Indigenous Evaluation Officer

NAAFLS is seeking an experienced and dedicated Indigenous Evaluation Officer to lead and support the organisation’s evaluation activities. The successful candidate will possess strong experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community engagement and a deep understanding of conducting culturally safe and sensitive evaluations that are reflective of Aboriginal ways of being, knowing and doing. Reporting to the Data and Evaluation Manager, the Indigenous Evaluation Officer will be responsible for planning and implementing various program evaluations and monitoring and evaluation activities, ensuring that these processes respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and perspectives in a strength-based approach that adheres to self-determination principles. The Indigenous Evaluation Officer will play a crucial role in translating evaluation findings into meaningful reports that highlight NAAFLS’ strengths and successes and contribute to NAAFLS’ vision of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities being free from domestic, family and sexual violence.

DUTIES

1. Develop and implement a culturally safe Evaluation Strategy and Framework for NAAFLS, aligning with best practice in Indigenous evaluation.
2. Establish and manage the NAAFLS Lived Experience Advisory Group to inform the development of the Evaluation Strategy, Framework and associated tools.
3. Plan and conduct culturally safe evaluations of NAAFLS programs and services, ensuring that evaluation design, data collection, analysis, and reporting methods are respectful of cultural values, protocols, and knowledges.
4. Engage and build strong, respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to ensure their active participation in all stages of the evaluation process, from design to dissemination of findings.
5. Work collaboratively with program managers and staff to integrate evaluation findings into program planning and delivery, contributing to continuous quality improvement.
6. Develop and adapt evaluation tools and methodologies that are appropriate for diverse cultural contexts and literacy levels within the communities NAAFLS serves.
7. Analyse qualitative and quantitative data using culturally appropriate methods, ensuring that the interpretation of findings accurately reflects the voices and perspectives of First Nations communities.
8. Prepare culturally sensitive and accessible evaluation reports and summaries for a range of audiences, including community members, NAAFLS Board, funders, and other stakeholders.
9. Contribute to building evaluation capacity within NAAFLS staff and community partners through mentoring, training, and knowledge sharing.
10. Adhere to NAAFLS policies and procedures.
11. Build a positive culture within the service aligned with NAAFLS’ values and Strategic Plan.
12. Participate in all staff and team meetings as required.
13. Participate in professional development, including self-directed learning and required training in consultation with the Executive Policy Officer.
14. Undertake other reasonable duties as required.

SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential

1. Identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
2. Demonstrated experience engaging effectively and respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across diverse cultural contexts, upholding the principles of self-determination.
3. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop clear, concise, and culturally appropriate reports and presentations for diverse audiences.
4. Understanding of and commitment to representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and perspectives in a respectful and strength-based approach.
5. Experience in program or project coordination, diary and calendar management, logistics, and stakeholder engagement.
6. Highly organised and thorough, with strong attention to detail.
7. Ability to manage diverse tasks, adapt to shifting priorities, and respond quickly to change.
8. Strong organisational, time management, and planning skills, with the ability to work autonomously, within a team, and as directed.
9. Willingness and ability to travel to remote communities when required.
10. Must obtain a Working with Children Clearance and a satisfactory Criminal History Check.

Desirable

1. Experience in developing and/or implementing evaluation plans, methodologies, and tools appropriate for Indigenous contexts.
2. Strong understanding of the principles and practices of culturally safe evaluation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander settings.
3. Experience working in the non-profit sector, particularly in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation or domestic and family violence service provider.

While NAAFLS is an equal opportunity employer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply.
Indigenous Evaluation Officer – PD Updated August 2025