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
- Shape Indigenous cultural capability and cultural safety across CSIRO
- Design culturally grounded learning and organisational solutions that create lasting change
- Partner across a national organisation to embed culturally informed workforce practices
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
We are seeking a culturally grounded specialist for the role of Cultural Capability Specialist. Reporting to the Executive Manager, Indigenous Employment and Capability, this role will help strengthen Indigenous cultural capability and cultural safety across CSIRO.
You will design and deliver cultural capability initiatives, learning programs and facilitated experiences that support sustainable behaviour change. Working closely with Indigenous Science and Engagement, People teams, leaders, managers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, you will help embed culturally informed practices across leadership, learning, workforce systems and organisational processes, while contributing to solutions that reduce unmanaged cultural load.
Your high-level duties will include:
- Contribute to the design and lead delivery of CSIRO’s Indigenous cultural capability framework and related learning initiatives.
- Design and facilitate targeted, culturally appropriate learning for leaders, managers, employees and staff working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations and communities.
- Embed Indigenous cultural capability into leadership, learning, workforce systems and organisational practices, and evaluate initiatives using culturally appropriate feedback.
- Build strong partnerships and provide practical specialist advice to support culturally safe workplaces, organisational change and delivery of CSIRO’s Indigenous Employment Strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan commitments.
Role particulars
Location and office arrangements: Open to all capital cities, other locations may be considered. Hybrid working available and flexible work options available.
Salary: AU$118,102 to AU$127,808 per annum (pro-rata for part-time), plus 15.4% superannuation.
Tenure and work schedule: Indefinite, full-time. We will explore options for part-time, job-share and flexible work arrangements based on the needs of the role and individual circumstances.
Reports to: Executive Manager, Indigenous Employment and Capability
As the successful candidate, you will bring:
Essential criteria snapshot
- High level cultural capability grounded in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing, lived experience, cultural knowledge and community relationships, with strong community connection, credibility and cultural authority appropriate to the role.
- Demonstrated experience working in, or in partnership with, Indigenous-led functions, programs, organisations or communities, with a strong understanding of Indigenous cultural capability, cultural safety and systemic barriers to workforce participation.
- Experience designing and delivering Indigenous cultural capability or learning initiatives, and embedding cultural capability into leadership, learning, workforce or organisational systems and practices through an organisational development lens.
- Strong partnership, influence, communication and facilitation skills, including the ability to work strategically with Indigenous and non-Indigenous colleagues, engage respectfully on sensitive topics and provide practical, evidence-based advice.
For full details about this role, and the complete selection criteria, please review the Position Description.
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 let us know how we can support your full participation.
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.
Our commitment to inclusion, safety and cultural respect
CSIRO is committed to creating respectful, supportive and safe workplaces where people feel valued and able to contribute. Through this role, we are seeking to strengthen Indigenous cultural capability, culturally safe leadership and respectful partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across all parts of the organisation.
By embedding cultural capability into organisational systems and everyday practice, we strengthen inclusion, reduce unmanaged cultural load and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to thrive, develop and participate fully.
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 pre-employment background check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.
Child safety
CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. This role has child safety obligations, and the successful candidate will be required to obtain or provide evidence of a valid paid/employee Working with Children/Vulnerable People Check prior to confirmation of appointment. View our Child Safe Policy. 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. Internal applicants should apply via Jobs Central.
Applications close
Sunday 11 October 2026, 11:00 pm AEST