The opportunity

We’re on the lookout for a First Nations Engagement Lead to join our People team on a permanent full-time basis.

In this role, you will focus on shaping and embedding culturally safe practices across the organisation, enhancing the experience and representation of First Nations employees, and supporting Bupa in advancing its commitments to First Nations reconciliation. This role requires a strategic thinker and advocate who can influence policy, practice, and strategy to ensure the voices and experiences of First Nations peoples are embedded across Bupa's ecosystem.

The role will also be responsible for leading and coordinating the execution of Bupa’s First Nations Employment Strategy.

You can be based in Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane with hybrid work arrangements.

This is an identified position for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Bupa considers that being Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under s 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW), s 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (QLD) and s 28 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (VIC).

How will I help?

Your key accountabilities will include: 

• Oversee the implementation of the First Nations Employment Strategy and related RAP actions, including establishing strategic governance and planning, aligning and integrating activities across the organisation, overseeing quarterly planning and strategy execution, ensuring stakeholder alignment, managing the Working Group, coordinating tasks, timelines, and deliverables, and establishing a Steering Committee.
• Act as the first point of contact for guidance on culturally safe practices, protocols, and policies.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to First Nations employees and their managers.
• Develop and implement a culturally appropriate strategy to build and strengthen relationships with First Nations employees, enhance cultural safety, and maximise retention.
• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition, Strategic Sourcing, and Careers Lead on initiatives that support the First Nations Employment Strategy.
• Collaborate on initiatives that foster First Nations career development and progression – e.g. mentoring and sponsorship, pathways to leadership, community connection, cultural inclusion.
• Advocate for and support programs benefiting First Nations peoples
• Support internal and external communications on First Nations-related initiatives.
• Advocate for First Nations perspectives in product and service development.
• Lead and collaborate on events such as NAIDOC Week and National Reconciliation Week.
• Analyse and monitor data to identify gaps in representation and experiences
• Use insights to drive strategies that enhance First Nations engagement
• Provide regular updates to executive leadership on progress, challenges and outcomes of First Nations engagement strategies.

Why work at Bupa? 

We keep our people smiling by helping them improve their lives in and outside of the office. 

We’re a welcoming lot, no matter who you are or where you’ve come from. We welcome all talents and backgrounds and embrace our differences, so you can bring your true self to work. 

We support our people to be the best version of themselves, physically and mentally. With a healthy work/life balance, leadership support, reduced private health cover, study leave, volunteering options and a commitment to promoting from within. 

Our employees can access wide range of benefits: from our own products (incl. health insurance subsidies) to many other products and services via our partnerships program (like Apple, Samsung, JB Hi-Fi, plus gym and spa discounts to name a few). We reward our people and celebrate their success, provide initiatives that develop careers and look after our people’s health, wellbeing, and futures. 

What do I need? 

• This is an identified position for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Strong understanding of First Nations cultures
• Experience incorporating culturally appropriate practices into organisational strategies. 
• Demonstrated experience in First Nations engagement, employment strategies, or cultural advisory roles.
• Demonstrated ability to advocate for and support First Nations voices in strategic and operational contexts.
• Proven experience leading culturally specific initiatives and supporting diverse teams.
• Proven ability to lead organisational change and drive inclusion-focused initiative
• Ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with First Nations communities, leaders, and external stakeholders.
• Experience developing and implementing strategies to enhance cultural safety, representation, and employee engagement.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to use data and insights to drive outcomes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts sensitively and effectively.
• Experience in managing internal and external communications on culturally significant topics.

About Bupa Asia Pacific: 

Bupa is an international healthcare group which has been committed to a purpose of helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world for more than 70 years. 

Bupa Asia Pacific operates in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong, supporting about 6.5 million customers through a broad range of health and care services including health insurance, aged care, dental, medical, optical and hearing services. Employing more than 20,000 people in the region, we believe that we can make a real difference to the lives of customers through our values, purpose and the way that we deliver personalised care. 

Our people reflect the diversity of our community. At Bupa, your wellbeing, identity and own story is respected and valued.

Further information on First Nations Careers at Bupa can be found here.