Affirmative Measures Indigenous Graduate Program (Feb 2026)

Who we are

The Australian Government has an ambitious agenda to support and enable the self-determination and aspirations of First Nations Peoples, and The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) is a key partner in fulfilling the commitments to elevate First Nation’s voices, and ensure First Nations people have a say in the decisions that affect them. 

We are committed to implementing the Government’s policies and programs to provide the greatest benefit to all First Nations peoples. Our priorities are informed by the Government’s commitment to work in genuine partnership with First Nations peoples for better outcomes. 

We support the Minister and Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians, as well as the Special Envoy for Reconciliation and the Implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. 

We have a large national footprint with approximately 1,300 passionate employees spread across offices in remote, regional and urban locations. This enables us to work closely and respectfully with First Nations communities, organisations, peak bodies, all levels of government and other parties to support the design and delivery of policies and programs that reflect the uniqueness of each community and their changing priorities. Our work allows us to value-add in place, including in response to emerging priorities, pandemics, and natural disasters. 

We’re driven by an understanding that valuing and sustaining the world’s oldest living cultures, strengthens the whole nation. 

NIAA’s shared Values and Behaviours underpin how we work, and how we do business with our partners and stakeholders. We are committed to adapting and evolving the ways we work to make sure we deliver the strongest outcomes, and we make these changes together.

What we do 

We are responsible for:

• Implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart – Voice, Treaty and Truth.
• Leading the implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap
• Developing policies and delivering programs with and for First Nations Peoples
• Working with and advising other government agencies on Indigenous affairs matters
• Champion reconciliation throughout Australia.

About the Role

The NIAA Graduate Program has been designed for recent graduates to develop the skills, capabilities and networks to progress in their APS careers while contributing to implementing the Government’s priorities to provide the greatest benefit to all First Nations people.

It’s an incredibly exciting time to be joining the NIAA as we work in partnership to enable the self-determination and aspirations of First Nations people and communities. The Agency is unique, providing endless opportunities and great diversity in our roles, from policy, programs, engagement, grants administration and corporate, and much more.

As a graduate, you will assist the Agency in providing advice to the Minister and Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians, as well as the Special Envoy for Reconciliation and the Implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart on matters affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

You will help develop, implement and evaluate policies and programs while working closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, state and territory governments and Indigenous organisations to make sure the policies and programs address the individual needs of each community.

Key facts about the program include:

• Positions are based in Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin and Perth.
• Choose from our Policy and Program Stream, Corporate and Enabling Stream and Operations and Delivery Stream.
• The NIAA Graduate Program runs for 12 months and consists of three rotations through various work areas with a potential rotation in one of our metropolitan, regional or remote locations.
• The Program gives graduates access to extensive professional learning and development, particularly ongoing cross-cultural learning through NIAA’s ‘Footprints Program’, as well as some fantastic personal development opportunities.
• NIAA Graduates receive dedicated pastoral care and a distinctive support program.
• Generous relocation assistance is available.

Our graduates start as full-time ongoing employees at the APS 4 level ($77,558 + 15.4% superannuation).

On successful completion of the program, you will be eligible for advancement to the APS 5 level and also have the opportunity to be assessed for advancement to the APS 6 level.

Policy and Program Stream

At the NIAA we work with First Nation’s communities and across the public service to implement policies and programs on the ground. The Policy and Program stream will allow you to work in various strategic, social and economic policy and program areas of the Agency.

Our Policy and Program Stream has opportunities in:

• closing the gap, culture and heritage, early years and education, families and safety, health and wellbeing, housing and infrastructure, employment, land and environment, business and economics, constitutional recognition & truth telling and much more.

This stream is for graduates who are inquisitive, flexible and keen to contribute and learn about policy and program design, development, implementation and evaluation.

Operations and Delivery Stream 

We offer challenging, interesting and stimulating work, engaging across all levels of government and working directly with the community and other invested stakeholders. The Operations and Delivery stream works to engage with First Nations communities, leadership and service providers to deliver outcomes in line with community aspirations on behalf of the Australian Government.

Our Operations and Delivery Stream has opportunities in:

• Community engagement and consultation, regional strategy and policy including local and place-based initiatives, data and evaluation, grant design, administration and reporting of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy.

The stream is aligned to graduates that are interested in working in our regions to work on implementing and delivering range of government initiatives and commitments.

Corporate and Enabling Stream

For the NIAA to implement policy and programs to benefit First Nations peoples our staff need the best capabilities and support to succeed. Our staff are supported by the Agency’s corporate and enabling functions which are integral to the achievement of the NIAA’s key priorities.

