Aboriginal Identified - Policy & Project Officer

Aboriginal Identified Policy & Project Officer – Clerk Grade 7/8- Central Sydney – Community Legal Centres Branch (CLC) – Ongoing Fulltime  
 

This is an Aboriginal identified recruitment under Part 5, clause 26 of the Government Sector Employment (General) Rules 2014. This means we want to recruit an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person for this role.  

Identified roles help organisations hire Aboriginal people who bring their cultural knowledge, community experience and expertise to deliver services to Aboriginal communities and increase the cultural competency of the organisation. We are proud to have more Aboriginal solicitors than any legal practice in NSW and our aim is that 11% of all staff will be Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.  

Please Note: Legal Aid NSW considers that being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational qualification under s 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). 
 

Applicants for this role must satisfy the Aboriginality criteria. Aboriginality is defined by descent through parentage, identification as being Aboriginal and being accepted in the community as such. In the pre-screening questions you will need to provide information on how you satisfy the Aboriginality criteria.  

If you are an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and are thinking about applying you can contact the Aboriginal Services Branch for a confidential discussion by emailing: aboriginalservices@legalaid.nsw.gov.au. 

About us 

Legal Aid NSW helps people with their legal problems. We can help people with most areas criminal law, family law and every day civil law legal issues. We give legal advice, help at court and do family dispute resolution. We can do this over the telephone or at one of our 28 offices. 

Legal Aid NSW administers government funding to Community Legal Centres (CLCs) through the Community Legal Centre Program (CLCP) Unit. CLCs are independent, not-for-profit community-based organisations that provide legal information, advice and representation to people facing disadvantage throughout NSW. Funding is administered through service agreements and the CLCPU monitors, reviews and reports on CLC service delivery, compliance, and financial management. Funding to CLCs includes two programs focusing on priority client groups with specific needs. The Children’s Court Assistance Scheme provides information, referrals and support to young people appearing in criminal proceedings at seven Children’s Courts in NSW. The Aboriginal Legal Access Program provides tailored legal services and other supports to Aboriginal people and develops and maintains links with Aboriginal communities to improve access to legal assistance. 

About the role 

In this role, you will assist the Manager and Senior Policy and Project Officers, CLCP Unit, with program management, policy development, reporting obligations, and communications strategies and activities. You will also lead the CLCP Unit’s initiatives related to the Aboriginal Legal Access Program and provide support for the Children’s Court Assistance Scheme. This role is based in our Central Sydney office. Flexible work arrangements are available including working from home depending on operational requirements.  

Your responsibilities will include reviewing and responding to reports and correspondence from CLCs, preparing internal and external briefings and communications materials, analysing data and conducting research, and leading or assisting with various project management tasks. You will also maintain communication and relationships with internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities for collaboration and to maintain systems to track program delivery.  

About you 

We are seeking a dedicated and proactive individual with experience in program management and a commitment to enhancing access to justice. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated history working with non-government organisations, and an understanding of the needs of Aboriginal communities, children and young people, and other groups facing disadvantage, including barriers to accessing legal services. 

You will possess excellent analytical skills, verbal and written communication skills, and be able to effectively manage your time and competing priorities. You will be able to work both independently and as part of a team, demonstrating leadership when required. Experience developing and implementing communication strategies is highly desirable, along with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive relationships with a variety of stakeholders. Your passion for making a positive impact in these areas will drive your success in this role. If you are a motivated and detail-oriented professional with a commitment to social justice and community support, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity. 

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN LEGAL AID NSW! 

We are committed to diversity and inclusion 

We are committed to creating a culturally safe and genuinely inclusive organisation and workplace for everyone who works and interacts with us. We strive to be a place where people from diverse backgrounds want to work, where voices and cultures are valued and where people feel valued, welcomed, respected and heard.  

We want a workforce that reflects our clients, so we can deliver a service that meets the needs of the community. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds — including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, the LGBTQI+ community, culturally diverse people and other diverse communities.   

We acknowledge, support and accommodate the diverse access needs of people with visible and invisible disabilities. If you need an adjustment to participate in the recruitment process, or you’d like information about what we can do to help you, please contact our team at erecruitment@legalaid.nsw.gov.au  

Other benefits of working with us 

• You will have access to training, development and mentoring opportunities. 
• We are an accredited Flex Ready and Carers and Employers certified employer and are recognised as leaders in the area of flexible work. Most of our staff work flexibly — for example, from home some of the time or in a way that helps them balance family and work life. 

The essential requirements for this role 

You must: 

• be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent and identify and be accepted as such in the community 
• be willing to do a Criminal Record Check  
• be able to travel throughout NSW 
• have a driver licence  

How to apply 

You MUST submit your application online. If you submit your application late or by email it will NOT be accepted.  

Your application must include: 

• your resume (no more than 5 pages) 
• cover letter (no more than 2 pages). In your cover letter, please respond to the below 2 questions: 
   

1. What experience do you have with grant program management and policy development for Community Legal Centres (CLCs) or similar organisations? 
2. How would you support and enhance the Aboriginal Legal Access Program and the Children’s Court Assistance Scheme in this role? 

Make sure your application is complete, and you have answered all questions before you submit. 
 

Closing Date: Sunday 4 May 2025 at 11:59pm 

Do you need help to apply? 

It’s important to properly prepare before you apply for a role. Here is some other information to help you:  

• The Role Description sets out the responsibilities of the role. 
• The focus capabilities and key accountabilities in the role description indicate what is expected at that level. Being familiar with these will help you understand what the panel will be looking for in the successful candidate.   
• If you have questions about the role, you can contact the Hiring Manager – Justine O’Reilly on email Justine.O'Reilly@legalaid.nsw.gov.au  
• If you are an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and are thinking about applying, you can contact the Aboriginal Services Branch to arrange a confidential conversation about any questions you may have. 
• Applying for a Role 
• Working at Legal Aid NSW 
• Guide to creating a resume and cover letter