Company description:

Department of Communities and Justice

Job description:

Senior Policy Officer

Location - Dubbo Residency and surrounding suburbs are preferred however not essential. NSW Statewide applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis

Employment type - Temporary Full time, until March 2029

Salary - Clerk Grade 9/10, $125,693- $138,510 per annum, plus employer's contribution to superannuation

The Department of Communities and Justice acknowledges lived experience and how it contributes to the valuable work we do with the community.

We strongly encourage and support applications from people who are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander descent. While all applications are welcome, once we have determined through merit-based assessment which candidates meet the pre-established standards of the role, we will select the candidate who is also of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander descent.

Your role

Working in the AHO Murdi Paaki Region Aboriginal Housing Strategy team, the Senior Policy Officer will lead policy development to drive reform and contribute to better outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities. Additionally, you will monitor project progress, coordinate reporting and ensure that project milestones are met to the highest standards. Working hand in hand with community representatives from the Murdi Paaki Region, you will co-design and deliver core initiatives of the Murdi Paaki Region Aboriginal Housing Strategy. This policy and project development role will include (but is not limited too):

• Governance of the Regional Aboriginal Housing Leadership Assembly (RAHLA)
• Development of a Housing Strategy
• Development and delivery of a training and employment program for up to 100 apprentices

What you'll do

In addition to the previous points, your role will also include:

• Policy Development: Undertake in-depth research and analysis of complex matters, provide evidence-based options and formulate recommendations through the development of briefs, papers, and the writing of a remote housing strategy.
• Project Management: Manage projects, including to develop contract management systems and processes, monitoring of contracts to ensure the timely delivery of key milestones, delivery of project status reports, and to build and maintain effective relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to inform policy decisions and facilitate collaborative project development and delivery.
• Research: Support evidence gathering activities with community stakeholders, helping to compile information that informs policy development and decision-making.
• Internal and External Stakeholder Engagement: Lead stakeholder meetings and forums, support the engagement process to gather insights and feedback relevant to policy initiatives.
• Professional Development: Engage in opportunities for skill development and professional growth, staying informed of best practices and emerging issues in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy.

What we're looking for

The desired candidate will be experienced in:

• Knowledge of OCHRE and Local Decision Making in NSW.
• Experience working with Aboriginal stakeholders or organisations in the Murdi Paaki Region (Highly Desirable)
• Experience working with Aboriginal stakeholders or organisations in remote locations
• Experience in policy writing, preparing government briefs and business cases with the ability to influence and engage diverse audiences effectively.
• Proven experience in project management, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, concise reports and briefings.
• Ability to travel locally and regionally, including overnight stays, as required by the role.
• Valid NSW Driver's License, travel throughout far west NSW will be required regularly.

Download the role description.

To apply directly via the DCJ Careers site click here. Search for the job and click the ‘Apply now' button.

We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply - you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.

What We Offer

• We offer a variety of benefits, including: A challenging and rewarding career
• Flexible, autonomous work environment
• Competitive pay and conditions
• Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities
• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.

We do work that really matters

Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It's work that really matters.

Apply now and join Australia's top public sector employer where we will support you and provide an exciting and flexible working environment!

Are you ready to join us?

Click apply, attach a cover letter (maximum 3 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements of the role as well as an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages).

Applications close 09 April 2025 at 11:59pm AEST.

Got a question?

For more information about the role or what it's like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Trista Hickey on 0458 481 019 or at [email protected].

If you've got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application), please call Matthew Oakley on 0447 682 014 or at [email protected].

Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit

We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.

To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.

Other Information

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

For more information visit Your recruitment journey on the DCJ website.

OR

For targeted recruitments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people use this text instead:

For more information and advice on applying for roles at DCJ, visit Careers for Aboriginal people

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.

To keep up with recruitment opportunities at DCJ, follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CareersatDCJ/

The Welcome Experience
Thinking about moving to regional NSW? Get free, personalised support with housing, schools, jobs, and settling in. Learn more: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience

The careers site currently promotes this service on the ‘Discover roles with DCJ in regional NSW' page.