JAWUN First Nations Community Secondment (6 week)

About Jawun
At Westpac, we believe in empowering communities and fostering positive change. Our partnership with Jawun spans more than 20 years and offers an incredible opportunity for you to contribute to Indigenous Australia by sharing your skills and expertise, while gaining invaluable experience.

What is Jawun?
Jawun is a unique secondment program that places skilled professionals into Indigenous organisations, helping to build capacity and support community-led initiatives. This is your chance to work closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, making a real impact while broadening your professional horizons.

Jawun Secondments are a Leadership Development Program that provides you with the chance to share your professional expertise with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community organisation. This experience not only enhances your personal, professional, and leadership skills but also supports the organisation in achieving its goals. In return, you’ll gain valuable insights into Indigenous communities and culture. 

The program provides a six-week on-location secondment in various communities across Australia, as well as flexible options for online, hybrid, and part-time secondments based at your regular workplace.

There are 4 rotations each year scheduled for the below dates: 

How will I help?  

Collaborating with local leaders and organisations you will:

• Provide professional skills in areas such as project management, finance, HR, or IT, tailored to community and business needs.
• Work on an Indigenous led project brief, tailored to your professional/ personal skills and interests, contributing to the regional reform agenda.
• Use your expertise to develop capability and capacity within your host organisation.
• Share learnings and insights with other secondees – many from Australia's leading organisations.

What is involved?

• Secondments can be 6 weeks full time on location, or up to 12 weeks part time.
• We also offer hybrid (on location and online), and 100% online opportunities.
• Travel to and explore the local region, engaging with the community outside of work hours, attending local events and activities.
• Work normal office hours in/for an Indigenous Community Organisation. 

What’s in it for me?  

The Jawun Secondment Program will provide an excellent opportunity to challenge yourself in an unfamiliar environment. It is one of the most powerful professional and personal leadership development opportunities available to Westpac Group employees and also helps to build strong and prosperous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Jawun participation aligns perfectly with our Purpose, in particular creating better futures together. Secondees will:

• Participate in 1-week cultural induction program, learning about the region.
• Develop leaderships and professional skills, working with Industry and Community Leaders.
• Learn about our shared history, and from the world's oldest surviving culture.
• Engage in cultural immersion, enhancing your understanding of Indigenous perspectives and challenges.
• Become a changemaker and progress reconciliation.
• Build internal and external networks.

What do I need?  

Successful secondees generally have a mix of personal attributes and professional skills. There is high demand for secondees with skills such as: accounting, finance, project management, business analysis, human resources, marketing, communications, strategy, research and evaluation, website development, and database development, to name just a few. Employees with more generalist skills and professional experience are also encouraged to consider a secondment, or reach out to the Program Manager, many of your skills are more transferrable that you think.

What will I experience?

Secondments are likely to offer a very different experience to your usual day-to-day work and home environment. We’re looking for employees who:

• Have a passion for community engagement and social impact.
• Individuals with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
• Professionals eager to learn and adapt in diverse environments.
• Have a willingness to embrace cultural sensitivity and respect for Indigenous practices.

Visit Jawun Professional Secondments to hear from some of our past participants. 

I have an accessibility requirement

If you have an accessibility requirement and need an adjustment or further support to complete your application, or participate in a Jawun secondment, please contact:

• Program Manager Chris Hampton via email chris.hampton@westpac.com.au or mobile 0466 459 386. 
• or email JawunProfessionalSecondments@westpac.com.au. 

How do I apply? 

Please discuss this opportunity with your people leader prior to applying and visit how to apply for a secondment via Obi. 

Then simply send the Jawun Application Form and a copy of your CV, to Westpac Program Manager at: JawunProfessionalSecondments@westpac.com.au.