Team Leader, First Nations Partnerships

• Permanent Full-Time | Hybrid
• From $165k package
• Opportunity to build strong relationships and partnerships with Traditional Owners and First Nations Community Groups

About Greater Western Water

We’re water… and more.

GWW is a Victorian government-owned water corporation that provides an essential service to some of the fastest-growing communities in Australia, stretching from Melbourne’s CBD to Lancefield in the north and Bacchus Marsh in the west. Click here to learn more

Benefits

• We embrace flexibility and connection with a balance of on-site and WFH.
• Free onsite parking (subject to availability)
• Gender neutral, 16-week parental leave
• Monthly work life balance day off to treat yourself (if full-time)
• Free income protection and salary continuance insurance
• Access to corporate health insurance deals with major providers
• Wellbeing, prayer, and sensory rooms in the Footscray and Sunbury office
• Access to our Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) working group. 
• Opportunity to take an alternative day instead of Australia day.

The opportunity

We now have this exciting role available!

In this role you will lead a team who are working to advance GWW's Healing Country objectives within the 2030 strategy through fostering partnerships with Traditional Owners and First Nations Community groups, enhancing internal cultural competency and capabilities, and facilitating proactive and respectful engagement with Traditional Owner groups and Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations. You will drive the development of partnership agreements with five Traditional Owner Groups to support self-determined priorities and/or initiatives relating to water planning and management, bolster capacity to engage with GWW and the Victorian water sector, and facilitate proactive and respectful engagement through planning and delivery phases. The role is essential in supporting GWW’s reconciliation journey by advising senior leaders on First Nations Community groups and Traditional Owners aspirations relating to water and treaty, and developing organisation wide competency regarding cultural awareness, cultural safety and respectful engagement. This role will also see you assist the Head of Partnerships, Engagement, and Communications in  the development and implementation of GWW's Reconciliation Action Plan while ensuring alignment with government and industry commitments and First Nations people’s expectations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the First Nations Partnerships Team in developing annual work plans aligned with corporate strategy, fostering a culture of achievement, and providing thought leadership on policies and partnerships for water and Country management with Traditional Owners.
• Lead the creation and execution of partnership agreements with Traditional Owners in the GWW service area, while managing funding and supporting activities to support their capacity to influence and inform decision-making on self-determined water projects.
• Develop GWW's capability for proactive and respectful engagement with First Nations groups, focusing on Traditional Owners. Establish internal networks to integrate First Nations values, advocate for their aspirations, coordinate with other water corporations and government agencies, and ensure early and ongoing engagement between Traditional Owners and Project Managers.
• Collaborate with Traditional Owners to assess water entitlement returns, develop infrastructure and management strategies, and advocate for water rights and justice.
• Assist the Head of Partnerships and Manager of Partnerships in implementing the GWW Reconciliation Action Plan while ensuring alignment with government and industry commitments.
• Promote a culture of safety, wellbeing, and collaboration through exemplary leadership. Facilitate activities that enhance cultural awareness and capability within the organisation to support GWW's reconciliation efforts.

Skills & Experience

• Strong knowledge of the Victorian water sector.
• Experience in leadership and good knowledge of Traditional Owner and First Nations People aspirations.
• Demonstrated understanding of the critical issues impacting Traditional Owners in Victoria and drive priorities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Traditional Owners, Traditional Owner groups, diverse stakeholder groups and water agencies.
• Sound knowledge of cultural heritage management and planning, particularly in relation to Traditional Owner values and engagement
• Proven experience managing budgets and financial reporting, including reporting to Executive and oversight of operational budgets
• Must be skilled in using common computer programs, and effectively monitor, evaluate, and share the results of our partnerships to the immediate team and the Board.
• At times, this role involves travel across our service region, a current Victorian driver's license is required.
• This role will require the successful candidate to undertake a Working with Children Check (WWWC).

This position is designated for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people under s.12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

See yourself thrive!

Our vision for GWW is Thriving People and Country. We aim to be as diverse as the communities we serve and are deeply committed to building a workplace where everybody thrives. We’re supportive, inclusive, and friendly, and value everyone for who they are and what they can bring.

We’re seeking applicants across all genders, and abilities, and will make reasonable adjustments as required, so please talk to us about what you need.

Don’t meet every single requirement? If you’re excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which will include reference checks, national police checks, and working rights in Australia checks.

Applications close: Tuesday 7 July