Background

The DJSIR PoC Network Power Pathway Leadership Program is an initiative developed by the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) in collaboration with Women of Colour Australia (WoCA). This tailored program focuses on VPS 5-6 level Staff of Colour, aiming to provide opportunities for personal growth, enhance professional skills, and cultivate a diverse and inclusive work environment within DJSIR.

Objective
The program's primary objective is to equip Staff of Colour with the necessary skills and knowledge to address challenges and seize opportunities related to diversity and inclusion within DJSIR effectively. Key areas of focus include:

1. Strengthening cultural intelligence among participants.

2. Developing inclusive communication techniques to foster collaboration and understanding.
3. Empowering participants to drive positive change within their respective departments and contribute to an inclusive workplace culture.

By providing a comprehensive and supportive learning experience, the DJSIR PoC Network Power Pathway Leadership Program seeks to create a lasting impact on participants' professional growth and help shape a more equitable and diverse public service sector.

Applications close: 28 February 2025.

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

Eligibility

The program is open to People of Colour working in DJSIR who are aspiring to move into management or leadership roles.

To be eligible, applicants must:
• identify as a Person of Colour* and/or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• identify as a man, woman or gender diverse person
• work at the VPS5 and VPS6 or equivalent level in their substantive role OR work at VPS5 with higher duties assignment
• be available to attend all sessions
• complete the application in full, and submit by the due date

There are 15 places available in the program.

Applicants should discuss the commitment level for this program with their line manager prior to applying.

Applications close: 28 February 2025.

*A Person of Colour is not a biological term, it is a term of solidarity that encompasses different culture and racial groups that are non-white and unites them to work together with other groups that have been culturally and racially marginalised.

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

Applications close: 28 February 2025

Program overview

The program comprises two all day workshops delivered in person in Melbourne, two online small group sessions and an online Purposeful Storytelling session. Applicants must be available to attend all sessions delivered as part of the program.

March 2025

Online Purposeful Storytelling Session

Facilitated by WoCA
Date: 31 March 2025 12pm - 2pm

April 2025

Session #1 Building Confidence and Self Advocacy

Facilitator: Dr Varina Michaels
Mode: In person full day workshop
Venue: DJSIR
Date: Monday 28 April 2025

April - May 2025

Session #1 small group session - Deep dive and practical strategies.

Facilitator: Dr Varina Michaels
Mode: Online (90 minutes), 3 groups x 5 participants
Dates: Between Tuesday 29 April to Thursday 1 May 2025, Time: 12pm - 1.30pm

May 2025

Session #2 Activating the Power of Allyship and Sponsorship

Facilitator: Abiola Ajetomobi
Mode: In person full day workshop
Venue: DJSIR
Date: Monday 26 May 2025

May 2025

Session #2 small group session - Deep dive and practical strategies.

Facilitator: Abiola Ajetomobi
Mode: Online (90 minutes), 3 groups x 5 participants
Dates: Between Tuesday 27 May to Thursday 29 May 2025
Times: 12pm - 1:30pm

Meet the Facilitators

Dr Varina Michaels

Dr Varina Michaels is an Executive Director with over 15 years of experience in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), education and HR. She has developed and led impactful multimillion dollar programs shaping culture, developing inclusive leaders and breaking systemic barriers, with a proven track record in achieving business outcomes and driving change.

Abiola Ajetomobi

Abiola Ajetomobi is the Founding Director of Leading Impact, an Equity & Inclusion consulting agency whose vision is to create inclusive and equitable organisations and leaders with lived experience at the heart of its strategic intent and legacy.

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

Applications close: 28 February 2025

Application guide and FAQs

Selection process

Applications will be assessed by a panel at Women of Colour Australia. The panel will make a recommendation of 15 successful candidates. Each application will be assessed by two panel members, using an assessment tool consistent across the panel.

The panel will consider applicants’ diverse attributes in their assessment, recognising that experiences of gender inequality may be compounded by other forms of disadvantage or discrimination on the basis of attributes such as disability, age, cultural diversity or LGBTIQ+ identity.

In completing your application, please check the word limits.

Successful applicants will be notified in early March

Applicants who are unsuccessful at this stage will be notified via email after all successful applicants have accepted a place.

