Torres Strait Liaison Officer – Remote

Part-time, 0.4 FTE | 12-month fixed-term contract Based in the Torres Strait Islands $75,000 FTE plus superannuation, pro-rata

The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation is looking for a trusted, community-minded person to join our team as our Torres Strait Liaison Officer.

This role will be an important local connection between ARLF, Torres Strait communities, program participants and alumni. You will help identify and support local people to take part in leadership programs, keep alumni connected, provide local cultural guidance to our team, and support practical program delivery across the region.

This is a part-time, 0.4 FTE, 12-month fixed-term role, based in the Torres Strait Islands. Travel within the Torres Strait and occasionally to mainland Australia will be required.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with people, communities and stakeholders across the Torres Strait.
• Promote ARLF leadership program opportunities across the region, including outer island communities.
• Support prospective participants to understand and complete the application process.
• Assist with applicant pre-screening and provide local insight where appropriate.
• Support participants before, during and after leadership programs.
• Keep Torres Strait alumni connected through online and face-to-face engagement.
• Help share stories about alumni, leadership and community impact.
• Act as ARLF’s key local contact across the Torres Strait.
• Provide cultural guidance and local advice to ARLF staff, including advice on local protocols, community considerations and ways of working.
• Work with Traditional Owner groups and relevant stakeholders to support appropriate cultural protocols, including Welcome to Country arrangements.
• Assist with local logistics, including participant travel, flights, accommodation, event timing and regional movements.
• Advise the ARLF team about major cultural, sporting and community events that may affect program participation or engagement.
• Support delivery of the Torres Strait Women’s Leadership Program and Torres Strait Youth Leadership Program.
• Be available to support participants while programs are running, which may occasionally involve contact outside normal working hours.

Requirements

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Strong local knowledge of Torres Strait communities, cultures and protocols.
• Strong community connections and the ability to build trust with a wide range of people.
• Respectful and clear communication skills.
• Confidence engaging with community members, local organisations, alumni, participants and ARLF staff.
• Good practical judgement and the ability to provide honest local and cultural advice.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to keep accurate records and follow up actions.
• A proactive, flexible and collaborative approach.
• Willingness and ability to travel within the Torres Strait and occasionally to mainland Australia.
• A genuine commitment to leadership, community development and positive social impact.

A relevant certificate or qualification in areas such as business, community services, communications or a related field would be welcomed, but equivalent practical and community experience will also be valued.

The successful applicant must have the appropriate right to work in Australia.

The role may also require a Working with Vulnerable People check, National Criminal History Check, First Aid certification and Mental Health First Aid certification. Where required, these will be sponsored by ARLF. A current C-class driver’s licence is desirable.

Benefits

At ARLF, you will be part of a purpose-driven organisation that works with communities across Australia to strengthen leadership and create positive impact.

Benefits include:

• A meaningful role supporting leadership development across the Torres Strait.
• Flexible part-time work at 0.4 FTE.
• The opportunity to work closely with local communities, participants and alumni.
• A supportive and values-led team environment.
• Travel opportunities within the Torres Strait and, where required, to mainland Australia.
• Employer-sponsored checks and certifications where required for the role.
• Superannuation in addition to salary.
• The opportunity to contribute to programs that support community-led change.

Equal opportunity and affirmative measure

Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Part or all of the duties of this role involve working with, and having an impact on, Torres Strait Islander people and their communities. The filling of this position is intended to constitute an affirmative equal opportunity measure under section 8 of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 to address the under-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in employment.