidence).
- Demonstrated ability to effectively engage with Aboriginal peoples, communities, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in NSW and the ACT, including knowledge of cultural protocols and community dynamics.
- Qualifications relevant to the role, such as Theology, Community Development, Social Work, Community Engagement, and/or Training and Assessment.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of key social, economic, and political issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in NSW and the ACT.
- Proven capacity to build and grow partnerships and work collaboratively with others, to meet organisational objectives and show the ability to lead through change;
- Demonstrated experience in delivering Aboriginal cultural awareness/cultural capability training.
- Demonstrated experience in drafting reports and correspondence.
- Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills, including the confidence to approach and deal with sensitive issues and relationships.
Why Work for us?
- North Parramatta location (free onsite parking)
- Hybrid working conditions.
- Salary Packaging available for eligible applicants.
- 1 “Me Day” per year (well-being day).
- 3 days of gifted leave (over Christmas).
- 12 weeks paid Parental Leave.
- Opportunity to purchase leave.