2026-2027 - Australian Human Rights Commission – First Peoples Temporary Talent Register – Australian Public Service Classification Levels APS4 to EL2

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. 

Be part of advancing Human Rights for all !

Do you want to contribute to building an Australia where everyone is free and equal in dignity and rights?  

The Australian Human Rights Commission invites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to submit an expression of interest for our First Peoples Talent Register. This register helps us match your skills and experience to temporary opportunities across our agency.  

About us 

The Commission is Australia’s national human rights institution. Together we work towards an Australian society in which human rights are respected, protected and promoted. 

Our commitment to First Peoples is central to our work from educating and advocating for First Peoples rights in Australia to addressing systemic discrimination, with a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner. We have been at the forefront of key First Peoples-led initiatives such as the Close the Gap Campaign, and landmark reports such as:  

• Bringing Them Home which reported on the injustices perpetrated on the Stolen Generations; 
• the ‘Our Future in Our Hands’ report which informed the establishment of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples; and  
• Wiyi Yani U Thangani which provided a platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s voices and the establishment of a dedicated Institute at the Australian National University. 

Come join us! 

At the Commission, we strive to build a culturally safe and inclusive workplace where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel respected and supported to bring their whole selves to work. Your perspectives and lived experiences will strengthen our work and help us create better outcomes for communities.  

We offer: 

• generous remuneration and flexible working conditions; 
• cultural, ceremonial and NAIDOC leave; 
• access to dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific employee assistance;  
• ongoing learning and development opportunities; 
• the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that advances human rights and equality for First Peoples. 

The First Peoples Talent Register will be used to fill non-ongoing (temporary) vacancies, including full-time or part-time roles, across a broad range of classifications, business areas and locations across Australia. As vacancies arise, we will engage with the register to match candidates with opportunities that align with their skills and areas of interest. 

If a position becomes available that suits your skill set, experience, knowledge, and qualifications, the Commission may contact you to discuss your interest in that position. To better match you with suitable opportunities, we seek to understand your employment preferences, interests, and skills. This information will be collected through the application form. 

Please note: this register is an expression of interest only. Registering your interest does not guarantee an offer of employment will be made. 

The types of positions that may be filled from this register include, but are not limited to: 

APS4 (Information Officer, Research and Administration Officer, Executive Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Project Coordinator; Project Support Officer) 

• An APS Level 4 employee would generally be required to undertake tasks of moderate complexity and work under general direction to set priorities and to meet deadlines. 
• Employees will provide specialist and administrative support that is informed and directed by sound knowledge in specific areas and may undertake some research and analysis activities, including (but not limited to) diary management, travel and accommodation arrangements, database, file and record management, coordination of communication streams such as correspondence and telephone calls. 
• Assess client and stakeholder needs. Deliver integrated information meet customer needs. 
• Assist clients across a range of services and work across one or more service delivery channels (telephone, face-to-face or processing). 
• Undertake research, provide advice and write for a variety of audiences. 
• Communicate and liaise with a wide range of people in a professional manner. 

APS5 (Associate Policy Officer; Project Officer; Policy Officer; Research and Policy Officer; Project Coordinator) 

• An APS Level 5 employee would generally be required to undertake work that is moderately complex to complex in nature and operate under limited direction. 
• Accountable for organising their workflow and making independent decisions relating to an area of responsibility. 
• Undertaking specialist or technical research and analysis, conduct investigations, and undertake procedural, clerical, administrative support or operational tasks. 
• Developing, maintaining and nurturing networks and liaising with identified internal and external stakeholders across a range of constituencies, communities, government agencies and organisations. 
• Providing policy and administrative support for Projects including the provision of secretariat support. 
• Undertake research and present research themes, provide advice and write for a variety of audiences. 
• Communicate and liaise with a wide range of people in a professional manner. 

