Position Vacant - Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer - Aarnja
Shine People Solutions is an Aboriginal owned recruitment agency, and we assist organisations with recruitment of Indigenous executives and professionals. We are working with Aarnja to find their Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This leadership opportunity is based in Broome (the Kimberley Region of WA) and Aarnja are seeking candidates who are currently located in the Kimberley or have strong ties to the region.

About Aarnja
Aarnja is the regional body for Kimberley Aboriginal people. Their vision is to empower Kimberley Aboriginal people, communities and organisations to have a strong Aboriginal identity and share in all of the social and economic opportunities of modern society. Their mission is to work with all parties to create innovative and sustainable opportunities that empower Kimberley Aboriginal people. Aarnja is leading the change from passive welfare to Aboriginal empowerment by ensuring a positive and strong Kimberley Aboriginal identity is fostered and sustained for individuals, families and communities. One of the ways we do this, is by collaborating with governments, NGOs and Aboriginal organisations to expand policies and programs that really work for Aboriginal people.

About The CEO Role
The CEO at Aarnja plays a critical role in shaping the organisation's future, managing its operations effectively, and ensuring compliance with legal and financial obligations. The CEO is instrumental in developing corporate strategies and administrative policies, ensuring Aarnja's ongoing sustainability and positive impact on the Kimberley Region.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Formulate strategy, policy, and procedures in line with Aarnja's constitution and policies.

  • Develop and maintain relationships with funders, partners, and service providers.

  • Ensure compliance with legal, financial, and management obligations.

  • Prepare and manage budgets with board approval.

  • Oversee operational structures, policies, and systems.

  • Represent Aarnja in various forums and maintain its charity status.

  • Lead strategic planning and innovation initiatives.

  • Foster relationships with key stakeholders, including WA State and Commonwealth Governments, Kimberley Aboriginal communities, and industry organisations.


About You
To be successful in this role, you need to be a professional and innovative leader with a strong commitment to the people of the Kimberley region. Candidates relocating to take up this opportunity will need to demonstrate their desire and commitment to staying for the medium to long term.

To be considered for this role, you must possess the following skills and experience:

  • Proven experience in a similar CEO or General Manager role.

  • Demonstrated leadership experience in Indigenous Affairs.

  • Proficient in strategic planning, policy development, and decision-making, along with strong communication and change management skills.

  • A high degree of commercial and financial acumen, and advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite and Xero.

  • Knowledge of Kimberley Aboriginal cultures and protocols is highly regarded.

  • Tertiary qualifications in Business Management or similar is desirable.

  • Current (or the ability to obtain) Working with Children’s Check and Australian Federal Police clearance is essential.


We are currently seeking interest from candidates who identify as Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander as well as non-Indigenous candidates.

Salary Package 
The package on offer includes: a competitive base salary, superannuation, district allowance, rental and air-conditioning subsidies and an annual leave airfare.

To Apply
Please submit your resume along with a 1-page cover letter outlining the skills and experience you will bring to this role.

Interested candidates are invited to contact Broni Crear at Shine People Solutions to gain further information and a position description. Broni can be contacted on 0426 539 217 or broni@shinepeoplesolutions.com.au

Applications close on 9 February 2024.

Position Vacant

Kimberley Cultural Placement Advisor - ARO

Aarnja Ltd

  • Broome, Broome & Kimberley WA

  • Indigenous & Multicultural Services (Community Services & Development)

  • Full time

  • $90,000 – $109,999 per year

Who are we

Aarnja is a regional organisation for Kimberley Aboriginal people. Our vision is to empower Kimberley Aboriginal people, communities and organisations to have a strong Aboriginal identity and share in all of the social and economic opportunities of modern society. 

We're leading the change from passive welfare to Aboriginal empowerment by ensuring a positive and strong Kimberley Aboriginal identity is fostered and sustained for individuals, families and communities. 

Our Mission

Our mission is to work with all parties to create innovative and sustainable opportunities that empower Kimberley Aboriginal people.

The Aboriginal Representative Organisation (“ARO”) Pilot

In October 2021 the Western Australian Parliament passed amendments to the Children and Community Services Act 2004 in 2021; to increase the involvement of Aboriginal people in decision-making processes concerning Aboriginal Children in Care. 

Amendments to the Act included provisions for an Aboriginal Representative Organisation (“ARO”) to be consulted before placement arrangement is made for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children in care, and given the opportunity to take part in the preparation and review of Cultural Support Plans for Aboriginal Children in Care.

