Independent Non-Member Board DirectorsExpression of Interest

Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation ICN 868

Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation (‘JCAC’) has a history stretching back more than 40 years providing community service delivery in Tennant Creek and across the Barkly region.

Formed in 1974, JCAC grew out of the Warumungu Papula organisation. Its primary purpose then, as it remains today, was to alleviate poverty and improve the wellbeing of the Aboriginal people of Tennant Creek and surrounding homeland communities.

In the mid-1980’s, as more language groups came to live in the area, Warumungu Papula changed its name to Julalikari – a Warumungu word meaning ‘everyone’ – in recognition of the changing demographics of the region. Today, the corporation is one of the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations in Australia. The organisation is a community service body governed by a board of directors who are representative of the Indigenous community of Tennant Creek and surrounding homelands.

The Role

JCAC seeks to appoint two specialist non-member directors to strengthen the leadership, governance, and financial sustainability of the organisation.

The role requires attending approximately 12 board meetings and serving on at least one board committee per year.

The role may require attendance in monthly conference calls for management, financial reporting, and general compliance issues.

Competencies and Skills (Role Related)

Knowledge of a director’s responsibilities – includes an understanding of the role as well as the legal, ethical, fiduciary and financial responsibilities;

Strategic expertise – the ability to review strategy through constructive questioning and suggestion and contribute to the effective decision making of the board;

Accounting and finance – the ability to read and comprehend the company’s accounts, financial material presented to the board, financial reporting requirements and some understanding of corporate finance;

Legal – the boards responsibility involves overseeing compliance with numerous laws as well as understanding the individual director’s legal duties and responsibilities;

Risk management – experience in managing areas of major risk management to the organisation;

Managing people and achieving change – experience in current management thinking on employment, branding, engagement, strategic vision and stakeholder communication

Industry knowledge – experience in similar organisations or industries

Competencies (Personal Attributes)

Integrity – the directors must fulfil their legally required duties and responsibilities, acting ethically, appropriate independence, putting JCAC’s interests before personal interests;

Collaborative - the director must be able to function as an effective team member but also must have the curiosity to ask questions and the courage to persist in robust discussions with management and fellow board members where required;

Emotional intelligence – as well as self-awareness and self-management, the director needs to demonstrate empathy manifested through strong interpersonal skills. The director must work well in a group, listen well, be tactful yet able to communicate in a cogent and candid viewpoint;

Commercial judgement and instinct – the director needs to demonstrate good business instinct and acumen, and be able to assimilate and synthesise complex information;

Active contribution – the director needs to be an active contributor with genuine interest in the company and its business.

Respect – the director must be willing to share their particular skills with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation. Experience working with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities or knowledge of native title processes and/or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage matters is strongly recommended. 

Location

JCAC is based in Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory. Travel support will be provided and it is expected that non-member directors participate in person for the majority of board meetings.

Salary and conditions

JCAC pays an honorarium payment of $3,000 for directors who attend at least 90% of the board meetings held and other director functions, including required training. 

Contact person and how to apply

For more information, contact Brian by email to brian.obiri@julalikari.com.au

Please send Expressions of Interest in the form of: A resume showing relevant professional and governance experience; and Cover letter

By email to brian.obiri@julalikari.com.au