Indigenous Repatriation Officer

About the opportunity

This position has been designated for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only under the provisions of section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). The University of Sydney is seeking an Indigenous Repatriation Officer (Identified) to support the Senior Curator, First Nations, Chau Chak Wing Museum. In this role, you will have the unique opportunity to consolidate and organise the Museum’s cultural heritage records and coordinate repatriation activities relating to the return of First Nations Ancestral Remains and Secret/Sacred objects. You will ensure collections are cared for according to best practice, while strengthening the Museum’s ability to support communities. Over the two-year period, you will act as a dedicated point of contact for research, repatriation, and stakeholder engagement, making a meaningful contribution to the preservation and care of First Nations Ancestral Remains and important cultural materials.

Key Responsibilities include:

• consolidate and organise existing and new records for long-term sustainability
• conduct comprehensive data analysis and literature reviews, and prepare succinct summaries for the Senior Curator, First Nations, the Repatriation Committee and other stakeholders at the University
• undertake research to identify repatriation opportunities for First Nations Ancestral Remains and Secret/Sacred objects in the University’s care
• collaborate with community representatives, external organisations and repatriation officers to support culturally sensitive processes
• ensure objects are cared for according to cultural protocol and in line with international standards and recommend improvements within existing resources and practices
• maintain trusted relationships within communities to facilitate repatriation activities, including handover and ceremonies, and complete all relevant documentation.
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About you

• confirmation of identity - identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander 
• knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
• ability to act in accordance with cultural protocols related to caring for First Nations Ancestral Remains and Secret/Sacred collections
• experience working in a similar Research and Repatriation function within the higher education sector or within Museums is highly desirable
• demonstrated understanding of best practice in relation to repatriation activities (both in an Australian and global context)
• cultural sensitivity and discretion of the highest order, to manage communications and work respectfully with First Nations communities and stakeholders
• experience with collection management systems and archival processes
• strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently on long-term initiatives.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks and declarations 

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University.  Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.