First Nations Strategy and Policy Lead

at  Orygen The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health

Strategy and Policy Melbourne Contract

5/4/2024

• Parkville location | Close to public transport, onsite parking
• Full/part time 12-month contract | 0.8-1.0 FTE
• Identified position | Join a growing organisation

This is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identified Position, classified under ‘special measures’ of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.
Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.
Your new job
As First Nations Strategy and Policy Lead, you will be responsible for providing First Nations leadership within the organisation. This role will work across the organisation to monitor the delivery of activities against Orygen’s Statement of Commitment to First Nations People and our Cultural Strengthening Action Plan, which will be reviewed and revised over the next two years.
The role will also extend Orygen’s engagement with national partnerships and policy engagement opportunities, ensuring that Orygen’s work can be informed by work and experiences across the country.

Reporting to the Director – Policy and Engagement will:

• Work with the First Nations Cultural Strengthening Lead to continue to monitor delivery and reporting on the 2021-25 Cultural Strengthening Plan.
• Provide advice and recommendations, to the Orygen Executive Leadership Team, the Orygen Board, and Commonwealth Government, to advance mental health outcomes needs of Aboriginal young people in line with Orygen’s Statement of Commitment and the Orygen Cultural Strengthening Plan, and in collaboration with relevant program areas across Orygen, national Community-led organisations.
• Represent Orygen across national forums, focused on Orygen’s capacity to support and provide expert views in youth mental health to inform and influence cultural strengthening reforms, to deliver on the National Closing the Gap targets.
• Work with the First Nations Cultural Strengthening Lead to evaluate the 2021-25 Cultural Strengthening Plan and lead a process to develop the next plan.

What you’ll need

You are passionate, energetic and determined to make a difference to health and wellbeing outcomes for young people. The following criteria must be met for consideration for this position:

• Previous experience in First Nations leadership, strategy and/or policy roles.
• Demonstrated understanding of the issues relating to Aboriginal mental health needs of young people, and experience working with, and breaking down the barriers, as well as promoting self-determination.
• Proudly identifies and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander with the ability to relate to, consult with, and relay the perspectives of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Experience in developing and delivering on organisational and program level strategy and strategic change/decolonisation of mainstream organisations.

What you’ll get in return

• Salary package up to $110,000 pro rata commensurate with skills and experience + 10% super + NFP salary packaging up to $15,900.
• Ability to purchase additional leave; access to EAP; generous Parental Leave Scheme.
• Flexible work to suit your lifestyle and access to policies and tools that support this.

Orygen – leading the revolution
Imagine a future with unlimited potential. A future where every young person enjoys optimal mental health as they grow into adulthood. At Orygen, this is our life’s work, because we passionately believe it’s what all young people deserve.
Every step of the way, young people and families are at the heart of everything we do. Always.
Through world-leading research that creates change. Through pioneering reform that delivers real-world practical solutions.
At Orygen, that’s the future we’re creating right now. To do it, we have revolution in mind.
Join the revolution
If you’re keen to join Orygen and be part of our team challenging the status quo and reshaping the future for young people, apply now.
For more information and to review the position description, please follow the link
https://www.orygen.org.au/getmedia/63d94cde-6581-4cd6-a3a0-58084c2a90fa/Orygen-First-Nations-Strategy-and-Policy-Lead-final.pdf.aspx
This is a part to full time (0.8-1.0), 12-month contract.
Applications will close on 19th April 2024, unless a suitable candidate is found sooner.
Orygen is committed to providing diverse, equitable and inclusive environments for Staff and anyone connected to Orygen. We strive to continue building a culturally safe workplace where our values underpin the way we work and our commitment to First Nations people of Australia, young people and their families, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ people and CALD communities. We strongly encourage applications from the First Nations people.
Orygen is a child-safe organisation and is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and well-being of all young people and embedding safeguarding practices into all our programs and services.
All employment appointments are subject to holding a valid working with children check, successful police check and having at least three COVID-19 vaccinations.

Please refer the Job description for details