Together we shape thriving communities, public spaces, places and economies.

• Lead end-to-end policy development and reform initiatives aligned with government planning objectives, backed by rigorous research and analysis to deliver evidence-based recommendations that shape resilient and sustainable outcomes.
• Ongoing full-time (hours per week) opportunity,
• Office location – Parramatta with flexible working supported by the Working Flexibly Policy
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $134,404 to $143,964 + super

What’s in it for me?

Join our team for a fantastic culture with dynamic collaboration and genuine long-term career support. We offer flexibility in work arrangements, diverse and fulfilling assignments, and prioritise work/life balance and wellbeing with initiatives like flex leave and access to support programs. Additionally, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to succeed.

The role

The Department is establishing a new BASIX Policy team in the Resilience and Sustainability Division, focused on driving sustainability in new homes through strategic policy reform. The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) is aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water and energy consumption in new residential developments.The BASIX Policy team will work alongside the BASIX Operations team to drive the delivery, reform, and improvement of the BASIX framework, ensuring it evolves with emerging technologies, climate imperatives, and industry needs.

The Senior Policy Officer will lead projects from concept to delivery, navigate emerging issues, and translate complex ideas into clear advice that guides strategic decisions. This high-impact role will develop evidence-based policy and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on exciting projects such as the triennial review of the Sustainable Buildings State Environmental Planning Policy, the new Net Zero Plan, and disclosure of home energy ratings.

The challenge lies in juggling tight timeframes, competing demands, and stakeholder expectations—while still delivering high-quality, evidence-based work. Whether working across teams, consulting with external partners, or managing contractors, the job demands clarity, collaboration and a cool head under pressure.

Please note that a recruitment pool will be created to fill multiple similar positions across the Division.

For more information read the full Role Description: Position title

What you will bring to the Role

• Proven ability to develop well-researched and practical policy advice aligned with government priorities—demonstrated by delivering high-quality, evidence-informed recommendations with consideration of stakeholder needs
• Skilled in translating complex technical and planning information into plain English that supports clear decision-making, from briefing notes to stakeholder correspondence and Ministerial advice
• Experienced in building strong partnerships across government, community and external consultants—driving consultation, negotiation and collaboration that ensures diverse perspectives are incorporated into policy outcomes
• Adept at applying qualitative and quantitative research methods to assess emerging issues, evaluate policy effectiveness, and formulate forward-thinking solutions under pressure and competing priorities
• Strong project management capability to coordinate policy initiatives and reviews—balancing deadlines, resource constraints, and performance outcomes to deliver results in dynamic environments

What is an essential requirement:

• Tertiary qualification in public policy, planning, law, economics, ecology, environmental science or other relevant discipline or equivalent experience, including natural hazard, resilient places and biodiversity and conservation in planning

About us

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this, we: create vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; manage lands, assets and property effectively and deliver affordable and diverse housing. We strive to be a high-performing, world-class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and builds the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people, communities and entities.

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments.

Join us

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close Sunday 27 July 2025 (11:55 PM

Should you require further information about the role please contact Jessica Roach, 02 9995 6592 or via email [email protected]

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via [email protected] or (02) 63637676​ - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn