Team Leader - Diversity Equity & Inclusion - First Nations Unit

Job Details

EMPLOYMENT TYPE - Ongoing Full time

LOCATION - ACT

AFP BAND & SALARY - Band 07 ($118,673.00 - $127,101.00)

JOB REFERENCE NUMBER - 15069

This advertisement is to fill current vacancies and create a merit list for future ongoing or non-ongoing vacancies arising over the next 12 months.

Did you know?

The mission of the Australian Federal Police is to provide dynamic and effective law enforcement to the people of Australia. It provides policing throughout Australia in relation to the prevention and detection of crimes against the Commonwealth, its laws and integrity, and community police services to the Community of the ACT.

Working for the AFP provides you with a diverse and rewarding career. Whether you immerse yourself in a position on the frontline, or provide critical operational or professional support, the work you do makes a big impact on the people of Australia. 

We recognise your contribution to our workforce and offer generous remuneration and conditions including:

• Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas stand down 
• 4 extra days of mandatory rest leave per year
• 18 days of paid personal leave per year
• Generous superannuation of 15.4%
• 18 weeks paid Parental Leave for Primary Caregiver (and 11 weeks for Secondary Caregiver) + additional unpaid leave entitlements for up until 24 months from the child’s date of birth or placement
• Generous salaries and incremental salary progression governed by the AFP Enterprise Agreement 
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangement that provides work/life balance
• Health & wellbeing services – with a focus on early intervention, education and prevention
• Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities

What is the role?

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) team is responsible for enabling and supporting the implementation of AFP Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2023-2026 through the development of key diversity and inclusion initiatives across the agency.

Sitting within the DEI Team, the AFP First Nations Unit (FNU) is designed to promote full and unhindered First Nations participation in the AFP workforce, as well as inform the provision of culturally competent policing services to the Australian Community.

The FNU is responsible for leading various projects and initiatives in partnership with business areas to deliver positive outcomes with a First Nations focus. These outcomes will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, as well as support the AFP on its journey as a culturally competent employer of choice in the delivery of frontline policing services.

As a Team Leader in the AFP you will play a pivotal role in developing people, managing change and influencing behaviours that lead to a supportive culture that respects the perspectives, talents and value of each individual. Consistent with the AFP values, AFP leadership philosophy, organisational reform agendas, AFP corporate business plans and your Performance Development Agreement, it is expected that you will deliver on the core responsibilities and meet any requirements of the position as outlined below.

You will also be required to contribute to the achievement of outcomes in accordance with the regulatory framework, the AFP Code of Conduct and the AFP Governance Instruments.

What will you do?

This role is responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the Recruit and Educate streams of the D&I Strategy implementation, and the oversight and management of the First Nations Unit. The Team Leader is responsible for developing and implementing work programs that support strategic outcomes and intent for the broader Diversity and Inclusion Section, and the AFP. This includes contributing to the development of relevant recruitment strategies to support achievement of workforce representation targets for First Nations peoples, people with disability and sworn women.

The Team Leader will also be responsible for achieving DI education outcomes to increase organisational cultural competency and capability.

This role has a strong involvement in issues relating to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and will involve direct interaction with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.

To be considered for these jobs, you will need to have a good understanding of issues and challenges affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and be able to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. 

Key Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing work programs in line with AFP strategic priorities, such as the First Nations Employment Strategy and D&I recruitment strategies for disability and women in policing;
• Leading the team and support their professional and personal development;
• Engaging with key stakeholders;
• Leading the development of key communications strategies to meet AFP DEI targets;
• Leading key policy and strategy development such as First Nations Employment Strategy and Inclusion Learning Continuum;
• Developing executive guidance, reporting, briefing and analysis as required;
• Contributing to the development of FNU projects and activities;
• Providing support to leadership and representing the FNU as required; and
• Developing and maintaining subject matter expertise and sharing knowledge with others in and outside the team as required.

Essential Requirements

• You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application.
• A Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance or the ability to obtain one.
• Demonstrate cultural competency when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Experience participating in or working on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander focussed initiatives.
• Experience in fast paced working environments managing multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
• An ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
• An understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team.
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills
• Demonstrated ability to develop and foster stakeholder relationships.

Desirable Requirements

The following skills and/or experience would be highly regarded:

• Tertiary qualifications in relevant field.
• Relevant qualification or extensive experience and knowledge in area of expertise.
• Understanding the purpose and work of the FNU and the broader context the team operates in.
• Knowledge of broader strategies and initiatives related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

Additional Information

• This role is located in Canberra, however remote working options may be negotiated. 
• Indigenous job seekers are encouraged to apply for this vacancy. If the job is 'Identified', then part or all of the duties impact on Indigenous Australian communities or their representatives.

Selection Criteria

• Achieve results
• Communicates with influence
• Contributes to strategic thinking
• Cultivates productive working relationships
• Shows personal drive and integrity

Application

Please submit the following documents via our Jobs portal prior to the closing date and time:

• Resume/CV - This will form the basis for determining your suitability against the position requirements and give the panel a clear outline of your current knowledge and qualifications along with previous experiences. Please include your work history, responsibilities and achievements.
• Applicant pitch (maximum two pages). Ensure your pitch tells us why you are the best fit for the role, with examples that demonstrate your capabilities addressing the selection criteria, role requirements and work level standards for the role. 

Only complete applications will be considered. Please review and ensure the uploaded documents are correct for this application after submitting your application.

Employment Suitability

Should you successfully progress from the application stage all applicants must:

• Complete an Employment Suitability Questionnaire (ESQ) and provide a traffic history check and proof of Australian citizenship. This aids in the assessment of your character and your ability to comply with the AFP's professional standards both in an official and private capacity. Please review our AFP Character Standards to ensure that you meet our requirements before you submit your application. Applicants will not receive feedback if they are unsuccessful at this gateway.
• Have your fingerprints taken if an offer of employment is made.
• Undertake mandatory drug testing for illicit drugs. This sample could include; urine, saliva or hair.
• Satisfactorily undertake a security clearance to the level specified for the position.

Recruitment Process

Applicants who have demonstrated their suitability for employment through their resume and application, may be asked to complete additional assessments or activities to determine suitability for the role. This may also include a formal interview. Using the relevant AFP work level standards as a guide, you may be asked a range of questions to demonstrate your skills and abilities. These could include behavioural based scenario questions. Read our guides for applicants to find out how to prepare for your interview.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

At the AFP we value the different perspectives, approaches and lived experiences of our people, and recognise that our collective intelligence and diversity is what makes us stronger. As such, we encourage applications from people from all walks of life, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nations people, women, the LGBTQIA+ community and people with disability.

Contacts and Closing Information

Contact Officer: Chantel Jones,

Contact Officer Phone: (0)2 5126 5810, ​

Contact Officer Email: chantel.jones@afp.gov.au

Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEST) 22/09/2025

To view our other employment opportunities, please visit our career site.

www.afp.gov.au