Project Officer - Priority Programs

Who are we?

The Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia Limited (AHCSA) is the peak body representing Aboriginal community-controlled health in South Australia at state and national levels.

Our primary role is to be the ‘health voice’ for all Aboriginal people in South Australia. We achieve this by advocating for the community and supporting workers through our Member Services with appropriate Aboriginal health programs based on a holistic perspective of health.

AHCSA strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are committed to creating a culturally safe and inclusive workplace that values lived experience, community connection, and diverse perspectives.

About the role

18 months fixed term contract (with possible extension) | 1.0 FTE

The Project Officer, Priority Programs (Project Officer) is responsible for supporting and the development of Cancer policy and programs specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This support will also ensure any policy or program development reflect the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The position assists in identifying and advocating for cancer issues through the state or territory networks to improve screening participation and cancer experiences contributing towards improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

The Project Officer will work closely with National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), Member services, state and national government and stakeholders to coordinate, develop and implement a state-wide cancer plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

The Project Officer may also be required to contribute to other projects and programs within the Priority Programs portfolio, consistent with the classification of the position.

Key Responsibilities

• Working with NACCHO and member services to improve the delivery and accessibility of mainstream cancer services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

• Building partnerships with governments and relevant networks to support culturally appropriate cancer policy and programs. 

• Advocating for cancer-related issues through state or territory networks to improve screening participation and cancer outcomes. 

• Undertaking service and funding mapping for South Australia, including identification of relevant legislation, policies, programs, and funding opportunities at a jurisdictional level. 

• Identifying funding opportunities to deliver optimal outcomes in relation to cancer policy and programs. 

• When delegated representing ACCH sector perspectives in relevant forums related to primary health priorities and programs. 

• Building partnership with, and advocate to, governments and appropriate networks within ACHSA Jurisdiction to support the development of relevant and culturally appropriate cancer policy and programs that reflect the National Agreement on Closing the Gap 

• Participating in the NACCHO-led Community of Practice and evaluation activities to improve cancer experiences and outcomes. 

• Collaborating and engaging with Member Services, NACCHO and stakeholders to identify cancer trends and issues relevant to communities and the ACCH sector more broadly. 

• Reviewing existing guidelines for the identification, management and referral for Aboriginal people at risk, seeking treatment of or recovering from cancer, as well as their families and communities. 

• Working with ACCHSs to ensure clear referral pathways are in place for individuals requiring follow-up or referral to specialist services. 

Essential Experience

• Experience in liaising with and engaging stakeholders in the Aboriginal community-controlled health sector to identify health needs and develop responses through co-designing new projects and initiatives. 

• Experience in developing and co-designing policies, plans and position statements and advocating 

• Experience working in Aboriginal health and analysing Aboriginal health needs and trends, drawing upon a sound knowledge of the complexities and multi-faceted nature of Aboriginal health and wellbeing, and the transgenerational effects of colonisation. 

• Experience liaising with key stakeholders across non-government and government organisations. 

Desirable Experience

• Experience in community consultation, community development and coordinating and facilitating the establishment of networks. 

• Experience in cancer prevention, treatment and after care strategies, drawing upon knowledge of legislation, policies and strategies, including prevention, culturally appropriate treatment and recovery services. 

• Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care

• Degree or Diploma in Public health, Primary, Aboriginal Health, or related field 

Special Conditions

• National Police Certificate required. 

• Requires the ability to travel intra-state and interstate, including overnight absences. 

• Out-of-hours work may be required. 

• Working With Children Screening required. 

• Possession of a current driver’s license is essential. 

Benefits of working at AHCSA

AHCSA provides a number of benefits to support its staff such as:

• The opportunity to contribute to Aboriginal health services across South Australia

• Access to generous not-for-profit salary packaging benefits through Maxxia

• Generous leave provisions with extra paid leave over the Christmas break

• Employee Assistance Program through ACCESS

• Work-life balance and professional development support

• 17.5% Leave Loading

How to apply

Apply via SEEK with:

• A current resume

• A cover letter addressing the Statement of Key Responsibilities and Person Specification

The Job and Person Specification is available under Work with us:
https://ahcsa.org.au/careers/

Closing date: 5 PM, Monday 5th October 2026.

Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. The position may be filled prior to the closing date, so we encourage early applications.