Location: Darwin, Katherine, Borroloola or NgukurrStatus: Full-time, OngoingHelp Aboriginal communities turn their aspirations into practical outcomes.Join the Northern Land Council and work alongside Traditional Owners to support community-led planning, governance and economic development across Southeast Arnhem. If you're passionate about empowering communities, managing meaningful projects and creating lasting social impact, we'd love to hear from you.About the RoleThe Community Planning & Development (CP&D) Project Officer plays a vital role in supporting Aboriginal groups to identify their priorities, strengthen governance, and deliver projects that create long-term benefits for their communities.Working within the CP&D team, you'll facilitate strategic planning, project development, financial governance, advocacy and partnerships that help communities achieve their own development goals. Every project is community-led and grounded in a strengths-based approach that respects local decision-making and cultural authority. This diverse role will see you working across remote communities, building trusted relationships with Traditional Owners, government agencies and partner organisations while managing projects from concept through to successful delivery.What You Will BringYou're an experienced project or community development professional who enjoys working collaboratively and building strong relationships across diverse communities. You understand that successful outcomes come from listening first, empowering local decision-making and supporting Aboriginal people to achieve their own aspirations.In addition, you will have:A tertiary qualification in Community Development, Project Management or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).Demonstrated experience in project and contract management, including budgeting and financial management.Experience working with Aboriginal communities or within community-based governance and decision-making environments.Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and relationship-building skills across culturally diverse environments.A current C Class Driver Licence and willingness to travel regularly to remote communities, including by manual 4WD and light aircraft.For a full copy of the Position Description refer to the link provided below.What's in it for you?You'll work alongside passionate professionals and Traditional Owners on projects that deliver lasting community outcomes while developing your own professional skills in a supportive and collaborative environment.We offer: A base salary of $106,570 per annum plus 15% superannuation paid on Base and District AllowanceSalary sacrificing up to $15,900 + Meal Entertainment and Holiday Accommodation benefit up to $2,650 per year. Other benefits under our Enterprise Agreement include:District allowance of up to $4,884 (DA2) per annum for individuals with dependents and $2,678 (DA1) without dependents.Generous leave provisions 5 weeks annual leave, 18 days personal leave;Paid Christmas close down;Upon completion of 12 months of service an Annual airfare with a net (in hand) value of $3,177Interested applicants should send a copy of their CV along with a cover letter outlining why you are interested in this position and what relevant skills and expertise you will bring to this role?NLC reserves the right to interview suitable candidates before the closing date.This position is designated under Special Measures provisions as prioritised and Suitably Qualified Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be given priority consideration.If you have any further queries, please contact: Michelle Dunscombe on 0436 110 074Applications Close: Thursday 6 August 2026About the NLCThe Northern Land Council (NLC) is an independent statutory authority of the Commonwealth. The NLC is established under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT) 1976 and its purpose is to serve its constituents who are Traditional Owners (TOs) and other Aboriginal people living in their region.  Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to the work that we do here at NLC.  We are committed to enhancing Aboriginal peoples social, political and economic participation by supporting their aspirations and amplifying their voices on a range of issues impacting on their lands, seas, culture and communities.CD18 Project Officer PD AUD Darwin 0800

Community Planning & Development Project Officer – Southeast Arnhem

Location: Darwin, Katherine, Borroloola or Ngukurr

Status: Full-time, Ongoing

Help Aboriginal communities turn their aspirations into practical outcomes.

Join the Northern Land Council and work alongside Traditional Owners to support community-led planning, governance and economic development across Southeast Arnhem. If you're passionate about empowering communities, managing meaningful projects and creating lasting social impact, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

The Community Planning & Development (CP&D) Project Officer plays a vital role in supporting Aboriginal groups to identify their priorities, strengthen governance, and deliver projects that create long-term benefits for their communities.

Working within the CP&D team, you'll facilitate strategic planning, project development, financial governance, advocacy and partnerships that help communities achieve their own development goals. Every project is community-led and grounded in a strengths-based approach that respects local decision-making and cultural authority. This diverse role will see you working across remote communities, building trusted relationships with Traditional Owners, government agencies and partner organisations while managing projects from concept through to successful delivery.

What You Will Bring

You're an experienced project or community development professional who enjoys working collaboratively and building strong relationships across diverse communities. You understand that successful outcomes come from listening first, empowering local decision-making and supporting Aboriginal people to achieve their own aspirations.

In addition, you will have:

  • A tertiary qualification in Community Development, Project Management or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
  • Demonstrated experience in project and contract management, including budgeting and financial management.
  • Experience working with Aboriginal communities or within community-based governance and decision-making environments.
  • Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and relationship-building skills across culturally diverse environments.
  • A current C Class Driver Licence and willingness to travel regularly to remote communities, including by manual 4WD and light aircraft.

For a full copy of the Position Description refer to the link provided below.

What's in it for you?

You'll work alongside passionate professionals and Traditional Owners on projects that deliver lasting community outcomes while developing your own professional skills in a supportive and collaborative environment.

We offer:

  • A base salary of $106,570 per annum plus 15% superannuation paid on Base and District Allowance
  • Salary sacrificing up to $15,900 + Meal Entertainment and Holiday Accommodation benefit up to $2,650 per year. 
  • Other benefits under our Enterprise Agreement include:
    • District allowance of up to $4,884 (DA2) per annum for individuals with dependents and $2,678 (DA1) without dependents.
    • Generous leave provisions 5 weeks annual leave, 18 days personal leave;
    • Paid Christmas close down;
    • Upon completion of 12 months of service an Annual airfare with a net (in hand) value of $3,177

Interested applicants should send a copy of their CV along with a cover letter outlining why you are interested in this position and what relevant skills and expertise you will bring to this role?

NLC reserves the right to interview suitable candidates before the closing date.

This position is designated under Special Measures provisions as prioritised and Suitably Qualified Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be given priority consideration.

If you have any further queries, please contact: Michelle Dunscombe on 0436 110 074

Applications Close: Thursday 6 August 2026

About the NLC

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is an independent statutory authority of the Commonwealth. The NLC is established under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT) 1976 and its purpose is to serve its constituents who are Traditional Owners (TOs) and other Aboriginal people living in their region.  Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to the work that we do here at NLC.  We are committed to enhancing Aboriginal peoples social, political and economic participation by supporting their aspirations and amplifying their voices on a range of issues impacting on their lands, seas, culture and communities.

CD18 Project Officer PD