Project Manager - Indigenous Engagement & Health Research

Position Details

Fixed Term – 2 Year Contract Full-Time (Part-Time negotiable)

Higher Education Officer Level 7 $100,233 - $110,954 p.a

Higher Education Officer Level 8 $113,677 - $125,848 p.a.

Location: Alice Springs - Arrernte (preferred). Darwin - Larrakia or other NT locations considered

HEO7 Position Description

HEO8 Position Description

The successful candidate will be appointed to either the Level 7 or Level 8 position. Please indicate on your application which position(s) you would like to be considered for.

Flinders Rural and Remote Health NT

At Flinders Rural and Remote Health NT, our aim is to be a hub for innovative health research, education, and workforce development across the Northern Territory. We have a community driven research program led by researchers committed to improving health outcomes. We work alongside Poche SA+NT focussing on Indigenous leadership capacity development and developing the Indigenous health workforce. All activities are driven by our values which focus on the long-term and short-term needs of the NT community.

HEO7 Position

About the Role

Working under broad direction, the Project Officer – Indigenous Engagement & Health Research plays a vital role in supporting a dynamic research program aimed at generating evidence to help Australia rapidly and permanently end tobacco use. This includes contributing to major NHMRC-funded initiatives such as From ‘Dirty Ashtray’ to Tobacco Control Innovator—a co-designed project with remote First Nations communities in the Northern Territory—and the Interdisciplinary Tobacco Endgame Research Network (INTER-Net).

The Project Officer will work closely with the Supervisor, Investigator team, and research partners to coordinate and manage key aspects of this collaborative research. Responsibilities include supporting governance processes, stakeholder engagement, partner liaison, project team coordination (including HR, finance, travel, and reporting), data collection during study visits, and managing both internal and external communications.

This position is ideally based in Alice Springs, though Darwin may be considered for the right candidate. The role requires frequent travel to remote Central Australian communities, often alongside other team members, to support community engagement and data collection activities.

About You

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

Progress towards postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field (e.g., public health, allied health, community development) combined with extensive experience in research project management, or an equivalent mix of education, training, and experience.

Proven ability to work respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including in community settings and when representing research initiatives.

Skills in managing project operations, including human resources, budgeting, finance, travel logistics, and reporting within health or health research environments.

Willingness and ability to travel regularly, including by 4WD or light aircraft, often for up to a week at a time.

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

HE08 Position

About the Role

The Project Manager – Indigenous Engagement & Health Research plays a central role in coordinating research aimed at ending tobacco use in Australia, with a focus on NHMRC-funded projects working in partnership with remote community-controlled stores, other organisations and community members to reduce the retail availability of tobacco products.

Working under broad direction, the Project Manager will oversee project operations, support governance and stakeholder engagement, coordinate research activities, manage budgets and logistics, and contribute to data collection and communications.

The role is preferably based in Alice Springs, though Darwin may be considered for the right candidate. Frequent travel to remote Central Australian communities is required to support community engagement and on-site research.

About You

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

Progress towards postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field (e.g., public health, allied health, community development) combined with extensive experience in research project management, or an equivalent mix of education, training, and experience.

Strong project planning and management skills, including human resource management within health or health research sectors.

High-level negotiation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain collaborative partnerships across diverse stakeholders and cultural backgrounds.

Willingness and ability to travel regularly, including by 4WD or light aircraft, often for up to a week at a time.

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

Life at Flinders

We're transforming and investing in people and facilities to create contemporary, stimulating, and satisfying learning and work environments that reflect our core values of excellence, innovation, courage, and integrity. Flinders is refocusing its strategic priorities with the aim of elevating its performance to be a top ten Australian university, and amongst the top 1% in the world.

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them. So, why work at Flinders?

17% Superannuation + salary packaging options

Flexible working arrangements

Wide range of professional development activities and services

We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff

6 weeks annual leave per year

Our Commitment to Reconciliation and Indigenous Employment

Flinders University is proud to be an organisation that is committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan and Indigenous Workforce Strategy. Our vision is to be a preferred employer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are committed to progressing Indigenous advancement in education, research, employment, and wellbeing, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all Flinders vacancies.

Prescribed Conditions for Employment

A current Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check which is satisfactory to the University will be required by Flinders University before the successful applicant can commence in this position. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. Each case will be assessed on its individual merits and relevance to the inherent requirements of the role.

Please note that you may be required to provide evidence that you are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, in line with the Flinders University COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

Northern Territory Government legislation (the Care and Protection of Children Act 2007) now requires all individuals in child related employment or whose duties involve, or are likely to involve, contact with a child, to hold a valid 'Working with Children Clearance' (Ochre Card). This position involves child related work and is assessed as requiring a Working with Children Clearance/Ochre Card.

A current driver license is essential for this role rue to the requirement for travel across multiple locations

How to Apply and Information

You are required to submit your CV and a Cover Letter of no more than 3 pages.

For more information regarding this position, please contact Marita Hefler

Please see here for our Reconciliation Action Plan

Please see here for our Indigenous Workforce Strategy

Applicants with demonstrated skills and ability to engage and build trust with male community members are encouraged to apply.

Certification

Applications to be submitted before 10.00pm:

09 Nov 2025

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Flinders. Fearless.

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