Skip to Main Content

Job Title


Indigenous Business and Economic Development Program Liaison Officer


Company : Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, t


Location : Canberra, Australian capital territory


Created : 2026-05-06


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Affirmative measure employment The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. If you are found suitable and offered a position, you will need to provide evidence of your eligibility for affirmative measure employment when the formal written offer is made. For more information about affirmative measure employment, see Affirmative measure for recruiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: A guide for applicants | Australian Public Service Commission. Who we are Australias natural and cultural heritage is unique. Our land and seascapes are distinctive, home to plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, and to some of the oldest living cultures on earth. These environments and cultures are an essential part of our national identity, and visitors travel from across the country and the world to experience them. The Director of National Parks (the Director) is responsible for six national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, 58 Australian Marine Parks and the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Parks Australia is the federal park agency that supports the Director, and they are a division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the Department). We work to showcase these natural and cultural wonders to the world, demonstrating to all why these places are so special, and inspiring communities to become more invested in their care and future. The CFO and Corporate Services branch provides support to each Park and the Director of National Parks through the provision of a number of corporate services. Indigenous Employment Pathways Section was established to create employment opportunities and recruit First Nations Australians to key positions that will continue to improve the capability of critical operations and to deliver leading environment, sustainable land management and cultural heritage practices. The Section works closely with Senior Leadership within Parks Australia to develop culturally safe practices when it comes to Employment and Business opportunities. The job Under the guidance of the Indigenous Business Coordinator, you will support the delivery of the Indigenous Business and Economic Development (IBED) Program. The IBED program fosters and supports sustainable economic growth and opportunities for First Nations peoples in and around areas managed by Parks Australia. This includes jointly managed national parks and surrounding communities where Anangu and other Traditional Owners play a central role in governance, culture, and decision making. As the Indigenous Business Liaison Officer, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in community development, engagement, and business support. Working under general direction, you will: Assist the Program Coordinator with co-designing Indigenous employment and business programs, including identifying suitable pathways for local Indigenous people. Provide practical support to Indigenous entrepreneurs with business planning, grant and funding opportunities, and networking, including promoting Indigenous procurement and supplier diversity. Strengthen relationships between the IBED program and Indigenous communities through regular meetings, outreach, job fairs, workshops, and on-Country engagement. Ensure initiatives align with Parks Australia policies, community objectives, and best practice Indigenous engagement principles. Support the implementation of change and innovation, including embedding Traditional Knowledge, cultural priorities, and community-led approaches into the program lifecycle. Assist with problem-solving and managing sensitive issues, including navigating cultural expectations, community protocols, and engagement risks. Provide support for routine documentation, reports, meeting notes, and coordination tasks as required. What we are looking for The Indigenous Business and Economic Development program provides support to Indigenous businesses and corporations that have a relationship with jointly managed national parks. This role provides on-the-ground and remote support, helping to connect businesses with opportunities, capability development, and park-based economic initiatives. We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following: A genuine interest in remote and regional community development. Interest in business development, Indigenous entrepreneurship, and economic participation. Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with community members, Traditional Owners, businesses, and government stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to show initiative, solve problems, think strategically, and follow direction when required. Solid oral and written communication skills, including the ability to liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Strong knowledge of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly Anangu clans and community groups connected to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Proven ability to communicate sensitively, respectfully, and appropriately with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. Additional requirements Hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle driver licence. The ability to obtain and maintain a working with children and vulnerable people check. Wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the departments uniform policy. Wear appropriate protective personal equipment and clothing to comply with departmental Work Health & Safety policies and procedures. Additional Information Please note, this role will require the successful applicants to travel regularly to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Flexible employment arrangements are available with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.