Project Officer (Business Development and Advisory)

WHO WE ARE

The Australian Indigenous Governance Institute (AIGI) is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation recognised for its Indigenous governance leadership, knowledge, and excellence. We connect Indigenous peoples, organisations and communities with tools, resources, and networks to achieve self-determination through strong self-governance.

AIGI’s headquarters are located at the Brisbane Technology Park in Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, with staff working remotely in various Australian states and territories. AIGI is governed by an all-Indigenous Board of Directors. Our current strategic plan was launched in 2025 and will complete its cycle in 2028 with a strong focus on Indigenous Governance Leadership and Success, Indigenous knowledge and wisdom, and Sustainability.

To find out more about our organisation, visit our website www.aigi.org.au.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We have an exciting opportunity for a Project Officer (Business Development and Advisory) to join our team! This role will report to the Director of Business Development, and plays a vital role in delivering high quality governance advisory services that strengthen the self-determination and governance capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This role will be responsible for leading and supporting key advisory projects from conception to completion, fostering strong strategic relationships with partners and communities, and actively contributing to significant policy and reform initiatives.

Working collaboratively across AIGI, you will also support internal project delivery, foster continuous learning, and drive best practices across our advisory work.

Your main role responsibilities include:

• Lead and manage governance advisory projects, from developing proposals and defining scope, to overseeing delivery, managing resources, timelines, and budgets.
• Undertake robust qualitative and quantitative research, transforming findings into strategic, culturally grounded insights and recommendations.
• Develop impactful reports, proposals, policy submissions, and strategic advice.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations, governance bodies, clients, and partners.
• Lead effective consultation processes and represent AIGI at external forums and events.
• Contribute to policy and reform, and provide evidence-informed input to AIGI's advocacy efforts and broader strategic focus areas.
• Coordinate internal and external contributions, clarify roles, and manage project logistics, compliance, and reporting.
• Support Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) initiatives, integrate insights into practice, and strengthen AIGI's internal systems.
• Contribute to a high-performing, culturally safe, and collaborative team environment, undertaking duties consistent with the role's intent.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

To be successful in this role, you ideally have:

• Demonstrated cultural competency and experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations in community, ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Qualifications in relevant field (Indigenous studies, public policy, governance, research, law or other relevant fields).
• Proven experience in project planning and delivery, specifically within governance, policy, or advisory projects, including managing budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
• High-level written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to prepare impactful reports, proposals, and policy submissions, translating complex information into accessible language.
• Strong research skills (qualitative and/or quantitative), coupled with the ability to translate findings into strategic insights and culturally grounded recommendations.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills, including deep consultation and facilitation experience.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a distributed team, demonstrating strong coordination and critical thinking skills.
• Experience contributing to reform, advocacy or strategic policy processes is preferred but not essential.
• Knowledge of Indigenous policy, systems reform, or advisory work is preferred but not essential.
• Ability to travel as required.

WHO ARE YOU?

You're a self-motivated and passionate leader with a deep understanding of, and experience working effectively within, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations. You enjoy working in a fast paced, agile environment with competing priorities and deadlines, and enjoy leading and supporting advisory projects and contributing to policy and reform initiatives.

You thrive leading a team to achieve collaborative goals, and you genuinely enjoy building relationships and working closely with internal and external stakeholders within the Indigenous community.

HOW TO APPLY

We ask that you provide a cover letter addressing the selection criteria including your skills, experience and qualifications (maximum 2 pages) as well as your resume with your application. Should you have any questions, or need support in preparing these, please contact Poppy Whale at pwhale@partale.com.au.

AIGI is committed to achieving diversity and we strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.

AIGI acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders, past present and emerging. This job advertisement comes from Gadigal Country.