Expression of Interest: COTS-RRAS Traditional Owner Technical Working Group member vacancy
This expression of interest (EOI) is to identify suitably skilled Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owners through an open and transparent process, to fill a vacancy in the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Control (COTS) and Reef Restoration and Adaptation Science (RRAS) Traditional Owner Technical Working Group (COTS-RRAS TWG).
About the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Control and Reef Restoration and Adaptation Science Technical Working Group (COTS-RRAS TWG)
The COTS-RRAS TWG is part of the existing Traditional Owner governance structure underpinning the co-design and co-delivery of the Reef Trust Partnership Program. The TWG was established in early 2020 in response to calls from Traditional Owners—during a Reef-wide co-design workshop in May 2019—for leadership roles in the design and delivery of programs that directly impact on and enable Traditional Owner’s to care for Land and Sea Country. The role of TWG members is to contribute their lived experiences, diverse skillsets and professional expertise to identify and create outcomes that have co-benefits to Traditional Owners of the Reef and Catchment areas. The TWG’s are not representative structures, and thus members do not represent particular Traditional Owner groups.
About the commitment:
- The COTS-RRAS TWG members participate in at least four TWG meetings per year—with an aim to deliver two meetings online and two in-person.
- Members must be able to commit at least 20 days between July 2025 and 30 June 2026 to the role. This is comprised of:
- preparation for, and attendance at TWG meetings
- participation in meetings with the broader Traditional Owner governance groups and other activities related to the co-delivery and co-evaluation of Traditional Owner projects under the RTP Agreement
- The term of this appointment is until June 2026.
- Remuneration will be $650 per day for contribution to meetings, plus reasonable expenses to attend meetings (including flights, accommodation and meals for in-person meetings).
- Younger people and emerging Reef Traditional Owner leaders are encouraged to apply.
Guidelines
Download and read through the Expression of Interest Guidelines before applying.
How to Apply
Step 1
Prepare an expression of interest (no more than two pages) outlining:
- how your knowledge, experience and interests would contribute to the COTS-RRAS TWG
- a description of your relationships within your community, amongst other Reef Traditional Owners and with partners
- your availability to commit to the minimum time requirements until 30 June 2026 for the work of the COTS-RRAS-TWG (currently estimated at 20 days per year) including your ability to travel to meetings and workshops
- which Traditional Owner group you identify with that has Country within the Great Barrier Reef or Great Barrier Reef Catchment area. A letter of support from your Traditional Owner organisation or Elder will be highly regarded.
Step 2
Include a resume with two referees who may be contacted by the Foundation. One referee must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who is aware of your skills and experience and application for this role and may be contacted by the Foundation.
Step 3
Email your expression of interest to applications@barrierreef.org by 5:00pm AEST, Friday 20 June 2025.