Board Non-Executive Director (Identified Position - Female First Nations)

Overview

Consistent with our Constitution and our Board composition matrix, expressions of interest are sought for a Board Director for the One Basin Co-operative Research Centre (One Basin CRC) who has relevant background and is a female First Nations person.

One Basin CRC considers that being a Female Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position (under section 12 and section 26(1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) and Section 30 of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth)). We believe that a Female Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person brings essential insights and understanding to this role, enhancing our ability to connect with and serve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the Murray-Darlin Basin effectively. Therefore, applications will only be considered from candidates of these backgrounds.

The One Basin CRC aims to combat climate, water and environmental threats in the Murray-Darling Basin through research and policy development. Through significant government funding, together with funds from 91 partners, the One Basin CRC will work to achieve a more productive, resilient and sustainable Murray-Darling Basin and beyond.

The One Basin CRC has five priorities:

• Impactful Projects: Commitment to co-design, co-leadership, impact focus and sound IP stewardship.
• Valued Partnerships: One Basin is a trusted brand, Partners engaging with us, buy in to our strategy and values and deploying/accessing One Basin expertise if sought.
• Embedded First Nations: Meaningful relationships, First Nations culture respected and Opportunity for First Nations people.
• Thriving Hubs: Diverse Regional Advisory Committee membership, community ownership of hubs, engaged regional organisations and attraction of hubs.
• Growing Innovation Leadership: Transformative research, developing innovation leaders, progressive business management, effective governance and thought leadership.

The One Basin CRC has a fully independent, skills-based Board, elected by the members (Tier 1 Research Institute Partners and Tier 1 and 2 Industry, Government and Community Partners who are members of the One Basin CRC company). The Board has eight members selected against an agreed skills matrix including governance, finance, technical, policy, industry, water and agri-sector experience and leadership, community engagement, First Nations participation in the water sector, and education and training leadership. The Board has three sub-committees.

Selection

Selection criteria for this role include:

• Knowledge and experience of indigenous culture and engagement. Effective and extensive relationships with indigenous communities.
• Demonstrated effectiveness working at the highest level of public, commercial or scientific life nationally and/or internationally
• Proven accomplishments sitting on committees or relevant commercial or public sector boards, and in ensuring the outcomes of such committees or boards are optimal
• An interest in, and/or an appreciation of, the key challenges and opportunities facing the Murray-Darling Basin, particularly in relation to indigenous research and innovation
• Excellent communication, relationship management, conflict resolution, mentoring, team building and transformational leadership skills.
• A proven ability to think through complex issues strategically, innovatively, independently and imaginatively
• An ability to represent One Basin CRC confidently and knowledgeably to a wide range of stakeholder groups, including university, industry, community, research leaders, parliamentarians, and the media
• A commitment to our fundamental values of Courageous, Collaborative, Practical, Nurturing and Accountable
• Be independent of Tier 1 and 2 Partners of the One Basin CRC
• Free of any business or other relationship that could materially interfere or could reasonably be perceived to materially interfere with the exercise of their unfettered and independent judgement

Specific expertise for this role

First Nations involvement is embedded across all One Basin CRC programs consistent with our aspiration to strengthen First Nations involvement in water management and access to water. Engaging and partnering with First Nations peoples throughout the Murray-Darling Basin forms a core activity across all programs of the CRC.

The aim is to achieve:

• Greater access to water and land for cultural, social and spiritual connection;
• Economic development opportunities; and
• Employment, education, and training opportunities including career development.

Under the Constitution, the CRC has at least one female and one male First Nations board member to help guide the organisation’s work with First Nations. They will be highly respected with extensive and relevant networks that will enable effective partnerships with First Nations.

The CRC has a vacancy for an indigenous woman with extensive committee experience, governance experience, and a good breadth of contacts in regional communities. Commercial acumen and familiarity with the Murray-Darling Basin and /or water are highly desirable. Knowledge and experience of indigenous culture and engagement is essential.

Independence

Board members must be fully independent of Tier 1 and 2 One Basin CRC partners. These partners are listed on our website: https://onebasin.com.au/about/our-partners/.

Time Commitment

The Board meets quarterly in person with possible online meetings between the face-to-face meetings. Additional meetings and out-of-session discussions are expected. Board members can also expect to be a member of at least one sub-committee of the Board.

Appointees are expected to attend the annual partner event in a regional location within the Basin, the AGM, and at least 75% of Board, sub-committee and ad hoc meetings.