Job Description

Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation

Role highlights

• Lead CSIRO’s approach to Governance of Indigenous Data and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP)
• Work in respectful partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, researchers, staff and stakeholders to uphold Indigenous rights, values and perspectives.
• Join CSIRO – Australia’s leading scientific research organisation

About CSIRO

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.

Visit CSIRO.au for more information.

The opportunity

CSIRO is seeking an experienced and culturally grounded leader to shape and strengthen how Australia’s national science agency works with Indigenous data, knowledge and cultural intellectual property. As Manager – Governance of Indigenous Data and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), you will play a pivotal role in developing policies, frameworks and practices that uphold Indigenous rights, sovereignty, self-determination and benefit.

Working closely with Indigenous communities, CSIRO’s Indigenous Science and Engagement Office, research and enterprise units, legal and governance teams, and national and international partners, you will provide strategic leadership across Indigenous Data and ICIP. Your work will help embed culturally safe, respectful and best-practice approaches across CSIRO’s research and enterprise activities.

Your high-level duties will include:

• In partnership with CSIRO’s Digital Office, lead the development and delivery of CSIRO’s Governance of Indigenous Data Framework, policies, protocols and procedures that uphold Indigenous rights, sovereignty and self-determination.
• Oversee CSIRO’s approach to ICIP compliance and maintain CSIRO’s ICIP commitments in line with governance requirements.
• Provide Indigenous knowledge, expertise and perspective to inform organisational strategy, policy and decision-making.
• Collaborate across CSIRO to embed Governance of Indigenous Data and ICIP principles into research, data management, partnerships and enterprise activities.
• Represent CSIRO on internal and external committees and act as a key liaison point on matters relating to Governance of Indigenous Data and ICIP.
• Monitor emerging national and international trends and translate them into practical policies, strategies and improvements.
• Develop training, capacity-building and reporting approaches that strengthen organisational understanding and practice.

Role particulars

Location and office arrangements: Open to all capital cities, other locations may be considered. Hybrid working and flexible work options available.

Salary: AU$135,571 to AU$158,863 per annum, plus 15.4% superannuation.

Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite, full-time.

Reference: 103757

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential criteria

• A high level of cultural capability, shaped by Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing, and developed through lived experience as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
• Indigenous community connection, credibility and cultural authority as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent relevant work experience in Indigenous research, management, governance or a related field.
• Experience and understanding of research with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Demonstrated experience of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property and Governance of Indigenous Data principles and practice.
• Experience in respectfully representing an organisation and influencing internal and external audiences to achieve strategic outcomes.
• The ability to contribute to or define Indigenous policy direction and strategy.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, reporting, presentation and negotiation skills.
• A history of professional and respectful behaviours in collaborative environments.

For full details about this role, and other criteria, please review the

Setting you up for success

We know that everyone works differently. If you need support or adjustments during the recruitment process or in the role itself, we are happy to discuss options such as flexible hours, alternative communication methods, cultural or family obligations, or physical adjustments. Please contact Karen Smith via Careers.Online@csiro.au and let us know how we can support your full participation.

Eligibility

CSIRO considers the filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity/affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth). The position is therefore only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people with Australian Citizenship.

The successful applicant will be required to provide evidence to confirm that they are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

The successful candidate will be required to provide contact details of at least one Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Referee to confirm their ability to work and communicate respectfully with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Platinum Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Child safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy

How to apply

Please apply online and submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and CV that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the essential requirements of this role.

Applications close

Sunday 20th September 2026, 11:00pm AEST