APS6 (Project Officer; Communications Officer; Media Officer; Legal and Research Officer; Policy Officer; ICT Analyst) 

• An APS Level 6 employee would generally be required to undertake work that is complex in nature, work under limited direction with the opportunity for reasonable autonomy and accountability. 
• Providing high level advice within an area of specialisation with advice based on policies and legislation on programs to key stakeholders, including but not limited to the Director, Senior Executive, and other internal and external stakeholders. 
• Well-developed research, analytic and written communication skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines without compromising quality. 
• Demonstrated specialist knowledge and understanding of various policy and human rights matters. Provide detailed technical, professional, and/or policy advice in relation to complex problems and may assist in strategic planning, program and project management and policy development. 
• Plan and prepare quality submissions for high level meetings with a strategic purpose in mind, under the guidance of the strategy and engagement lead. 
• Work under limited direction to ensure the smooth preparation for external meetings, including liaison with internal and external stakeholders. 
• An ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure that various stakeholder interests are recognised and managed positively and professionally. 
• Demonstrated capacity for sound judgement and creative problem-solving including ability to consider and promote Commission wide benefits of activities. 

EL1 (Business Analyst, Team Leader, Senior Advisor, Senior Project Officer, Senior Policy Officer, Campaign Manager, Media Advisor, Community Engagement Manager, Senior Lawyer) 

• An Executive Level 1 employee would generally be required to undertake work that is very complex or sensitive and operate under broad direction. 
• Exercise a considerable degree of independence and perform a leadership role. 
• Exercise sound decision making and judgement to produce high level policy advice. 
• Engage in complex problem solving and issues management and may coordinate and undertake detailed or sensitive projects that impact on strategic, political or operational outcomes for the agency. 
• Responsible for actively managing key stakeholder relationships within and outside the agency and may manage one or more work teams. 

EL2 (Director – Projects, Study Director, Principal Investigator, Senior Project Research Officer, Senior Project Lead, Senior Director) 

• An Executive Level 2 employee would generally be required to undertake work with a high level of complexity or sensitivity and operate under broad direction. 
• Exercise a significant degree of independence and perform an important leadership role. 
• Responsible for influencing and developing strategy, policies, priorities and operational practices in support of agency objectives based on high level decision-making and judgement. 
• Provide a high level of advice to senior management and Ministers as well as coordinating and assuming responsibility for highly complex or sensitive projects or work programs that have strategic, political and/or operational significance. 
• Responsible for initiating, establishing and maintaining strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and may lead a work team or teams. 

Temporary positions available through this register vary in duration, noting you can be initially engaged for periods up to 12 months (with one contract extension or subsequent contract up to 6 months, with a total duration of 18 months). 

Eligibility Criteria 

The First Peoples Talent Register is exclusively open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. As the talent register is an affirmative measures process, applicants must: 

• Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent and/or identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander 
• Be accepted by their community as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. 

Confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage will only be required from candidates who are found suitable at the end of the process. Suitable candidates will be required to provide ‘confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Heritage’ by providing:  

• Letter signed by the Chairperson of an incorporated Indigenous organisation confirming that the applicant is recognised as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, or 
• confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent document executed by an Indigenous organisation 

If you experience any difficulty obtaining documentation outlined above, please contact us at: jobs@humanrights.gov.au to discuss your situation.  

General Eligibility 

• Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS). 
• All applicants external to AHRC offered employment may be required to successfully undergo a pre-engagement screening check, even if they have a security clearance. The screening check is conducted in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework requirements. 
• The successful candidate may be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance. 
• Additional eligibility requirements are listed on the individual Gazette notices advertised on APS Jobs and the Australian Human Rights Commission Job Opportunities page. 

How to Register Interest 

We encourage you to submit your expression of interest by completing our online application form. Your application is to include a resume and a 1-page statement indicating your area/s of interest, skills, qualifications and experience. 

Please identify which levels – APS4 to EL2 you wish to be considered for in your statement. 

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to the left of this advertisement to submit your application 

As part of the recruitment and selection process, applicants will be required to consent to and undergo background checks which may include character and social media checks. 

Notes 

The filling of this vacancy is intended as an affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait people. 

Your registration on the First Peoples Talent Register will remain active for 12 months (or until the expiry of the current register). After this time, you will need to renew your registration by re-applying.  

Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS). 

The Commission is committed to providing an accessible, inclusive work environment to enable people with a disability to participate fully in all aspects of employment. Applicants are encouraged to request reasonable adjustment as required to assist your participation in this recruitment process. 

Engagement and promotion under the Public Service Act 1999 are not possible through this recruitment register. 

For Further information about this register please email: jobs@humanrights.gov.au, using the subject line: First Peoples Talent Register enquiry.