Research and Program Associate (First Nations Foreign Policy)

• Unique opportunity to work on a vital element of Australian foreign policy, as part of a dynamic, collaborative team
• Work within one of Australia’s leading geopolitical think tanks partnering with The University of Western Australia and the Commonwealth and State Governments to strengthen relationships and strategic thinking between Australia, the Indo-Pacific and the USA, with particular focus on First Nations Foreign Policy
• Full-time, fixed term, initially for 12 months, commencing date to be negotiated
• Salary range: Level 6 $86,994 - $91,938 + 10.5% superannuation
• Perth-based, with the opportunity to access flexible working arrangements

This is an identified position; being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational requirement of this role.

About The Perth USAsia Centre

The Perth USAsia Centre is an independent think-tank that connects Australia to the Indo-Pacific to advance the public interest. The Centre strengthens relationships and educates through research, networks, engagements, and analysis.
The Perth USAsia Centre is located at The University of Western Australia (UWA) and is an independent, not-for-profit company, sharing the values of the University.

About the opportunity

As the appointee, you will support the Centre to contribute to the national and international conversation on First Nations Foreign Policy, and why it’s important.

Under general direction, you will engage with First Nations stakeholders, and contribute to research, programs and events that highlight First Nations contributions to and perspectives on Australia’s international engagement, spanning sectors such as trade and investment, security, climate and the environment, international education, visual and performing arts, community development, high-level sport and more.

Through this work, you will enhance the Centre’s reputation as a thought leader amongst policymakers, business and the public in Australia and across the Indo-Pacific. This is an indigenous identified position.

About you

You will identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and be eager to bring First Nations perspectives to foreign policy questions and engage with First Nations communities and stakeholders in Australia and the Indo-Pacific.

You will have highly developed analytical, written and verbal communication skills, along with organisational and problem-solving capabilities. You will have a demonstrated ability to work successfully in a team, contribute to organisational goals, and be able to embrace new responsibilities in a fast paced, dynamic environment.

To be considered for this role, you will demonstrate:

• The ability to engage with First Nations stakeholders.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or appropriate experience (foreign affairs or international relations; trade and investment; business; international security; education; visual and performing arts; community development; climate change and the environment; or sport)
• Relevant research experience and demonstrated ability to produce content for distribution, including short form analysis, written reports, research proposals, and external communications
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the development of programmes, including conferences, meetings, and high-profile visits, as well as funding proposals, budgets and grant acquittals.

Special requirements

Aboriginality (Section 50d, Equal Opportunity Act)

About your application

Full details of the position's responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description:  Position description - Research and Program Associate (First Nations Foreign Policy) (515494)).pdf

The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

You may also submit an additional statement (1-page max) outlining any personal circumstances which should be considered when assessing your application. Applicants who have experienced periods of academic/professional interruption or other relevant events can include a description of achievements relative to opportunity in this statement.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Friday, 13 October 2023

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Kate O’Shaughnessy at kate.oshaughnessy@perthusasia.edu.au. 

Application Details: Please apply online via the Apply Now button.