Project Officer - Strategy and Partnerships, Sea Country

• Location: Darwin
• Status: Full-time Ongoing

Help turn Traditional Owners' Sea Country priorities into practical strategies, strong partnerships and lasting outcomes across the NLC region. 

About the Role:

The Northern Land Council is seeking an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Project Officer to support the delivery of Sea Country strategy and partnership initiatives. Working under the guidance of the Senior Advisor - Sea Country Strategy and Partnerships, you will coordinate projects, undertake policy and research work, prepare clear and influential advice, and help bring together Traditional Owners, government, industry, research organisations and other partners.

This is a varied role with a strong connection to Country and community. Your work will contribute to initiatives arising from the Blue Mud Bay High Court decision, Aboriginal sea rights, marine governance, fisheries management and long-term access arrangements. You will help ensure that Traditional Owners' aspirations are accurately understood, documented and reflected in project planning, policy and implementation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating Sea Country projects, milestones, risks, budgets and reporting researching and analysing policy, legislation and technical information.
• Preparing high-quality briefings, reports, submissions, presentations and correspondence.
• Supporting culturally appropriate consultation and engagement with Traditional Owners.
• Building productive partnerships across government, industry, research and Aboriginal organisations; and coordinating project governance, meetings, records, action tracking and cross-service collaboration.                                  

What You Will Bring:

You will be a thoughtful and organised project professional who can work respectfully across cultures, build trust and translate complex information into clear advice and practical action. You will be comfortable managing competing priorities under limited direction while contributing positively to a collaborative team.

You will also have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Aboriginal policy, environmental, marine or natural resource management, project management or a related discipline, or equivalent demonstrated experience.
• Experience coordinating projects, programs or policy initiatives in government, an Aboriginal organisation or a natural resource management environment;
• Well-developed research, analysis and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret legislation, policy and technical material;
• Strong cross-cultural communication and relationship-building skills, together with a demonstrated commitment to Aboriginal self-determination; and a current NT C Class Driver Licence and willingness to undertake regular travel to regional and remote areas.

For a full copy of the Position Description refer to the link provided below.

What's in it for you?

At the NLC, you will join a purpose-driven organisation working alongside Traditional Owners to protect rights, strengthen Aboriginal decision-making and support the sustainable management of land and sea Country. You will have the opportunity to contribute to significant Sea Country initiatives, develop your policy and project skills, and build partnerships that deliver practical benefits for Aboriginal people.

We offer:

• A base salary of $86,257 per annum plus 15% superannuation on base and District allowance
• Salary sacrificing up to $15,900 + Meal Entertainment and Holiday Accommodation benefits up to $2,650 per year.
• Other benefits under our Enterprise Agreement include:
  • District allowance of up to $4,884 (DA2) per annum for individuals with dependents and $2,678 (DA1) without dependents;
  • 5 weeks annual leave, leaving loading, 18 days personal leave;
  • Paid Christmas close down;
  • Upon completion of 12 months of service an Annual airfare with a net (in hand) value of $3,177;                                                                                                                                                                                            

This is a designated Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander position. Applicants must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and will be required to provide confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity. The designation is a special measure intended to promote equality of opportunity in accordance with section 57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT) and section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth).

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should send a copy of their CV along with a cover letter outlining why you are interested in this position and what relevant skills and expertise you will bring to this role.

For further information, please contact Ashley Perez on 0447229473

Applications close: Tuesday, 15 September 2026

About the NLC:

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is an independent statutory authority of the Commonwealth established under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. We serve Traditional Owners and other Aboriginal people across the Top End of the Northern Territory. Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to our work. We support Aboriginal peoples' social, political and economic participation, advance their aspirations and amplify their voices on matters affecting their lands, seas, culture and communities.