POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: WESTERN HIGHWAY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER
LOCATION: Warrnambool, Victoria
TERM: 0.6 FTE 12 months part-time, fixed term
SALARY: $75,000 – $85,000
REPORTS TO: Cultural Heritage Manager
THE ORGANISATION
Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) was determined by the Federal Court as a Registered
Native Title Body Corporate (RNTBC) under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) in 2011, holding the native
title for an area of land shared with the Gunditjmara people in what is now known as South west
Victoria.
In 2012, the Eastern Maar filed a native title claim over the remaining portion of their traditional land
and waters. EMAC has been accorded Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) status (under Victorian
Aboriginal heritage legislation) for the shared native title area and the area covered by the 2012 native
title claim in February 2020.
The Corporation is governed by a Board of Directors, each representing a family group of the Eastern
Maar People. Its role is to protect and advance the aspirations of Eastern Maar citizens by managing
their native title and cultural heritage rights and interests and implementing aspects of the Eastern
Maar Settlement Agreements to be negotiated with the State of Victoria under the Traditional Owner
Settlement Act 2010. EMAC is also responsible for providing high-quality policy advice, leadership in
developing key initiatives, and strengthening the capacity and independence of Eastern Maar citizens.
PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION
A primary focus of the role will be supporting a Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation engagement on
the Western Highway duplication project. This includes representing, liaising, and organising advice
from Eastern Maar Elders and citizens and acting in a secretarial role to the Eastern Maar project
working group.
The Western Highway engagement officer is an important member of the Biocultural Landscapes
Team. The role will work with the Eastern Maar citizens, heritage advisors and MRPV to assist in the
preparation of the Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the Western Highway duplication project,
embedding Eastern Maar stories and Heritage values in the project.
KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Be EMAC’s operational point of contact for the Western Highway project matters, including:
• Representing, liaising, and organising the flow of advice from Eastern Maar Elders and citizens.
• Working with heritage advisors and First Peoples-State Relations, and MRPV to facilitate or
coordinate any collective and common planning and project initiatives related to the Western
Highway duplication project.
• Support the planning, coordination and delivery of activities or actions agreed by the parties.
• Promoting, educating and advocating for EMAC (and the members and Eastern Maar
community it represents), its ways of working and aspirations and assertions.
• Participate in the Western Highway duplication project-related activities, meetings or forums
(as required).
• Ensuring reporting obligations are met under the project funding agreement.
• Work with EMAC employees, its members, and the Eastern Maar community where
applicable.
• Develop and maintain relationships, as well as represent EMAC, and relevant agencies.
• Manage logistics and requirements for running effective engagement activities on the project
matters with EMAC, its members and community, and agencies.
• Providing advice on opportunities, challenges, and issues related to the project.
GENERAL
• Provide regular updates/reportsto the direct line manager, and report to the CEO and the Board
of Directors where directed.
• Perform other duties as may be directed or implied from time to time.
• Be aware and adhere to The Privacy Act, OH & S Legislation and other relevant legislations.
• Be aware and adhere to EMAC Policy and Procedure manuals.
• Be aware and participate in staff performance reviews.
• Attend all mandatory training as required.
ESSENTIAL
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated experience in working
collaboratively and influencing multiple stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
• Sound project management skills with demonstrated ability to take initiative and manage
issues.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills, including demonstrated
success in engaging and maintaining strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to conceptualise
and communicate ideas using a wide range of tools.
DESIRABLE
• Knowledge of Eastern Maar people, Country, culture, values, and customs and experience
working with the Eastern Maar people, community and key organisations and stakeholder
groups.
• Tertiary qualification in project management or equivalent discipline.
• Experience working with Aboriginal people, including a demonstrated ability to communicate
and engage sensitively and effectively with Traditional-Owner-led communities and
organisations.
• Demonstrated understanding of the regulatory framework in which EMAC operates.
OTHER POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Offers of employment can only be made once all required probity checks have been
completed. These include:
• reference checks.
• The appointment of the successful applicant will be made subject to a satisfactory national
police history check. A clear Police Check conducted within the last three months.
• Acceptable evidence of their proof of immunisation/vaccination status.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
• The incumbent requires the ability to travel regularly for work-related purposes. A current
Victorian driver’s licence is essential.
• Proficiency in the use of computer and telecommunications technology.
A request to conduct probity checks does not guarantee that an offer of employment will be made.
EMAC employee benefits:
• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Paid Christmas Break.
• Access to professional development courses and seminars.
EMAC will offer:
• Friendly and supportive culture.
• opportunity to experience various teams.
• ongoing supervision and professional development.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply please include in your application a CV/resume and cover letter that addresses why you are
the best candidate for this position and how your background, experience and skills align with the Key
Selection Criteria.
Please ensure your full name is on all attachments and email your application to
bansri.dave@easternmaar.com.au
Closing date for applications: 11 May 2023
If you have any queries about the role, please email bansri.dave@easternmaar.com.au or call on 0427
271 937.
The appointment of the successful applicant will be made subject to a satisfactory national police
history check.
Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged, but this is not a
designated/identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander appointment.
Read a full description of the position at this link
