About Us

The Indigenous Desert Alliance (IDA) is an Indigenous-led, member-based organisation. Our membership is made up of Indigenous Land Management Organisations from the desert (ILMOs). We work with over 65 ranger groups and play a vital role strengthening desert ranger programs and keeping the desert connected.  

Directed by Traditional Owners, ILMOs and their ranger teams undertake a wide range of cultural, environmental, and natural resource management activities. These activities include: 

• cultural knowledge transfer
• cultural site and heritage management
• fire management
• feral animal and weed control
• threatened species recovery projects
• fee for service economic activities

The IDA works closely with ILMOs to ensure that Indigenous rangers can collaboratively manage the Australian desert and realise their aspirations for community, culture, and Country. We do so by facilitating connections between ILMOs and stakeholders, by providing operational, capacity building and project management support, and through advocacy.  

About the Desert Nature Markets Program 

Nature markets are a new opportunity for the desert. They include the existing carbon market and new biodiversity markets. These markets may allow ILMOs to strengthen and pay for their work, supporting the ongoing stewardship of Country. 

The IDA has been at the forefront of exploring and developing these opportunities for desert-based ranger programs. Our aim is for Indigenous people in the desert to be empowered to engage with the carbon and biodiversity markets on their own terms and in a way that protects Culture and Country. 

Building on our success to date, the IDA is developing its Desert Nature Markets Program to achieve that vision. 

About the role 

The Nature Markets Coordinator will have a vital role in the development of the IDA’s Desert Nature Markets Program and the implementation of the IDA’s Desert Nature Markets Strategy. It is an exciting opportunity that will be at the forefront of a new and evolving space and will play a pivotal role in ensuring Indigenous desert rangers benefit from these new markets.   

The successful applicant will support existing projects, coordinate engagement with stakeholders, and drive the development of new projects.  There will be a strong focus on building ILMOs, rangers and Traditional Owners understanding of the opportunities and risks presented by nature markets ensuring they are able to make informed choices that benefit their communities.   

The Nature Markets Coordinator will work within a dedicated, collaborative and passionate team and will work closely with Traditional Owners and rangers. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to spend time on remote desert country delivering program activities across Australia’s desert regions. 

Working closely with other members of the Desert Projects team, the Nature Markets Coordinator will: 

• Coordinate the implementation of the IDA Desert Nature Markets Strategy and the development of the Desert Nature Markets Program
• Design and coordinate the delivery of the ILMO Support Project
• Design and coordinate the delivery of the Market Demand Project
• Participate as a member of the IDA team

To be successful in this role, the Nature Markets Coordinator will have:  

• A high level of respect for Indigenous people and culture
• A demonstrated ability to implement and effectively manage projects
• A thorough understanding of Australia’s ACCU and Nature Repair Market Schemes or the ability to acquire the requisite knowledge
• Experience in designing and delivering participatory consultation workshops
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills across a range of stakeholders

The position requires a strong commitment to working collaboratively with Indigenous people and community-based organisations. To do so, ideally you would have: 

• Knowledge of the Indigenous land management sector
• Demonstrated experience in working effectively with Indigenous people
• Good understanding of the remote Indigenous social, cultural and economic context
• Experience in policy and legislative development and government engagement
• Conflict management skills

The applicant must be based in Australia. Within Australia the work location is negotiable; however, there is a preference for the role to be based in the IDA’s office in Perth. The role will involve some periods of extended and remote travel in the desert. 

What we offer 

• Join a successful national for purpose organisation that is having a significant positive impact across the desert of Australia
• An unique and rewarding opportunity to work with Aboriginal communities looking after their Country
• Competitive remuneration package and excellent conditions (with salary packaging available)
• A dynamic culture of dedicated, passionate, and professional team members
• Additional paid leave during Christmas/New Year shut down period
• Employee Assistance Program for personal well-being