AEU-NT Organiser – Central Australia
Position description
The successful applicant will be responsible for organising members in all sectors of the
Northern Territory branch of the Australian Education Union in Central Australia.
The Organiser will be responsible for providing advice and assistance to members on issues
arising out of or related to their employment, and they will be required to represent members
in negotiations with employers and other bodies. The Organiser will develop union activism
in appropriate workplaces by identifying, motivating, leading and training workplace
representatives, activists and members. The Organiser will be required to use a 4WD vehicle
from time to time; training will be provided if required.
Salary and conditions
The position has a Senior Teacher 1 salary with NTPS office-based conditions. The position
is based in Alice Springs and will involve regular travel throughout central Australia, to
Darwin for meetings, and elsewhere on occasion. An office will be provided as will mobile
telephone, IT support etc. A car will be provided for business use. This is a contract position
for two years, from 12/1/15 to 16/12/16. Leave from the NT Department of Education can be
arranged for a successful applicant with a permanent departmental position.
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Key Responsibilities and duties
The successful applicant will report to the Secretary. Out of hours work is a feature of this
position. An NT driver licence and Ochre card (working with children clearance) are essential
for this position. The successful applicant will be expected to operate at a high level of
autonomy, such as establishing plans, maintaining detailed records and developing maps of
worksites. The core roles and responsibilities are listed below; other duties as determined by
the secretary may be assigned from time to time.
Industrial and workplace relations

Respond efficiently and effectively to members' requests for information and
assistance.

Develop workplace organising committees in worksites.

Identify, motivate and support workplace representatives in achieving collective
outcomes and goals at the workplace level.

Participate as an AEUNT representative on selection panels as required.

Negotiate resolution of AEU member grievances at the workplace level, or with
management of employing authorities.

Provide appropriate advice and assistance to members on occupational health, safety
and welfare issues, including workers’ compensation.
Campaigning and media

Implement planned organising activities and AEU campaigns at the worksite.

Provide appropriate advice to Branch Executive and elected Full-Time Officers on
particular issues arising out of the Alice Springs and Barkly regions.

Produce campaign material, in particular material directed to members in the Alice
Springs and Barkley regions.

Encourage and assist workplace representatives to establish networks to share ideas and
develop activism.

Work closely with regional and workplace representatives from the Alice Springs and
Barkly regions to co-ordinate regular regional council meetings.

Ensure a strong presence in local media of AEU campaigns and member concerns.
Recruitment

Meet recruitment targets as identified by the AEU.

Monitor membership density in regional sites and implement appropriate recruitment
strategies.
Training

Provide formal training to support workplace representatives, activists and members to
develop networks to build AEU strength in clusters and areas.

Participate in and facilitate the development and presentation of other training as
required.
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Selection criteria
1.
Educational/Vocational
Background of work in an educational setting and completion of tertiary studies are
desirable. An NT driver licence and Ochre Card (or the ability to apply for them) are
essential.
2.
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
Provide evidence of the following:

The ability to work in a self-directed fashion, and as part of a team

Interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills

The ability to identify, analyse, and propose practical solutions to issues

Ability to prioritise and to respond appropriately to demands of AEU members
3.
Relevant Experience

Provide experience of the following:

Union activism

Participation in campaigning

Awareness of remote educational issues and settings, particularly involving
Indigenous education

Advocacy and negotiating skills

Applying the principles of equal opportunity
4.
Knowledge
Demonstrate a sound understanding of the following:

The objectives and priorities of the Australian Education Union

The different contexts in which AEU members work

Gender-specific issues affecting education workers

Principles of democratic decision-making as they apply in the workplace

Organising strategies

Current issues affecting AEU members in Alice Springs and Barkley regions
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How to apply
Applications should be typed and include:
 A response to the selection criteria of no more than 4 pages
 A single page summary of your curriculum vitae (such as personal particulars, education
and relevant work history).
Applications should be addressed to: Jarvis Ryan, President AEU NT
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 08 8948 5399
Post: PO Box 41863, Casuarina NT 0811
Applications close 4pm, Wednesday 29 October, 2014
Enquiries regarding this position may be directed to Jarvis Ryan, President AEU NT, on (08)
8948 5399.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.
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