Call for Expressions of Interest - National Indigenous Australians Agency’s Indigenous Evaluation Committee

The Indigenous Evaluation Committee (IEC) provides independent strategic and technical advice to support the improvement of evaluation practices of the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) in line with the Indigenous Advancement Strategy Evaluation Framework. 

The IEC:

• oversees the implementation of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy Evaluation Framework;
• provides advice to the NIAA in preparing its forward program of evaluation activities and endorse the Annual Evaluation Work Plan;
• provides technical advice and guidance for the NIAA’s evaluations to ensure they are high quality, ethical, inclusive and focused on improving outcomes for Indigenous Australians;
• provides technical advice to the NIAA on its program performance reporting activities
• fosters leadership and assists in bringing the diverse perspectives of Indigenous Australians into evaluation processes; and
• participates in relevant meetings and events to help promote the IAS Evaluation Framework and continual improvements in evaluation and its use.

The IEC consists of 4 independent members, a Deputy CEO from NIAA and an ex-officio member from the Treasury. The IEC is chaired by a member nominated by the NIAA CEO. The appointment is for a period of three years, with a single possible extension of three years.

The IEC meets three times a year, and undertakes out of session reviews of key NIAA evaluations, reviews and research projects. Members of the IEC will be required to commit up to an estimated 20 full days per year (including meeting dates).

Interested individuals are invited to submit an Expression of Interest

The NIAA is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for 2 members to fill vacancies on the IEC who have the qualities outlined below. Your submissions should include:

• a brief EOI addressing the criteria (maximum one page);
• a brief Curriculum Vitae/Resume (maximum three pages).

As part of the assessment process, if shortlisted you may be requested to participate in a due diligence check, including an online police check and a record of private interests assurance which identifies any interests that may conflict, or may be seen to conflict, with your role. Such a request would not constitute an offer to join the IEC. Formal offers will be made following the assessment process.

Please email your EOI to NIAA at iecommittee@niaa.gov.au by COB Tuesday 3 October 2023. If you have any questions about the process, please contact us at iecommittee@niaa.gov.au.

The requirement

IEC members will demonstrate:

• expertise and experience in research, monitoring, data analysis and/or evaluation in the Indigenous context;
• an understanding of the Indigenous policy environment, for example knowledge of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy, the Productivity Commission’s Indigenous Evaluation Strategy and the Closing the Gap targets and priority reforms; and
• experience on committees or similar governance bodies, particularly in roles advising state and national governments.

EOIs will be shortlisted against the above criteria. Final recommendations for appointment will take into account the overall balance of the Committee with regards to gender and sectoral expertise (eg education, health, justice, employment) with a strong preference for First Nations representation.

The NIAA may exclude an EOI from further consideration if the NIAA considers that the respondent does not comply with a requirement identified as essential, or does not address the evaluation criteria.

The NIAA may, at any time during this EOI process, seek clarification from and enter into discussions with any or all of the respondents in relation to their response.

Conditions for participation

Eligibility

The NIAA is seeking members who are independent from government and will be giving preference to First Nations people.

IEC members are required to participate in their capacity as individuals, rather than as representatives of an organisation (with the exception of the ex-officio members).

This is necessary to maximise the independence of advisory services provided to the NIAA and fairness to all organisations which could be engaged to provide evaluation services to the NIAA.

Remuneration

Members will be entitled to a daily fee of $714/day (GST exclusive), or part thereof:

Remuneration is based on the Remuneration Tribunal (Remuneration and Allowances for Holders of Part-time Public Office) Determination No 2 2023 or latest update. In addition, members will be entitled to meals and incidental allowance in line with Table 6C Tier 2 of the Remuneration Tribunal (Official Travel) Determination. The NIAA will meet costs of flights and accommodation directly.

Members will be paid using the remuneration tribunal rates but will not be engaged as officeholders under the Remuneration Act.

Members will be required to enter into standard Australian Government Service Contracts which will detail services required, standard terms and conditions, remuneration rates, invoicing and payment details. Members will need to provide an ABN (Australian Business Number) to form a contract with the Commonwealth. Session

Conflict of interest

All Committee members must declare any actual, possible or perceived conflicts of interest in writing. NIAA will provide Committee members with a Conflict of Interest declaration to complete and return prior to their first meeting.

All Committee members must declare their outside interests (actual or perceived) at the commencement of each meeting and as they arise out of session. Any real or perceived conflicts of interest will be managed in line with the Conflict of Interest protocols. Members must absent themselves from any discussions and judgments that involve activities of any individual, external consulting firm, or other organisation in which they have a financial or personal interest.

All Committee members must have a sound understanding of the Australian Public Service (APS) values, set out in section 10 of the Public Service Act 1999.

Tenure and workload

Members will be appointed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NIAA for a three year term. Members may be reappointed for an additional term. Members cannot serve more than two terms.

Members of the IEC will be required to commit up to an estimated 20 full days per year (including meeting dates) over a period of three years (total of 60 days). Some work out of session will also be required.

The Group will meet a minimum of three times per annum, but may hold additional meetings as required. Meetings will be held face to face in Canberra and by teleconference or videoconference if necessary. The invitation to participate in a specific meeting will include details of how to participate, including time and date and technical assistance.

Privacy Statement

Personal information is collected by the NIAA and will only be used for the purpose for which it was provided to NIAA. This includes the administration of programs by both NIAA and service providers. The collection, storage, use and disclosure of the information is governed by the Privacy Act 1988 and the Freedom of Information Act 1982. NIAA’s Privacy Policy sets out how NIAA complies with these Acts.

The NIAA may disclose all or part of the response documents to a third party for the purposes of assisting the NIAA in the conduct of this EOI process and for the purposes outlined above. The NIAA may obtain appropriate confidentiality undertakings from the third party prior to disclosure.

Amendment, suspension or termination of this call for EOIs

The NIAA may amend this document upon giving timely written notice of an amendment. If the NIAA amends this document after EOIs have been submitted, it may seek amended responses.

Respondents will have no claim against the Agency or its officers, employees or advisers in connection with either the exercise of, or failure to exercise, the NIAA’s rights to amend this document.

Without limiting its other rights under this document or at law or otherwise, the NIAA may suspend, defer or terminate this EOI process at any time. The NIAA will notify respondents to this effect.