NDIA 2026 Graduate Program (Affirmative Measures - First Nations)

Full job description
12-month program with focus on leadership pathway; multiple locations
Job rotations within and across business areas
Generous leave entitlements and a competitive starting salary as an Ongoing APS4
Our participants, Our people, Our purpose
Currently, there are around 4.3 million Australians with a disability. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) implements the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which is one of the biggest social reforms in the country since Medicare. As an Agency, we support more than 700,000 participants with a significant and permanent disability, and the families and carers of those living with disability. For many Australians, this will be the first time they receive the disability support they need. The NDIA is designed to enhance the quality of life and increase economic and social participation for people with disability and will mean a peace of mind for every Australian.

A new role awaits
The NDIA Graduate Program (NDIA GP) has been designed to integrate graduates into the NDIA and the Australian Public Service (APS). It provides graduates with a structured learning and development program, and meaningful on-the-job-experience across a range of NDIA business areas.

The NDIA GP is a 12-month entry-level program. It includes a range of opportunities focused on developing a graduate’s skills, capabilities and experiences to work effectively and contribute to a high performing Agency and broader APS. If you’re passionate about social inclusion and diversity, and want to kick-start your career, our Graduate Program is for you.

The NDIA GP gives graduates the opportunity to:

contribute to meaningful work supporting Australians living with disability to have greater participation in the community and the economy
develop the foundational skills, behaviours, mindsets and networks that graduates need to make a significant contribution in the APS, supported through a curriculum-based development program delivered by the APS Academy and Australian Public Service Commission (APSC).
gain broad experience and exposure to different business areas through job rotations within the host business area and across the broader NDIA
be part of an inclusive and diverse work environment, where you’ll be mentored to build strong professional networks at the NDIA and in the APS
enjoy a competitive salary and flexible working conditions that support positive work-life balance
an accelerated career pathway and salary progression from APS4.1 pay point on commencement to APS5.1 pay point upon successful completion of the NDIA GP.

2026 NDIA Graduate Program
The 2026 NDIA GP is seeking graduates who are passionate and committed to the NDIAs purpose. People who enjoy working as part of a diverse, high-performing team.

We want our staff to reflect the community we serve. If you have a disability, come from a culturally and linguistically diverse background or identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, we want to hear from you.

We value diversity in every respect. We welcome applications from graduates with diverse academic skills, including, but not limited to:
actuarial
allied health
behavioural science and psychology
business and commerce
computer science, ICT, cyber security, software development
data and analytics
economics, accounting and finance
engineering
government or public policy and political science
human resources
legal
media, marketing and communications
project and program management
risk
social sciences (policy, research, health, disability, social work)
Eligibility
To be a part of the NDIA Graduate Program you must meet the following criteria:
Must be an Australian citizen
Have completed at least an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 qualification (a bachelor’s degree), equivalent or higher equivalent by 31 December 2025
Have completed your most recent degree no more than 5 years ago on the date you lodge your application
Have and keep a valid Australian Government security clearance once accepted onto the program
Be willing to take any police, character, health, or other checks required.
We value diversity in every respect, and welcome applications from graduates with diverse academic disciplines.

Affirmative Measures – This job is open ONLY for First Nations people. The affirmative measure positions are to improve employment opportunities for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in the Australian Public Service. To be part of the affirmative measures employment process applicants must be able to provide evidence at the offer stage.
Locations
The NDIA has over 160 NDIA office locations across in Australia. Graduates can choose to work from almost any of our offices, including those in rural and remote areas and in the following cities, towns and suburbs:
ACT – Canberra
NSW – Newcastle, Sydney, Penrith
NT – Alice Springs, Darwin
QLD – Brisbane, Robina, Townsville
SA – Adelaide
TAS – Hobart
VIC - Richmond, Geelong
WA – Perth.

To find out what it’s like to be a graduate with the NDIA, see Meet our Graduates page. Please refer to the NDIA Graduate Program for more information.
Successful candidates will be required to undergo a pre-employment National Police History check, Worker Screening check and/or Working with Children Check (where required) and provide evidence of Australian Citizenship.
Applications for this role close on 18 June 2025 at 11:30pm AEST

If you have any questions related to the NDIA Graduate Program, please contact GraduateProgram@ndis.gov.au

With the exception of personal details, applications can NOT be edited or updated once submitted for consideration. Please make sure you are completely satisfied with your entire application before submitting.

NDIA is committed to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and welcomes and encourages applications from People with Disability (PwD), First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ people, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, Mature age workers, as well as young workers and supporting an inter-generational workforce and supporting gender equity and families. NDIA will provide reasonable adjustments for candidates to participate equitably in the recruitment process and discuss workplace adjustments to fulfil the inherent requirements of the role. If you require an adjustment to be made during the recruitment process (including alternate formats of the application form) or have an enquiry about the support provided, please contact DFP Recruitment on 1300 138 337 ndia@dfp.com.au.

RecruitAbility applies to this position: The RecruitAbility scheme supports people with disability applying for jobs in the Australian Public Service (APS) by giving you a better opportunity to put forward your skills and experience during the selection process.

There are certain roles within the National Disability Insurance that may require mandatory vaccination, subject to government order or directive. Evidence may be required prior to commencement.


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