Location: Darwin
Status: Full-time ongoing
This is not a general policy role — it is a targeted economic strategy position at the centre of shaping outcomes for Aboriginal people across the Northern Territory.
Working within the Strategy and Advocacy team, you will develop evidence-based policy advice and economic strategy positions that influence government decision-making, legislative reform, and investment settings impacting Aboriginal communities.
About The Role
You will work directly on issues such as economic development, land use, water policy, environmental management, and broader social justice outcomes—supporting Traditional Owners and Native Title Holders to protect their rights and drive sustainable economic opportunities. This role engages across government, industry, and community, requiring strong analytical capability and the ability to translate complex economic and policy data into clear, persuasive advice.
What You Will Bring
Experience developing policy or economic strategy using evidence-based analysis. The ability to translate data into clear, structured advice for decision-makers. Strong stakeholder engagement skills across government, community and industry. High-level written capability to produce submissions, reports and policy papers.
Additional Requirements
* Degree level qualifications in Public Policy, Law, Economics, Social Sciences or relevant equivalent qualification.
* Two (2) years' experience in policy analysis, research and development, and a demonstrated ability to successfully advocate for change.
* A high level of cross-cultural competency, interpersonal and verbal communication skills with an ability to effectively liaise, engage and coordinate across an array of stakeholders (internal, traditional owners and external organisations) to build productive working relationships.
* Excellent written communication skills with the ability to produce high quality reports and formal external facing documents.
Why Work For The NLC
At the Northern Land Council, you will operate at the intersection of economic development, policy reform, and Aboriginal rights. You'll contribute to shaping long-term economic outcomes for Aboriginal communities—supporting self-determination, sustainable development, and culturally informed decision‐making. This is a role where your work directly informs CEO, Chairperson and Full Council decisions, influencing real‐world outcomes across land, water, resources, and community development.
We Offer
* A base salary of $102,669 per annum plus 15% superannuation paid on base and District Allowance
* Salary sacrificing up to $15,900 + Meal Entertainment and Holiday Accommodation benefit up to $2,650 per year.
* Other benefits under our Enterprise Agreement include:
o District allowance of up to $4,884 (DA2) per annum for individuals with dependents and $2,678 (DA1) without dependents.
o Generous leave provisions: 5 weeks annual leave, 18 days personal leave;
o Paid Christmas close down;
o Upon completion of 12 months of service an Annual airfare with a net (in hand) value of $3,177
Application Instructions
Interested applicants should send a copy of their CV along with a cover letter outlining why you are interested in this position and what relevant skills and expertise you will bring to this role.
For further enquiries, please contact Ged Shearer - Mobile 408 856 249.
Applications Close: Monday 8 June 2026.
Special Measures – Priority Consideration
This position is identified for priority consideration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. The NLC is committed to strengthening Aboriginal employment and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal people.
About The NLC
The Northern Land Council (NLC) is an independent statutory authority of the Commonwealth. The NLC is established under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT) 1976 and its purpose is to serve its constituents who are Traditional Owners (TOs) and other Aboriginal people living in their region. Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to the work that we do here at NLC. We are committed to enhancing Aboriginal peoples social, political and economic participation by supporting their aspirations and amplifying their voices on a range of issues impacting on their lands, seas, culture and communities.
Position Title
DS47 Policy and Advocacy Officer Economic
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