Job description
* Seeking an Associate (Early Career)
* A role with real purpose - Sydney | Perth | Byron Bay
First Nations Economics (FNE) is an Aboriginal‐led, Supply Nation registered charity working to advance the social, cultural and economic aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We partner with Community‐Controlled Organisations, government and industry to shift systems, strengthen capability and support community‐led prosperity. Every dollar of profit is reinvested back into First Nations communities.
If you're looking for early‐career experience that builds real capability while contributing to meaningful change this is a place where you can do both.
The work you'll join
FNE operates across economic and public policy, monitoring and evaluation, program design, strategy, co‐design and community engagement. We operate nationally, supporting projects across justice, governance, land rights and native title, financial capability, economic evaluation and system reform. Since 2023, we've:
* Delivered complex advisory projects with government and industry across multiple sectors
* Worked alongside Community‐Controlled Organisations to strengthen governance and economic participation
* Established the Leah Armstrong Scholarship, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women studying economics, finance and governance
You'll join a team committed to excellence, cultural integrity and delivering work that makes a difference.
What this role is about
As an Associate (Early Career), you'll support the delivery of FNE's advisory, corporate and program work across a diverse portfolio. You'll contribute to research, analysis, coordination, and communication that underpins high‐quality, culturally grounded outcomes for communities and partners. You will work closely with senior team members and be exposed to complex policy and community-facing work early in your career.
This role is for someone who enjoys variety, learns quickly, is organised and dependable, and wants to grow their skills in a purpose-driven environment.
No two weeks will look the same – and that's part of the opportunity.
How you'll contribute
Research, analysis and project delivery
* Undertake quantitative and qualitative research
* Contribute to briefs, reports and presentations
* Support evaluation and evidence development
* Support documentation and reporting requirements
* Track project milestones, timelines and deliverables
* Support process improvements and operational tasks
Community and stakeholder engagement
* Support culturally respectful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
* Help prepare materials for meetings, workshops and consultations
* Contribute to clear, culturally respectful communication across projects
Coordination and administration
* Support our communications and marketing team
* Assist with logistics for meetings, workshops and travel
* Maintain organised systems, documents and data
* Support broader organisational initiatives as needed
* Contribute to operational improvements
Who you are
* You bring cultural capability and a genuine commitment to working respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
* You have (or are working towards) qualifications or experience in public policy, economics, community engagement, program design, evaluation or related fields
* You communicate clearly and confidently— in writing and in person
* You're organised, adaptable and comfortable managing competing priorities
* You're digitally confident and quick to learn new tools
* You're motivated by work that advances self‐determination and community‐led futures
You'll also bring practical strengths that help our team operate smoothly. This includes confident use of Microsoft 365, the ability to create clear and engaging materials in Canva, and familiarity with online project management or CRM tools.
You don't need to be an expert in every system we use. What matters most is that you're curious, capable and quick to learn the tools that support strong, well-run projects.
What we offer
* Salary package of $60,000–$75,000 including superannuation
* Up to $15,900 in not‐for‐profit salary packaging
* Up to five weeks paid annual leave
* Flexible working arrangements and culturally safe support
* Strong mentoring and professional development support
* A workplace grounded in First Nations values, human rights and equity
How to apply
If this role feels like a strong fit, even if you don't meet every criterion, we encourage you to apply.
* View the full Role description here
* Click Apply Now to submit your application.
* Include your resume and a cover letter (PDF preferred) outlining:
o What's motivating you to apply
o How your experience aligns with the role
o A specific example of supporting a project or team, what you did and what you learned
o Something about you that would help you thrive in this role