The Opportunity:
The NIAA is looking for an established senior leader with well-developed organisational and influencing skills to join our Executive as an SES Band 3, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO), in the Policy and Programs portfolio. The DCEO Policy and Programs leads, influences and invests in social, cultural and economic policies and programs that contribute to improving the wellbeing and economic aspirations of First Nations people. It also develops strategies to deliver on the Australian Government's priorities for First Nations people.
As a senior leader, you will provide strategic direction and authoritative advice to shape and deliver Government priorities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the Policy and Programs portfolio. You will drive the development of innovative, evidence-based policies and programs that achieve sustainable outcomes for First Nations communities, particularly in regional and remote Australia.
This includes leading national reforms in partnership with jurisdictions, such as remote employment, Indigenous Rangers, land issues, housing, and community safety, while fostering co-design approaches that empower communities and respond to local needs. You will influence whole-of-government agendas, build strong relationships across sectors, and ensure the Agency's work is aligned with broader social and economic objectives, delivering impact at scale through collaboration and high-quality leadership.
The DCEO reports directly to the CEO and has oversight of 4 groups with staff located across Australia, including metropolitan, regional and remote areas.
We have an ambitious reform agenda ahead of us, so if you are someone that wants to leave your mark on the public service and be able to contribute to outcomes that have lasting impacts for the Australian people, the NIAA is the place for you.
In addition to filling an immediate vacancy in the Policy and Programs portfolio, a merit pool may be established from this selection process, where applicants in the merit pool may be considered for similar opportunities that arise within 18 months from the date of advertising.
Canberra is the preferred location for the role, noting that there is an expectation of regular travel throughout Australia. An alternative base location may be negotiated with the successful candidate.
Our Ideal Candidate
You will be a dynamic and energetic leader with excellent influencing and negotiation skills, with an established record working at senior levels on complex policy and program design. As the role involves high-level senior stakeholder interactions, including with First Nations communities, our ideal candidate will have demonstrated skills in communicating with technical and general audiences, be adept at engaging with senior public and private sector stakeholders and be able to build and sustain relationships in a complex environment showing high levels of cultural competency.
You will need the ability to think strategically, have strong business acumen, be resilient, and forward-looking with strong personal drive and integrity. You will have demonstrated judgement in a complex and sensitive environment balancing risk and opportunities.
You will have the capability to lead a widely distributed team within a fast paced, challenging and evolving environment to deliver on a reform agenda that requires an understanding of the opportunities and challenges affecting First Nations peoples.
You will have a high-level ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
You will have demonstrated commitment to and practice of values-based leadership that inspires, empowers, and drives positive change. You will have experience in leading teams in developing innovative strategies and approaches.
The Secretaries' Charter of Leadership Behaviours sets out the behaviours expected from SES across the APS and apply to senior leadership at the NIAA. The behaviours build on the Integrated Leadership System and APS Leadership Capability Framework. You will demonstrate stewardship by ensuring high performance and sustainability of the Australian Public Service, harnessing experience, diversity and resources to deliver common objectives.
As part of your application, you should consider how you can live up to these behaviours in relevance to the role:
* Be Dynamic
* Be Respectful
* Have Integrity
* Value others
* Empower people WHS Advice:
The DCEO is considered an Officer under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and is required to exercise due diligence in complying with the obligations under this Act.
Delegation Advice:
Occupants would be required to exercise the appropriate powers, authority, delegations and discretions under the relevant legislation including the Public Service Act 1999 and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
What We Offer:
* We have exciting work with real purpose. We support the aspirations of First Nations Peoples—it's our driving force. Our work is transformational, you can follow your passion, shape your career and make a difference.
* We value our employees —they're the heart of our Agency. Employees are supported and empowered to build their career. We are a diverse, inclusive and passionate workforce with an emphasis on continuous cultural learning and tailored professional development.
* Our work relies on strong and trusted relationships — we build partnerships by being authentic, sharing information and giving honest feedback. We collaborate with communities across Australia, all levels of government and many other invested stakeholders.
Eligibility:
* To be eligible for this position you must be an Australian Citizen.
* The occupant must be able to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 2 (Top Secret NV) level security clearance, or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level.
* The successful candidate will be required to be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check
How to apply:
If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you Submit an online application through the NIAA Careers Page by 11:30pm 25-Jan-2026 AEDT.
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