Senior Project Officer (Indigenous Identified) – UNSW Cities Institute

• This is an identified position open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only
• Part-time (14 hours/two days per week) | Fixed term until February 2029
• Salary from $118,483 + 17% superannuation (pro rata)
• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements 

The Opportunity

The Senior Project Officer will provide coordination and operational support for an Australian Research Council funded project focused on Aboriginal‑led pathways to community benefit on Aboriginal land, led by the Cities Institute at the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture. The role supports the effective management of project activities, relationships and deliverables. The position works closely with the research team and project partners to coordinate project timelines, monitor progress and budget compliance, maintain communication channels, and ensure the smooth delivery of project outputs. Key responsibilities include organising project logistics, supporting internal and external engagement, coordinating events and workshops, and overseeing reporting requirements. 

Why UNSW

UNSW’s commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, research, engagement and advocacy is embedded in the UNSW Indigenous Strategy. Through this holistic approach, we are working to create an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples thrive, are empowered, and are recognised for their leadership and contribution. This commitment is further strengthened by UNSW’s inaugural Indigenous Research Plan, which reinforces the University’s focus on embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led research across its communities and placing Indigenous knowledges, perspectives and methodologies at the centre of research and impact.

UNSW is a large and diverse community doing extraordinary work. We are driven to be thoughtful, practical and purposeful in all that we do, and this collective approach is what gives our work impact. UNSW is consistently ranked among the world’s top 20 universities in the QS World University Rankings and is a proud member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight.

If you are looking for a role where you can thrive, be challenged and contribute to meaningful work, UNSW is the place for you.

 Benefits include:

• Flexible working options, including working from home and flexible hours
• Career development opportunities
• 17% superannuation and leave loading
• 10 days of paid cultural leave each year, pro-rata
• Access to the Indigenous Employee Network, Deadly Connections Mob
• Three additional days of leave over the Christmas period
• Staff discounts and benefits across retail, education and fitness

About you
As this is an identified position, applicants progressing through the recruitment process will be required to provide evidence of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity in accordance with UNSW’s established process. Information about the evidence requirements and available support will be provided during the recruitment process.

You will have a relevant tertiary qualification and/or equivalent professional experience, together with:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Demonstrated success working collaboratively on initiatives involving people at different levels within a complex organisation.
• Demonstrated experience building respectful, collaborative and productive relationships with Aboriginal partners. Familiarity with the Aboriginal Land Rights network would be highly regarded.
• A demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination and community wellbeing.
• Experience using relevant systems and applications, such as finance, travel and human resources platforms. Experience with UNSW systems would be advantageous.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, including the ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines using sound judgement and initiative.
• Proven project coordination experience, including an understanding of the project lifecycle and experience contributing to project plans, objectives, schedules, documentation and reporting.
• The ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team while also taking initiative and working independently.

While the above experience is important, the attributes that will be most valued in this role are your attitude, your willingness to learn, and your genuine commitment to supporting Aboriginal‑led pathways to community benefit on Aboriginal land. Strong influencing and negotiating skills will also be highly regarded, as will your ability to build positive relationships and work constructively with a wide range of stakeholders.

Pre-Employment Checks

As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

How to Apply: Submit a CV and Cover Letter and respond to the two application questions. Applications must be submitted online via the UNSW Job Board before Sunday 16^th August by 11:30pm.
For questions about the role, please contact Naama Blatman at n.blatman@unsw.edu.au

For questions about the recruitment process, please contact Shiree Thomas at shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au

For questions about the identified nature of the position, the evidence process or Indigenous employment at UNSW, contact Natalie Chenhall, Manager Indigenous Employment: n.chenhall@unsw.edu.au

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.