Aboriginal C&P Officer

Aboriginal Commissioning & Planning Officer Location – Ballina or Coffs Harbour (ongoing) and Sydney Metro and Regional NSW (temporary roles) Employment type – Ongoing and temporary full-time, 35 hours per week Grade – Clerk Grade 7/8 Salary – $116,981 pa - $129,492 pa plus employers’ contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading This position is open to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only About Commissioning and Planning The Commissioning and Planning directorate, within Strategy, Policy and Commissioning division, lead engagement with the sector to inform and shape system reform, service improvement, and innovation. They work in partnership to develop and procure services, manage contracts and monitor performance to ensure accountability and value for money. They are responsible for sector development, stewardship of the service system and achieving quality outcomes for individuals, families and communities in NSW. Commissioning and Planning is a statewide directorate and manage over 1350 contracts on behalf of DCJ, across multiple program areas. Your role Make a real difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across NSW. As an Aboriginal Commissioning & Planning Officer, you will use your cultural knowledge, community connections and professional expertise to help improve outcomes for Aboriginal children, families and communities. Working alongside Aboriginal organisations, community members, service providers and government partners, you will play a key role in managing contracts with funded services and ensure Aboriginal voices are central to local planning and decision-making. To be successful in this role you will have strong influencing and negotiation skills and have demonstrated experience in developing and building relationships with key stakeholders across Government and the non-government human services sector. What you’ll do As part of the Commissioning and Planning team, you will help strengthen services and outcomes for communities and will be responsible for, but not limited to: Building and maintaining strong relationships with Aboriginal organisations, communities and service providers. Monitoring contract performance, compliance and accountability to support quality service delivery and value for money. Analysing service, financial and performance data to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement. Assisting with contract establishment, administration, contract variations and payment processes. Conducting financial acquittal analysis, reconciliations and monitoring the appropriate use of public funds. Providing advice and support to service providers on contractual obligations, governance requirements and program guidelines. Building and maintaining productive relationships with service providers, communities and key stakeholders. What we’re looking for We're seeking someone who has; Strong cultural capability and demonstrated connection to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities. Ability to engage respectfully with community members, Elders, Aboriginal organisations and stakeholders. Experience building partnerships across community and government sectors. Strong communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills. Experience in managing contracts or projects to ensure accountability, high quality outcomes and client service delivery needs according to timeframes. High-level computer skills and administrative capability. Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment. Current driver's licence and willingness to travel. Relevant qualifications and/or equivalent experience, with a commitment to ongoing professional development. Why join us? Make a meaningful impact for Aboriginal children, families and communities. Use your cultural knowledge and community connections to drive positive change. Join a supportive team that values Aboriginal perspectives and leadership. Enjoy ongoing career development, competitive salary and flexible work opportunities. As an Identified role, this position is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons. Where a position is identified, an applicant’s race is a genuine occupational qualification under the exception in Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 . There are two alternatives to confirming your Aboriginality, one of which must be uploaded to be considered for the role as follows. Either will be accepted: Confirmation of Aboriginality form or Written confirmation from 2-3 Aboriginal organisations within the community in which you live/work, which addresses the three criteria listed below: is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and is accepted as a such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. Download the role description . If you are viewing this ad in Seek and wish to apply via their portal, you will be required to either set up a profile or login via your existing Seek account. To apply directly via the DCJ Careers site click here . Search for the job and click the ‘Apply now’ button. For more information and advice on applying for roles at DCJ, visit Careers for Aboriginal people https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/about-us/careers-at-dcj/pathways/careers-for-aboriginal-people.html What We Offer We offer a variety of benefits, including: A challenging and rewarding career Flexible, autonomous work environment Competitive pay and conditions Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs. Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on Working for us. We do work that really matters Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It’s work that really matters. Apply now and join Australia’s top public sector employer where we will support you and provide an exciting and flexible working environment! Are you ready to join us? Click apply, attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements of the role as well as an up-to-date resume (maximum 5 pages). Applications close Sunday, 29 November 2026 at 11:59pm AEST. Got a question? For more information about the role or what it’s like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager, Daniel Barakate via email at daniel.barakate@dcj.nsw.gov.au or call 0407 189 693. If you’ve got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application) , please call Poppy Sgro on 02 9765 3929 or via email at poppy.sgro@dcj.nsw.gov.au Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more. Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience, and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers, and other diversity groups. To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website . Other Information A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months. For more information visit Applying for DCJ jobs on the DCJ website (for all roles except Aboriginal Identified). Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application. To keep up with recruitment opportunities at DCJ, follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CareersatDCJ/ The Welcome Experience Thinking about moving to regional NSW? Get free, personalised support with housing, schools, jobs, and settling in. Learn more: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience The careers site currently promotes this service on the ‘Discover roles with DCJ in regional NSW’ page.