Aarnja was awarded a two year grant to test the proposed amendments. The pilot will test service delivery and operational readiness of the draft service delivery model which will inform the state wide rollout of ARO services in future years. 

About the Role

The Kimberley Cultural Placement Advisor is required to provide specialist advice and cultural knowledge to the Department, which will enable a broader and more comprehensive scoping of family to identify culturally connected placements and enhance cultural support planning. In doing so, this position is to develop a sound understanding of child protection processes and a strong working relationship with the Department that is built on trust and respect.

The position will also be responsible for managing intake of consultation requests from the Department. 

In this role you will:

  • Manage and record intake of consultation requests from the Department.

  • Develop a positive and cooperative relationship with Department staff in the local area to ensure placement decisions and cultural support planning for Aboriginal children in care is informed by robust cultural consultation.

  • Participate in collaborative meetings with the Department to identify and locate Aboriginal family members who can provide support and care to the child.

  • Explore with families (when consent is given) their wishes and ideas for alternate care in a collaborative discussion with or without the Department.

  • Provide formal and documented advice, which includes the importance of strong connection to Aboriginal culture, community and family when making decisions in the best interest of the child. 

  • Develop and maintain external relationships with other local Aboriginal agencies and businesses in the interests of the child.

  • In instances where the ARO does not hold the relevant cultural knowledge of the child, identify and consult with local Aboriginal organisations or Elders with cultural authority.

  • Undertake all the reporting requirements.

  • Maintains clear, concise and accurate records of statistics, meetings and case notes. 

  • Ensures compliance with the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle.

  • Undertakes case contact notes and to complete appropriate documentation and other necessary administrative procedures.

  • Is aware of and familiar with current policies, legislation, programs and practices in relation to child welfare.

  • Participates in training sessions, team meetings and staff meetings.

  • Participate in ongoing Local Operational Working Group meetings with local child protection staff to address issues as they arise and inform pilot evaluation.

  • Contributes positively and proactively to team and organisation wide OH&S activities. 

  • Ensures compliance with legislation, contract and policy requirements in your day-to-day work in order to meet the organisation’s audit, contract and registration obligations. 

  • Proactively apply your specialist knowledge in the review and maintenance of policies, systems and processes. 

  • Continue the development of a culturally strong and positive working environment using a continuous improvement approach. 

  • Participates proactively in team project initiatives.

  • Supports other team members in periods of high demand and during periods of absence. 

  • Participates in project groups and attend events.

  • Undertakes other duties as directed.

To be successful in this role it is essential you demonstrate the following.

  • Demonstrated awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal societies and cultures, and commitment to continually build knowledge of such, along with a high level of awareness of the key issues which impact upon Aboriginal communities.

  • Demonstrated understanding of the issues impacting on Aboriginal families that lead to child protection involvement.

  • Demonstrated ability and experience working independently and within a small team. 

  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships to navigate conversations with families.

  • Demonstrated sound administrative skills, including computer skills, record keeping including maintaining case notes, file maintenance and data recording.

  • Ability to work in a pressured environment and prioritising work and meeting deadlines.

  • Possession of a current Western Australian 'C' Class Driver’s License or equivalent, and the ability to travel in response to organisational needs. This requirement continues for the duration of employment in this position and from time-to-time production of the license may be required upon request by the organisation.

  • Meeting a satisfactory Working with Children (WWC) check upon appointment.

Location:

Based in Broome WA however, travel is required throughout the Kimberley region.

Desirable

  • A relevant qualification in child protection, youth services and/or experience working in the sector

  • Experience working in the ACCO sector with Kimberley experience highly favoured

Salary and allowances

If successful, you will receive a generous salary package including;

  • Competitive base salary;

  • District allowance;

  • Rental or mortgage allowance;

  • Salary sacrificing;

  • Airconditioning subsidy;

  • Airfare allowance after 12 months service;

  • Training and development opportunities;

 

To apply, please head to: https://www.seek.com.au/job/72288377 before 5:00pm AWST Friday 19th January 2024. 

Don't Rob Cars - Fix Cars!

Aarnja was pleased to support the fantastic Wyndham-based initiative ‘Don’t Rob Cars - Fix Cars’ through our sponsorship program. Wyndham Youth Aboriginal Corporation applied for funds to kickstart a mechanic shop, where local young people could learn how to fix cars and engines. WYAC has created a culturally safe space for growth that encourages positive contributions to society. Please click here or the image below to access the full story from WYAC.