The University of Melbourne aspires to be the university of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
We are committed to providing tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives which will ensure our Indigenous staff succeed and flourish personally, at the University of Melbourne, and across the nation and the globe.
A career at the University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is an equal opportunity employer, and our recruitment process focuses on essential skills and abilities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. We encourage and welcome applicants from a diverse range of Indigenous Australian backgrounds.
We’re tightly connected with our communities, at home and around the globe – a connection that enriches our learning, teaching, and research.
We employ people of outstanding caliber and offer a unique environment where staff are valued and rewarded. Our professional, administrative and support staff create a world-class working environment and enable academics to continue achieving internationally renowned excellence in research and teaching.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff working at the University of Melbourne can:
- Build an academic or professional career
- Be part of and contribute to an ever-growing Indigenous Staff Network
- Enjoy generous leave provisions including Cultural and Ceremonial Leave
- Access health and wellbeing services
- Participate in a range of Indigenous cultural events, orations, exhibitions, lectures and symposia
- Take advantage of generous discounts on graduate courses.
The University of Melbourne Indigenous Strategy Murmuk Djerring and Indigenous Employment Plan are key drivers for Indigenous staff recruitment, development and support across the University.
Melbourne Indigenous Professional Employment Program (MIPEP)
About the program
The Melbourne Indigenous Professional Employment Program (MIPEP) is a 2-year Indigenous traineeship initiative for the recruitment of early entry professional staff members at The University of Melbourne.
Previously known as the Indigenous Australian Employment Development Program (IAEDP) commencing in 2013, it was replaced by MIPEP in 2017. Trainees are employed in different full time professional staff positions around the university, supported by a workplace supervisor and mentor.
A formal Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification is attained by MIPEP trainees via an external provider, with training attended part time by the participant during work hours. The program has been a successful entry program for Indigenous staff, many of whom have gone on to secure ongoing positions within the University.
Photographer: Mikaylah Lepua
What’s on offer
- 2-year full-time professional employment contract in business administration positions
- Formal VET qualification (at no cost to you)
- Paid cultural enrichment activities and excursions throughout the program
- University mentorship
- Safe and supportive Indigenous staff network
- Generous salary packaging including 17% superannuation contributions
- Career development and progression support
- Off-site (three day) leadership conference
- Off-site (three day) pre-training retreat facilitating unique experiences of connection, education, culture and leadership.
Plus
- Uniform allowance
- Pre-paid ‘start up’ Myki travel card
- University merchandise welcome pack
- Access to culturally safe counselling services through ICARE (Indigenous Cultural Assist and Response for Employees).
About the positions
To be successful in our positions, you will:
- Be a team player who thrives at providing excellent service
- Be a resilient person who can adapt to change and is capable of following instructions
- Rotate through two different areas within the University faculty, schools or departments, to build your skill set and knowledge and apply your learning to a vast range of tasks
- Be supported by a dedicated Program Manager and Program Coordinator, a workplace supervisor and university mentor throughout your traineeship
- Be committed to personal and professional development and attending all cultural enrichment opportunities
- Be committed to attending training workshops and attaining a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification
- Be seeking a long-term career with the University of Melbourne and an opportunity for further education.
Multiple positions are made available from entry level positions for early career starters through to high level positions for more experienced career changes. Applications for the next MIPEP intake will open in the second half of 2025.
Become part of the Melbourne Indigenous Professional Employment Program (MIPEP) Community
Campus Mentors
Our new cohort of MIPEP Participants are assigned a University mentor upon commencing their first year. This relationship allows the participant to benefit from sound advice, career mentoring, coaching and regular feedback.
This interaction, in combination with the regular feedback from the supervisor, will help the participant enhance their learning experience and career aspirations. The mentor does not need to identify as Indigenous Australian, however, they must be culturally aware and sensitive and will be asked to complete cultural awareness training at their faculty, school, or department’s cost.
Campus Buddies
MIPEP participants are paired with an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander professional staff member at the University. The campus buddy will offer guidance, particularly in the initial months of the program.
A buddy is responsible for contacting the participant when they start their new role and for being a point of reference and a guide throughout the two-year program. The buddy does not provide career advice or act as a mentor, but rather, they assist the participant in becoming acquainted with the University systems, understanding HR procedures, finance processes and navigating around the campus. If the participant does not wish to engage with their buddy, there is no obligation to do so.
The MIPEP Management team is responsible for assigning a campus buddy to all participants under the program. If this sound like something you would like to be part of, please complete this survey.
Have a question?
For enquires please contact:
- Program Manager
- Julie Matricardi-Old
- julie.matricardiold@unimelb.edu.au
-
Program Coordinator - Lucy Powell
- lucy.powell1@unimelb.edu.au