Senior Researcher Policy & Practice

• Be a part of ground-breaking work supporting the journey towards Treaty
• Integral role in the Research and Evaluation team
• Collaborative team environment at our modern Collingwood offices

Term: Full time Ongoing

Remuneration: Remuneration starts from $136K per annum plus superannuation depending on experience

Location: Collingwood

Open to: This position is open to everyone; however the nature of the Treaty Authoritys work means we strongly encourage First Peoples to apply.

What are we looking for

TheSenior Researcher: Policy and Practicewill have a primary focus onsocialscience-relatedresearch. TheTreaty Authorityis responsible forresearchto supporttreaty-negotiation processes and foradministeringthe Treaty Negotiation Framework. The Treaty Authority must also uphold and respect Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Indigenous Data Governance (IDS/IDG)taking into accountapplicable Commonwealth and Victorian legislation.

The Senior Researcherwillsupport the developmentand implementationof the Authoritys researchand evaluationagenda and priorities grounded in methodologies underpinned by First Peoples paradigms. A primary focus of this position will be toundertake and oversee researchin support ofTreatynegotiations includingmonitoring evaluationresearchand Researcher/Evaluator willberesponsible forimplementing the organisations MERL Framework and supporting Teams to develop and deliver program evaluation processes and protocols ensuringcontinuous quality improvement.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in advancing Indigenous-led research and data governance within the Treaty process.

What you need to succeed:

The Treaty Authority is seeking a Senior Researcher to support its research strategy and uphold Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance (IDSov/IDGov). Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing & leading the implementation of theorganisationsMERL Frameworkproviding technical support to internal and external stakeholders.
• Supporting teams to develop and implement their programs monitoring and evaluation processes and protocols to ensure continuous quality improvement.
• Supporting thedesign and implementation ofthe Treaty Authoritys researchagenda andmonitoring and evaluationpriorities.
• Undertaking original research using Indigenous methodologies.
• Preparing briefs and advice on researchand other relatedproposals.
• Working with other teams to develop culturally strong andevidence-based approaches to Statewide and Traditional Owner treaty-making.
• Overseeing external research projects related to the Treaty Authoritys priorities in collaboration with the Research Manager.
• Developing a deep knowledge ofand apply the Treaty Authoritys framework policies and practices that uphold and respect Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Data Governanceprinciples.
• Project coordination and administrative support for aspects of research evaluation andIDSovandIDGov.
• Coordinating reporting requirements as required by internal stakeholders external stakeholdersand regulatory bodies.

This role offers an opportunity to lead impactful research while ensuring the integration of Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles.

About the Treaty Authority

The Treaty Authority is an independent entity with a mandate to facilitate the formation of treaties between the State of Victoria and First Peoples in Victoria.

The Treaty Authoritys work is grounded in Aboriginal culture lore and law and led collectively by a panel of five Members committed to Aboriginal self-determination and empowerment. It engages with a broad cross-section of stakeholders including the State of Victoria the First Peoples Assembly and Traditional Owners in Victoria.

The objects of the Treaty Authoritys work are to:

• Facilitate the journey towards reconciliation mutual respect and tolerance between First Peoples and other people of the State and to
• Maintain promote and advance the self-determination and empowerment culture and human rights of First Peoples.

What youll bring:

We are seeking a highly skilled individual with:

• Lived experienceknowledgeand understanding of Victorian Aboriginal communities.
• Experience undertakingorganisation-wideand/or program evaluations usinga variety of evaluation frameworksapproachesand methodologies especially with First Peoples.
• Proven ability to engage and communicate sensitively and effectively with First Peoples including the requirement for proper negotiation and consultation relevant to the development and implementation of research services.
• Relevant tertiary degree/s. Preference will be given to applicants with qualifications that include research and evaluationpractical experience/coursework
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding ofFirst Peoplessocieties and extensive experience working withFirst Peoplescultures and communities.
• Knowledge of conducting research within First Peoples research paradigms.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build andmaintainrelationships.
• Ability to work independently beproactiveand collaborate.

If you are passionate about making a positive impact and being a part of ground-breaking change for First Peoples in Victoria apply now by submitting your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience via the job platform. Applications should be submitted as one document in PDF format via the job site.

This advertisement provides a brief outline of this position. For a detailed position description please email the People & Culture team at

This advertisement and the roles position description include reference to a demonstration of lived experience and a commitment to anti-racism.

Applications close Friday 5 June 2026. Applications may be actioned as they are received.

The Treaty Authority acknowledges Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we operate. We commit to working respectfully to honour their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to this country. Diversity and inclusivity are important to the Treaty Authority and we are committed to ensuring our workplace and activities reflect this. Everyone is welcome at the Treaty Authority regardless of age ethnicity cultural background gender sexual orientation religious affiliation and physical ability.

General EOI: If you are interested in working with the Treaty Authority in any capacity please send us an expression of interest with a copy of your resume to

This position is open to everyone however the nature of the Treaty Authoritys work means we strongly encourage First Peoples to apply.