Location: Adelaide
The City of Onkaparinga is South Australia’s largest metropolitan council and one of the state’s fastest growing areas. We are a high performing, responsive and innovative organisation that meets our communities’ needs and strives to achieve excellence in all areas. Our workforce of over 800 employees, work together to ensure Onkaparinga remains the best place in South Australia to live, work, visit, play and invest. We’re committed to creating an organisation that is known for customer responsiveness, community collaboration and quality service. Our professional and friendly workplace provides a vibrant environment in which individuals are supported to develop to their fullest potential.
Aboriginal Governance Officer
Part Time - contract working 53.2 hours per fortnight to March 2027 (Job #02380)
$111k - $118k pro rata + 12% Super – dependent on relevant experience, skills and knowledge
The City of Onkaparinga considers that being Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under sub-section 56(2) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA) and as a result applications are invited from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only.
- Lead Aboriginal governance and embed cultural integrity in decision-making.
- Mentor boards and deliver training to strengthen governance practices.
- Shape systems that empower communities through improved governance.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Governance Officer to deliver high quality outcomes for community through working with the Neporendi Aboriginal Forum Incorporated Board of Management.
The Position will work from between Noarlunga Centre, and Neporendi Aboriginal Community Centre at 13 McKinna Rd Christie Downs.
About the Position
The position reports to the Team Leader Arts, Reconciliation and Cultural Development and is part of the Arts, Reconciliation and Cultural Development Team within the Community Capacity Section of council and will work closely with, and be accountable to the Neporendi Forum Incorporated Chairperson, and Board of Management.
- Provide specialist advice and support to NAFI to strengthen governance frameworks and cultural integrity.
- Develop and implement policies, procedures, and systems that ensure compliance and best practice governance.
- Mentor the NAFI Board and deliver training to build governance capability and inclusive decision-making.
- Facilitate culturally appropriate engagement with Aboriginal communities, Elders, and stakeholders.
- Lead proactive processes for risk management, operational efficiency, and quality improvement.
- Prepare reports, briefing notes, and support NAFI’s AGM and strategic planning activities.
About you
You are a culturally grounded professional with a strong understanding of Aboriginal cultures, histories, and governance principles. You bring experience in developing governance frameworks, policies, and compliance systems for not-for-profit or community-based organisations. Skilled in stakeholder engagement and relationship building, you can provide expert advice and mentor boards to strengthen governance practices. Your ability to manage projects, deliver training, and communicate effectively ensures you can lead initiatives that promote cultural integrity and inclusive decision-making. You are proactive, organised, and committed to continuous improvement, with the capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
Key Selection Criteria:
- Develop and maintain governance policies, procedures and frameworks that reflect Aboriginal cultural values and NAFI’s standards as an Incorporated Association.
- Develop compliance capabilities with relevant legislation, policies, and cultural protocols.
- Provide expert advice to NAFI and council on Aboriginal governance principles.
- Where directed by NAFI, facilitate culturally appropriate engagement with Aboriginal communities, Elders, and stakeholders.
- Mentor the NAFI Board of Management in governance roles.
- Contribute to NAFI’s strategic planning and policy development to value add to the work being undertaken with NAFI by Many Rivers.
Working for Council
Some of the benefits of working with us include:
- Competitive salary
- Flexible ways of working
- Salary sacrificing options
- Access to an internal support network of Aboriginal staff
- Access to specific Aboriginal professionals as part of our Employee Assistance Program
If you have any questions please contact Jason Haskett, Team Leader Arts, Reconciliation and Cultural Development on 0408 956 849.
Application Process:
For this role only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may apply, you may be asked to provide a Confirmation of Aboriginality Certificate.
To be considered for this position, all applicants must submit a resume and a cover letter addressing how they meet each of the key selection criteria detailed within this advertisement. It is mandatory to provide detailed explanations of relevant experience and qualifications related to the criteria outlined above.
Applicants will be assessed based on their ability to demonstrate relevant experience for the position and alignment with the City of Onkaparinga’s Values and Behaviours.
The City of Onkaparinga advises that the recruitment process includes a medical assessment (including a functional assessment and drug and alcohol screening), confirmation of experience and stated qualifications.
The successful applicant must possess and provide a current Department of Human Services (DHS) ‘Not Prohibited’ Working with Children Check prior to offer of employment.
Applications close at 9 am Tuesday 3 February 2026.