The application process does not include an interview.

This guide to writing to key selection criteria in the VPS may be of assistance – while it applies to careers and job applications, the approach may support you to prepare your application: How to write key selection criteria (careers.vic.gov.au)

Letter of support is not required

You do not need to have a letter from your manager attached to your application form. However, it is recommended that you speak to your manager before applying so that they are aware of your interest in the program and the time commitment.

Eligibility

The program is open to Women of Colour working in DJSIR who are aspiring to move into management or leadership roles.

To be eligible, applicants must:
• identify as a Person of Colour and/or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• identify as a man, woman or gender diverse person
• work at the VPS5 or equivalent level in their substantive role
• be available to attend all sessions
• complete the application in full, and submit by the due date

If your substantive role is at the VPS4 or equivalent level but you have been acting in a VPS5 level role for at least 12 months, you may also apply.

Who is this program designed for?

This program is open to men, women and gender diverse people working in DJSIR who self-identify as a Person of Colour, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The program is open to people who hold a VPS5 or equivalent level role. It is open to applicants who work part of full time, and those who are in ongoing or fixed term roles. The program is specifically designed for People of Colour, providing a contextualised and culturally safe workshop and coaching program which recognises the distinct situations that People of Colour navigate in the workplace.

What will I learn?

You’ll take part in interactive and collaborative learning activities, delivered by subject-matter experts chosen for their considerable experience working in the diversity and inclusion space.

After each workshop, you’ll take part in small group session to explore topics and issues that emerged during the workshops at a deeper level, and look at practical strategies and tips for the workplace.

Do I need manager's support to apply?

Whilst you are encouraged to have conversations about career aspirations and planning with your manager as part of your performance development plan, you do not need formal manager approval to apply. However, we encourage you to have a conversation with your manager about the program and how it relates to your career aspirations and development.

You will need your manager’s engagement and approval to participate in the program and support to arrange coverage of your usual role duties.

Is there a cost to the program?

The program is fully funded by DJSIR. There is no cost to participants or their departments.

I need additional support to attend the program. Is this available?

If you have accessibility requirements to enable you to participate fully in the program, please contact Women of Colour Australia to discuss, at sana.yousaf@womenofcolour.org.au

Women of Colour Australia exist to champion Australia’s Women of Colour through programs of education, community support initiatives and advocacy work.

THE ORIGIN OF THE PHRASE "WOMEN OF COLOR"

"Women of Color is not a biological designation. It is a solidarity definition. A commitment to work in collaboration with other oppressed women of color who have been minoritized. It is a term that has a lot of power." Loretta Ross
Learn more here

WOMEN DEFINITION

Women - Transgender and cisgender, all those who experience or have experienced oppression as women, including non-binary and gender non-conforming people and all those who identify as women. Self-definition is at the discretion of the individual.
Definition credit: wire.org.au

ALLY DEFINITION

A - always centre the impacted
L - listen and learn from those who live in oppression
L - leverage your privilege
Y - yield the floor
*Mnemonic credit: Kayla Reed Executive Director ACTION St. Louis Follow Kayla Reed on Twitter @iKaylaReed

WOMEN OF COLOUR LTD ABN 17 643 518 576 ACN 643 518 576 is an Australian Public Company Limited by Guarantee. We are a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). We have Deductible Gift Recipient status and operate the WoC Harm Prevention Fund. Gifts to the Fund may be deductible.

The WOMEN OF COLOUR AUSTRALIA logo is a Registered Trademark of WOMEN OF COLOUR LTD.

We acknowledge the Wallumattagal clan of the Darug nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which Women of Colour Australia is situated. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge and honour the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women with whom we stand in solidarity. We acknowledge that as settlers on this stolen Aboriginal land, we are beneficiaries of the dispossession, genocide, and ongoing colonial violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We believe that it is our collective responsibility and moral imperative to help dismantle the systemic barriers and structural inequities oppressing the original inhabitants of this land. We are also painfully aware that this land was taken forcibly, without a Treaty or reparations made. We have taken a practical step towards honouring sovereignty by paying the rent – and we invite you to do so too. This land is and always will be Aboriginal land. Sovereignty was never ceded.