Offer summary

Qualifications:

Must be a Reef Traditional Owner to apply., Experience in leadership roles, particularly in community engagement or environmental initiatives., Strong understanding of Indigenous cultural practices and rights., Ability to communicate effectively and promote initiatives in culturally appropriate ways..

Key responsabilities:

Attend and participate in monthly Taskforce meetings and quarterly strategic planning workshops.

Provide strategic direction and oversight of the Taskforce’s activities and operational functions.

Oversee the establishment of a youth sub-committee and contribute to its mentoring program.

Foster relationships with Indigenous-led organizations and represent ReefTO at strategic meetings.

Job description

Help lead a Traditional Owner-led initiative driving systems change towards an empowered future for Healthy Reef and Healthy People!

Identified positions for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates (must be a Reef Traditional Owner to apply).

Flexible Location – preference for Queensland within the Reef catchment.

Fixed-term appointment until 30/06/2026 + possible extension

About ReefTO

The Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owner Taskforce (ReefTO) is a Traditional Owner-led, grassroots initiative that honours the decades of work by Elders to assert their cultural authority and rights to sea country and to drive genuine partnerships across the Reef. In doing so, ReefTO aims to achieve Traditional Owners’ aspirations for the health, management and protection of the Reef and interconnecting Country.

Establishment of the ReefTO Taskforce is a key recommendation in the Traditional Owner Implementation Plan (TO Implementation Plan). Operational since July 2024, the ReefTO Taskforce is responsible for overseeing delivery of the TO Implementation Plan. ReefTO has three key priorities over the next few years, which it is resourced to deliver:

Engaging with Traditional Owners on options for a Sea Country Alliance (Reef-wide and regionally) and implementing the preferred option
Overseeing the delivery of strategic policy and capacity building actions listed in the TO Implementation Plan while a Sea Country Alliance is being established
Monitoring and reporting on the delivery of Traditional Owner actions in the TO Implementation Plan, including actions delivered by ReefTO and by other agencies and organisations

About the Roles
We have an exciting opportunity for two (2) Taskforce Members to join ReefTO in this early phase to help us lead transformational systems change for Reef Traditional Owners.

As a member of the Taskforce, you will provide effective leadership and oversight of the Taskforce’s activities in line with its three priority functions (see above). Operational functions are implemented by the Coordination Unit.

Key Duties

Attend and actively participate in monthly Taskforce meetings (online) and quarterly strategic planning workshops (in-person), which may include pre-reading materials and other preparatory tasks. There are also optional weekly drop-in sessions with the General Manager to ask questions or receive less formal updates.
Provide strategic direction and guidance on actions to deliver the Taskforce’s three priority functions.
Provide strategic guidance and oversight of ReefTO’s operational activities (through the General Manager) and oversee performance reporting across its functions.
Oversee the establishment of a youth sub-committee and contribute to the development and implementation of a youth sub-committee mentoring program.
Communicate and promote the Taskforce’s role in line with ReefTO’s approved communications plan, including adherence to culturally appropriate forms of communication.
Positively represent ReefTO and the work of the Taskforce at strategic meetings, workshops and forums.
In line with Taskforce decisions, play an active role in the engagement of Reef Traditional Owners in the preparation and lead up to the planned Sea Country Summit in 2026, including through the invitation and registration process.
Oversee the development of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) protocols and ensure the Taskforce adheres to the protocols, including in relation to the appropriate storage and protection of Indigenous data, and respecting free, prior and informed consent procedures.
Foster positive and collaborative working relationships with the General Manager, Pollination Foundation (as the Host Organisation of the ReefTO Taskforce) and fellow Taskforce Members and Co-Chairs.
Contribute to fostering strategic relationships with Indigenous-led, government and non- government organisations, including with ReefTO’s key partners.