Our Corporate and Enabling stream has opportunities in:

• human resource management, legal services, governance and communications, financial management, business operations, data and digital, evaluation, IT strategy, program compliance and fraud office of the CEO, transformation management and portfolio bodies.

The Corporate and Enabling stream is for individuals who are excited by the opportunity to provide high quality professional services to support the work of the Agency.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our graduate roles are fast-paced, dynamic and present an exciting opportunity for someone with curiosity and a willingness to learn.

We are seeking candidates that want to work at the NIAA because they are passionate and want to make a real difference by contributing  to work that ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are heard, recognised and empowered.

Ideally graduates will embrace all opportunities as you navigate through the Agency to better understand your strengths, capabilities and interests.

To be successful in the NIAA Graduate Program you:

• are a committed, energetic and curious person who embodies NIAA’s values and behaviours
• have an awareness of opportunities and challenges affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and a commitment to developing your ongoing cultural competency
• have strong communication and interpersonal skills
• have demonstrated sound judgment, innovation and problem solving skills
• are agile and resilient, making the most of the opportunities as they present.

Our shared values and behaviours underpin how we work. To make a significant contribution to an Australia that respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and peoples with fairness in economic and social participation. We are an inclusive and welcoming Agency with a culture that positions us with the right capability, people, passion and pride to make a difference.

NIAA employees need to embody our shared values and behaviours  which are:

• We respect multiple perspectives
• We are authentic
• We are professional and act with integrity
• We invest in each other’s success
• We deliver with purpose

We have an ambitious reform agenda ahead of us. So if you are someone that wants to leave your mark on the public service and be able to point to an accomplishment that has lasting impacts for the Australian people, NIAA is the place for you.

What We Offer

Our Purpose: We have exciting work with real purpose.  We support the aspirations of First Nations Peoples—it’s our driving force. Our work is transformational, you can follow your passion, shape your career and make a difference.

Our People: We value our employees —they’re the heart of our Agency. Employees are supported and empowered to build their career. We are a diverse, inclusive and passionate workforce with an emphasis on continuous cultural learning and tailored professional development.

Our Partnerships:  Our work relies on strong and trusted relationships — we build partnerships by being authentic, sharing information and giving honest feedback. We collaborate with communities across Australia, all levels of government and many other invested stakeholders.

Did you know?

The 2026 NIAA Graduate program has both an affirmative measures disability and affirmative measures Indigenous recruitment process. What does this mean? Affirmative measures are vacancies designed to address the under-representation of people who identify as having disability or as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander in the Australian Public Service (APS).

Identified Position

These positions are Identified which signifies that the roles have a strong involvement in issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

These positions are required to liaise with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and service providers. You will require cultural competency, including:

• understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
• demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
• demonstrated capability and commitment to continue to develop cultural competency

Employment Type

This role is being advertised as both ongoing and non-ongoing, with the employment type to be determined in negotiation with the preferred candidate and the NIAA delegate.

Where a non-ongoing specified term is offered, this would be for an initial period of up to 18 months, with possibility of extension up to a maximum period of three years. 

A non-ongoing offer may result in conversion to an ongoing offer of employment, however this must occur with 12 months (from the opening date of this advertisement).

Eligibility

To be eligible for this position you must:

The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an Affirmative Measure — Indigenous position under section 8(1) of the 'Racial Discrimination Act 1975'. This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait people who: 

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

To meet eligibility requirements, applicants will need to provide the following evidence:

• a letter signed and executed by the Chairperson of an incorporated Indigenous organisation confirming that you are recognised as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person; or
• a confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent form executed by an Indigenous organisation; or
• a statutory declaration made by you or a member of an Indigenous Service Provider confirming that you are recognised and an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person

To be considered for the NIAA Graduate program the following eligibility requirements apply: 

• Have completed at least a three-year undergraduate bachelor degree obtaining a credit average within the last eight years. All degrees must be complete by 31 December 2025 and be recognised in Australia.
• Be able to obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance to a minimum of Baseline level.
• Be an Australian citizen by 30 June 2025. You will need to provide evidence to verify impending citizenship.

The successful candidates will be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check, and will be subject to a probation period unless already employed in the APS and has already served a probation period.

Positions are located in Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin and Perth you must also be willing to relocate to participate in the program.

Apply/Register now!

If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you! Submit an online application by 22 April 2025.

To be eligible for employment with NIAA, applicants must be an Australian Citizen at the time of the vacancy closing.