Community Engagement Officer

Classification: ANU Officer 6/7 (Administration)
Salary package: $89,134 - $102,600 plus 17% superannuation
Term: Full time, Fixed term (up to 2 years)

• Undertake consultation and engagement with Indigenous communities to support the research activities of NCIG
• Flexible location (Canberra, Adelaide or Darwin)
• Extensive travel in remote Northern and Western Australia.

The Remote Community Engagement Officer is responsible for consulting with Indigenous communities to support the research activities of NCIG. The Centre holds a rare, historical collection of biological samples. Under the guidance of our Indigenous majority Board, the original donors of these samples, or their families, are being located and consulted with, in regard to their wishes about the future of the samples. This is a communication role, which aims to create connection between Indigenous ways of knowing and complex scientific concepts. Sound communication skills are a must as is the ability to build rapport with people from diverse backgrounds.

NCIG consults deeply and continuously with Indigenous Australians in order to deliver a world-standard, Indigenous-led model for Indigenous genomic research. The Centre’s research falls into two broad themes:

1. Building upon the historical collection of biological samples to create an Australian reference genome resource to support Indigenous genomic and genetic health research.
2. Deeply engaging with Indigenous Australians to ensure ongoing communication about the development of culturally appropriate mechanisms for governance of genomic research and medicine. NCIG has particular interest in ensuring that the views of Indigenous Australian’s on collecting, managing, storing and using Indigenous genomic data are heard and implemented.

The Remote Community Engagement Officer will coordinate and facilitate engagement with Indigenous communities as a key component of the Centre’s objective of creating a national database of Indigenous genome sequences. No experience in genomics is required as training will be provided, however familiarity with research, science, ethics, Indigenous health issues and/or Indigenous stakeholder engagement will be highly regarded.

Why you will love working at the ANU: 

At ANU, we work hard to create an environment that brings out the best in our people. Below are just a few of the reasons you’ll love working at the ANU.

• We offer industry-leading benefits and continuously look for new ways to support our people.
• A healthy work-life balance with a 35-hour full time work week.
• Generous conditions and benefits, including discounted course fees when you study at ANU, 17% superannuation as well as very generous leave entitlements.
• We support your ongoing growth and development – including funding for professional development, time dedicated to continuing professional development and staff discounts on ANU courses.
• We are committed to fostering a safe, connected, innovative and enabling culture.
• We support your wellbeing through enabling social connections, mental health support, discounts at the on-campus gym, flexibility and family friendly work practices and more.
• We believe in balance – and offer our staff additional paid leave, industry leading paid parental leave, flexible work, family friendly work practices and more.
• Our beautiful campus location has a vibrant atmosphere, great amenities, warm and welcoming community and many green spaces.

For further information please contact Ms Azure Hermes, Indigenous Community Engagement Coordinator, T: +61 6125 1580 E: azure.hermes@anu.edu.au

How to apply

In order to apply for this role, please make sure that you upload the following documents:

• A maximum 2-3 page response outlining your suitability for the role, specific to the selection criteria.
• A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor). If your CV does not include referees, you can complete these online when prompted in the application form.

Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position.

Please note: The successful candidate must have rights to live and work in this country and will be required to undergo a background check during the recruitment process.  An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory results.