Company Overview
Website: https://www.niaa.gov.au/graduate-careers
The National Indigenous Australians Agency acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present.
Who we are
Heard, recognised and empowered
We lead the Australian Government’s work to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are heard, recognised and empowered. We work in genuine partnership with First Nations peoples, communities and organisations to support self‑determination and meaningful, long‑term outcomes.
National footprint – remote communities, regional and major cities
Our people bring deep community knowledge, strong policy and program capability across government and a unique ability to connect what’s happening on the ground with decision-making at the highest levels of the Australian Public Service. This connection shapes everything we do.
Reconciliation is at the heart of who we are and what we do
We value cultural integrity, respect, inclusion and diverse perspectives, We’re looking for graduates who share our commitment to purposeful work, and who want to contribute to real, positive change for communities across Australia.
Explore our organisational structure to learn more about how we work and where we make a difference.
What we do
We work to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by shaping policies, programs and partnerships that create real impact. Our work brings government and communities together to deliver better outcomes now and into the future.
We focus on:
- partnering with First Nations peoples to support self‑determination and strong community‑led decision making
- leading whole‑of‑government action under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap
- designing and delivering programs and policies that strengthen social, economic and cultural outcomes
- using evidence, data and evaluation to inform high‑quality decisions across government.
Our work spans three main areas:
- Policy and Programs – designing and investing in national social, economic and cultural policies and programs with governments and First Nations partners, and leading strategies that advance the Australian Government’s priorities for First Nations peoples.
- Operations and Delivery – working closely with communities across Australia to deliver place‑based services, support emergency responses and strengthen community‑led solutions.
- Corporate and Enabling Services – providing the strategic, technical and operational expertise that powers the Agency, including grants, finance, HR, communications, integrity, governance, ICT, data and legal services.
Read our Corporate Plan to find out more about our priorities and key activities.
At the NIAA, people are at the heart of everything we do. As a graduate, you’ll be supported, challenged and empowered to build a career with purpose, and make an impact from your very first day.
Application Process
Key Dates
- 23 March - 27 April 2026: Submit a simple online application including a CV, academic transcript and short pitch.
- May 2026: First-round assesment - complete a one-way online video interview.
- June 2026: Virtual Assesment Centre - complete a speed interview, written activity, group task and referee checks.
- August 2026: Offers released.
- February 2027: Successful graduates commence the program.
Please note: Candidates who apply through our Affirmative Measure (Disability) recruitment process or Indigenous Pathway may undertake a modified assesment process that varies to the above process.
We also offer reasonable adjustments to all candidates to support an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience.
Eligibility
To apply for the NIAA Graduate Program, you must:
- be in the final year of your undergraduate degree (or higher) or have completed your university studies within the past eight years.
- be able to obtain and maintain an Australian Government Baseline Vetting security clearance.
- be willing to undergo pre-employment screening checks.
- be an Australian citizen.
Assessment stages
The assessment process includes:
- an online application (resume, 300‑word pitch, transcript, referees)
- a one-way online video interview
- a virtual assessment centre, including individual interview, group activity and written task.
National Indigenous Australians Agency has no active opportunities at the moment. See who’s currently hiring with our Job Search!