Aboriginal Liaison Officer - Identified Role

Guiding the future of NSW education

This is an identified position in accordance with Section 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Applicants must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. 

Position details

• Senior Education Officer Grade 2
• Full-time, Salary: $174,905 p.a. plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and leave loading (if eligible)
• Ongoing role
• Sydney-based position with flexible arrangements for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates living in regional NSW
• Contact for enquiries: Margot Braithwaite via Margot.Braithwaite@nesa.nsw.edu.au, 02 9367 8387 or 0408 021 193

About us

At the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), we are dedicated to carrying out meaningful work that drives improvements and elevates student achievement across NSW, now and into the future.

We accomplish this by supporting all school sectors with high quality syllabuses, assessment (including managing the HSC and NAPLAN), teaching standards (e.g., accrediting teachers) and school environments (including setting and monitoring school standards).

NESA is a unique organisation in NSW (of around 740FTE staff) with significant state-wide impact, visit our website to learn more about the important work we do.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for an Aboriginal Liaison Officer to play a key role in improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, families, schools and teachers across NSW.

Initially, the role will support a significant project within NESA's Assessment Services Directorate, helping schools, students and families access the HSC exam provisions program and ensuring equitable access to assessment support for students. Working closely with stakeholders across NESA, you will provide culturally informed advice, resources and support that help improve engagement with NESA services and programs.

Reporting to the Manager, Liaison Unit, you will provide strategic advice and specialist expertise on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters, while building strong relationships across schools, communities and government. This is a rewarding opportunity to influence positive educational outcomes, contribute to agency-wide initiatives and make a meaningful impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout NSW.

On a day-to-day basis you will be responsible for:

• Providing expert advice, information and referral support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, families, schools and teachers regarding NESA policies, procedures and services, including HSC exam provisions.
• Supporting the delivery of projects and initiatives that improve access, engagement and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
• Developing culturally responsive resources, guidance materials and information for students, families and school staff.
• Delivering professional learning and information sessions to schools and stakeholders on NESA programs and priorities.
• Managing project activities, timelines, reporting requirements, resources and budgets to achieve successful outcomes.
• Preparing reports, briefings and correspondence for senior leaders and key stakeholders.
• Building and maintaining productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders through effective communication, consultation and issue resolution.
• Collaborating across NESA to support agency-wide projects, programs and engagement activities.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Demonstrated experience providing culturally informed advice, support and engagement services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly, build trusted relationships and work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Experience managing projects and competing priorities in a high-volume and complex environment, while maintaining a strong focus on quality outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to develop practical solutions, manage stakeholder expectations and respond effectively to emerging issues.
• Experience developing and delivering resources, training or professional learning programs.
• Demonstrated recent teaching experience in government or non-government schools.
• Demonstrated knowledge of curriculum, assessment and credentialing requirements in NSW.

Essential Requirements:

• Aboriginality. Aboriginality is a genuine qualification and authorised in terms of Section 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Applicants must confirm their Aboriginality through written documentation in addition to addressing other essential requirements, the capabilities and focus questions in their application.
• Degree in education or recognised teacher training qualification.
• Current driver's licence.

Note: A current NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance for paid employment is required before commencing in this role. It is not required at the application stage. The cost of the WWCC clearance is the responsibility of the successful applicant. 

We invite you to download the role description for additional information on the position.

At NESA you will benefit from:

• An organisation where your contribution has a big impact.
• A CBD location with all modes of transport nearby and refurbished offices.
• Flexible working arrangements and generous leave entitlements.
• Access to discounted health and fitness memberships via Fitness Passport, an employee assistance program and annual flu vaccinations.
• Salary packaging options.
• Working in a purpose driven and ethical organisation with committed colleagues.

Ready to join us?

Key information: If you are a current NESA employee or from another NSW government agency who use SuccessFactors for Recruitment and myWorkZone for Payroll, it’s important to apply through SuccessFactors to ensure your application reaches our system in the right place. If you need advice on that process, follow this guide.

For all other candidates:

Select “Apply now” and attach an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages). Also address the 2 targeted questions below in your online application (maximum of 500 words per response - approximately):

1. Describe a time when you worked with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, families, communities, schools or stakeholders to improve access, engagement or outcomes. What was your approach, how did you build effective relationships, and what was the outcome?
2. This role will initially support projects relating to HSC exam provisions and requires the ability to manage competing priorities while providing clear and accurate advice to diverse stakeholders. Describe a project or initiative you have led or coordinated. How did you plan and manage the work, communicate with stakeholders, address challenges, and ensure successful outcomes?

Advice on applying for NSW Public Sector roles

If you need reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process and/or workplace, please reach out to recruitment@nesa.nsw.edu.au

Close date: Tuesday 18 August 2026 at 11.59pm AEST

Thank you for your interest, we look forward to receiving your application.

#S/DNI

Important information

NESA’s Statement of Commitment to Child Safety

All children and young people have the right to be respected, feel safe, be safe, and protected from harm. NESA is committed to child safety and child safe practices underpinning our purpose of helping children and young people leave school, ready to take advantage of life’s opportunities and rise to its inevitable challenges. 

We particularly welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people of all ages, genders, cultural and linguistic backgrounds and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For ongoing roles, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. Australian Temporary Residents may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.

A Talent Pool (valid for 18 months) may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles