Assistant Director TUMRA Program Strategy
EL1
Townsville, Canberra
Non-ongoing - Specified term; Full-time to 29 January 2028
Applications close Sunday 30 August 2026, 11:59pm AEST
The Position
We are seeking a person with strong strategic policy, government engagement and program leadership skills to support the future direction of the Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement program. A key priority of this role is working across government to shape future policy settings, support Cabinet and Budget processes, and contribute to the development of New Policy Proposals and related government decision-making products.
The position requires demonstrated experience working with Commonwealth and state government agencies, central agencies, Traditional Owners, First Nations organisations and other key stakeholders to progress complex policy, funding and program reform. The ability to navigate government processes, develop strategic advice, coordinate input across jurisdictions and support clear decision-making will be critical to the role.
Knowledge of Cabinet processes, budget processes and new policy proposal development is highly desirable. Knowledge of Indigenous Protected Areas, Native Title, Prescribed Bodies Corporate, Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate, Traditional Owner governance arrangements and Sea Country management frameworks is also highly desirable.
This position sits within the TUMRA Section, which is responsible for Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreements and Sea Country Values Mapping programs. The section works closely with Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owners and other First Nations peoples, including remote communities, corporations, Prescribed Bodies Corporate, Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate and organisations established to support First Nations people and businesses.
This Assistant Director position will provide strategic support and leadership to the TUMRA Section, with a focus on the future operating model, long-term investment pathway and policy reform agenda for the TUMRA program. The role will work closely with government partners and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for reform, strengthen alignment with broader First Nations, Reef, Native Title and Sea Country policy settings, and support the development of government advice on the future of the program.
The Assistant Director will also provide leadership and direction to a culturally inclusive, dynamic and innovative team, supporting transformational change across the program. The role will represent the section in strategic discussions, develop and maintain strong and sustainable partnerships, and support multi-jurisdictional Sea Country management arrangements that align with Traditional Owner aspirations, self-determination, cultural authority and cultural heritage protection.
The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under subsection 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 and is only open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants (further information is provided in the eligibility requirements section below).
What you'll do
- Provide high-quality strategic policy and program advice to the Director, Executive and senior stakeholders on the future direction of the TUMRA program, including; emerging risks, opportunities, policy settings, investment needs and alignment with broader Reef, First Nations, Native Title and Sea Country priorities.
- Lead and support the development of government decision-making products, including briefs, submissions, Cabinet and Budget materials, New Policy Proposal inputs, policy options, reports and other written advice to support future investment and reform of the TUMRA program.
- Work across Commonwealth and state government agencies, Traditional Owner partners and other stakeholders to support whole-of-government engagement, policy coordination and strategic partnerships relevant to Traditional Owner-led Sea Country management and Marine Park management.
- Develop and deliver priority strategic initiatives for the TUMRA Section, including annual planning, risk management, governance improvements, program reform activities, implementation planning and monitoring of key deliverables.
- Liaise, consult and negotiate respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including Traditional Owner groups, Prescribed Bodies Corporate, Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate, Native Title Representative Bodies, Land Councils, delivery partners and government agencies on matters relevant to TUMRAs and Sea Country management.
- Support the design and delivery of policy, program and management solutions that strengthen the protection and conservation of the Reef while supporting Traditional Owner aspirations, cultural authority, self-determination and cultural heritage protection.
- Provide leadership and direction within the TUMRA Section, supporting a culturally safe, collaborative and high-performing team environment, and contributing to section priorities, cross-agency work and emerging issues as part of the broader leadership team.
What you'll bring
- You understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ spiritual, cultural and customary connection to Land and Sea Country, and can clearly articulate and apply principles of Cultural Authority, Traditional Lore, cultural governance and customs for managing Country.
- You understand the role of government in improving outcomes for First Nations peoples, including through Closing the Gap, broader First Nations policy reform, Native Title, Indigenous Protected Areas and Sea Country management frameworks.
- You have strong strategic policy capability and can work across government to support the future direction of the TUMRA program, including contributing to Cabinet, Budget and New Policy Proposal processes.
- You can develop high-quality strategic advice, briefing materials, policy options and decision-making products that support government consideration of complex First Nations, Reef, Native Title and Sea Country matters.
- You are strategic, resourceful and outcomes-focused. You can motivate and inspire others, work with limited direction, exercise sound judgement and apply logic, discretion and cultural awareness to complex and sensitive issues.
- You have exceptional written communication skills, well-developed analytical skills, strong attention to detail and routinely complete tasks on time and to a high standard, including under pressure and in time-sensitive government processes.
- You will represent the Reef Authority in internal and external forums, including with Commonwealth and state agencies, Traditional Owner partners, First Nations organisations and other stakeholders, and culturally negotiate sensitively on a range of complex matters.
- You are a natural problem solver with strong people, program, project, risk, financial and contract management skills, and are known for working collaboratively to deliver practical outcomes in complex operating environments.
- You will support strategic partnerships and whole-of-government engagement to strengthen the long-term sustainability, investment pathway and future operating model of the TUMRA program.
- You will be willing to travel frequently, often to remote locations. The nature of the work will require the incumbent to travel and work outside core hours,
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Niboddhri Ward, Director TUMRA, 0448 031 856
Why join the Reef Authority?
At the Reef Authority, you'll build a meaningful career while helping protect one of the world's most iconic natural assets. We offer a supportive, flexible and purpose-driven workplace where your work has real impact.
You'll enjoy competitive APS employment conditions, including up to 15.4% employer superannuation, flexible working arrangements, wellbeing initiatives, professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.
Essential Requirements
- Hold and maintain a current unrestricted Queensland Drivers Licence (preferably with 4-wheel drive experience) or able to obtain within a 6-month period.
- The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under subsection 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 and is only open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants. This means applicants must:
a. be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent; and
b. identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and
c. are accepted by their community as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
- Applicants shortlisted for interview will need to provide evidence at interview to confirm eligibility under the above affirmative measure. Acceptable evidence includes:
- a letter signed and executed by the Chairperson of an incorporated Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation confirming that they are recognised as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person,
- or a confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent form executed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation.
- To be eligible for employment, candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of application.
- The position requires a Baseline security clearance. Successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
- The successful candidate will be willing to provide identity documents and undergo an identity pre-employment check through a Document Verification Service.
How to apply
The Reef Authority is committed to authenticity and integrity in all recruitment activities. We want to understand who you are, your experiences, and what you bring to the role.
While you may use AI tools to assist with your application, your final submission must reflect your own voice, skills, and experiences. Candidates should familiarise themselves with the Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment.
Misrepresentation or unethical use of AI can compromise fairness and integrity and may result in removal from the process or other consequences. AI should be used to support (not replace) your authentic contribution.
Please ensure you read the instructions below and on the Position Description carefully, noting failure to address identified requirements may lead to your application being deemed ineligible.
You will be required to prepare a response document (“pitch”) in MSWord or PDF format using standard margins and size 11 Arial font.
Please prepare a ‘pitch’, as outlined in the Position Description, in relation to the advertised role, outlining:
- how your experience, abilities, knowledge and personal qualities would enable you to perform the duties and meet the technical and behavioural capabilities of the role.
- any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.
- how you meet the eligibility requirements and qualifications for the position.
When crafting your response, we encourage you to review ‘Cracking the Code’ and the relevant Australian Public Service Work Level Standards which can be found on the Australian Public Service Commission website: www.apsc.gov.au.
Please complete your application online and provide:
- your ‘pitch’ (as described above and in the position description).
- proof of Australian citizenship (an Australian Passport or Australian Birth Certificate)
- a current curriculum vitae (resume)
Applicants are advised to read further information provided on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Careers website.
PLEASE NOTE: - The panel may not consider additional information such as a cover letter or content exceeding the page limit.
Notes
- The current position is non-ongoing however through this process may create a merit pool to fill similar ongoing and non-ongoing positions that become available within the next 18 months.
- We do not accept unsolicited résumés from recruitment agencies.
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme, you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability
Eligibility
Employment with the Reef Authority is subject to:
- Conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999.
- Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) granting a security clearance at the required level.
- Evidence of citizenship status.
- Evidence of qualifications required of the role.
- Evidence of a completed national police-check with no risks identified by the Reef Authority.
- The CEO of the Reef Authority, or their Delegate, approving a Notice of Engagement.
- The Australian Government Security Clearance Application Guide Book provides information on minimum eligibility requirements for holding a security clearance at the required level. Please ensure that you are able to provide the necessary documents if you apply for the position. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the AGSVA website.
