A Deadly Role With Real Impact: Operations Lead – NILs NT (ECO099)
Some roles aren’t just “a job”. They’re the kind of opportunity where you can see the impact in real time — in families having a fridge that works, in households being able to replace a washing machine, in people getting through a tough season without being pushed into unsafe debt.
That’s exactly why this Operations Lead – NILs NT (ECO099) role with Good Shepherd Australia and New Zealand matters.
Good Shepherd is growing the No Interest Loans (NILs) Program across the Northern Territory — and if you’ve ever wanted to work somewhere that combines community, culture, practical outcomes, and strong partnerships, this is your sign.
What is NILs, and why does it matter?
NILs has been supporting Australians since 1981, providing safe, affordable credit to people on low incomes for essentials. It’s not about judgement. It’s about dignity and practical support — helping people access what they need without being trapped by high-interest lenders.
In the Northern Territory, NILs is expanding in a way that is meant to be culturally safe, community-led, and built around local priorities — especially in regional, remote, and First Nations communities.
What you’ll be doing in this role
This is a territory-wide leadership role where you’re helping strengthen and expand NILs delivery across the NT.
You’ll be working with:
Community organisations and ACCOs
NILs network partners and service providers
Government and cross-sector stakeholders
Internal microfinance teams
Your focus is practical and people-centred: making sure program delivery is strong, relationships are respected, and growth happens in a way that aligns with community priorities.
Key parts of the job
1) Partnerships and community engagement
You’ll build and maintain relationships with providers, community organisations, and stakeholders — and you’ll help grow NILs in the NT by bringing new delivery and referral partners on board.
2) Program operations and capacity building
You’ll oversee delivery quality across the Territory, support providers, and help coordinate meetings, training, and events — ensuring engagement is respectful and culturally safe.
3) Data, insights, and improvement
You’ll use evidence and feedback to improve service delivery, produce clear reports, and identify what’s working (and what needs changing) so NILs can keep getting better.
The kind of person who will thrive here
This role suits someone who can balance structure with flexibility — because remote and community-based work doesn’t run off a neat spreadsheet.
You’ll likely be someone who:
Knows how to build trust and work respectfully alongside community
Can manage multiple priorities without dropping the ball
Is confident in stakeholder engagement, delivery oversight, and problem-solving
Understands (or is committed to learning) what culturally safe practice really looks like in action
Experience working with First Nations communities is listed as highly desirable — and for good reason. This work is relationship-based. It requires humility, listening, and consistency.
The practical stuff: pay, flexibility, and benefits
Full-time
Maximum-term 2 years (with possibility of extension)
Hybrid/remote (predominantly work-from-home initially, with co-location at partner sites as needed)
Salary: $121,475
Salary packaging (up to $15,900 tax-free)
Gifted leave at Christmas and Easter (pro rata)
Study leave (where relevant), EAP, parental leave, and more
Why Indigenous Job Match is backing this role
At Indigenous Job Match, we don’t just post roles — we look for opportunities that show genuine commitment and real outcomes.
Good Shepherd has stated a clear commitment to a culturally safe and inclusive workplace, and they have an active Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Just as importantly, the NILs expansion is about community-led delivery and strengthening partnerships — the kind of approach that can create lasting, respectful impact.
How to apply
Check out Indigenous Job Match careers site and don’t forget:
Your resume
A brief cover letter addressing the requirements of the role
Applications close: 18 January 2026.
Please share this with your networks
If you know someone in the NT who’s strong in partnerships, program delivery, and community engagement — tag them, message them, and share this post. Some people don’t see the right opportunities because they’re not in the “usual” networks. Let’s change that.
If you’re applying and want help sharpening your cover letter or tailoring your pitch for this role, reach out through Indigenous Job Match — we’ve got you.
