Why work with us:

The Office for Early Childhood Development was created to champion change and to help build a system that gives all South Australian children a flying start to life.

Guided by the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care, the Office for Early Childhood Development is the steward of the early childhood development system in South Australia.

The Office is tasked with a significant responsibility: bringing together a holistic, connected system for early childhood development across South Australia, with the goal of reducing the rate of children entering school developmental vulnerable. Critical to this is the roll-out of universal 3-year-old preschool from 2026, giving every child access to 2 years of teacher-led, play-based early learning before school.

About the Role:

The Principal Policy Officer will lead the development of strategic policy analysis, expert advice, and high-level papers and briefings on whole of government policy impacting on early childhood.

The position leads high-level strategic engagement with key government and non-government stakeholders to provide advice on whole of government policy, Cabinet and Parliament, governance, legislative policy and intergovernmental relations issues.

In this role, you will:

Lead the development of strategic policy advice for senior executives and the Minister on early childhood issues.

Use strategic thinking and research skills to analyse and evaluate complex and sensitive policy issues and develop policy advice under broad direction.

Develop and maintain a network of professional relationships to support the delivery of high quality and timely advice to executives.

About You:

You bring extensive experience in strategic policy development, with expertise in analysing complex information and developing high quality strategic advice. Your exceptional communication skills enable you to successfully engage and influence stakeholders to foster collaboration and develop whole of government positions on complex policy issues.

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

Extensive experience in analysing and evaluating complex and sensitive policy issues and developing policy advice as well as successfully consulting, negotiating, and influencing stakeholders in a manner that fosters collaboration and achieves high quality outcomes.

Proven skills in developing written briefings of a high standard that convey complex information in a clear, succinct manner for a range of audiences, including senior levels of government and for public release.

Ability to work collaboratively, under broad direction and deliver high-quality work within tight timeframes.

Role Benefits:

A role with real influence and impact in early childhood policy.

Opportunities for professional development and career growth within the public sector.

Work with senior officials across government and in other jurisdictions.

Be part of an agency with a clear mission to improve the lives of South Australia’s children and families.

Access to flexible working arrangements.

Application Instructions and Information:

Applications should be made through the IWorkForSA website.

Applicants must submit a CV, Pre-employment Declaration, and a cover letter outlining their suitability against the key selection criteria in the attached position description.

Remuneration:

ASO8 $121,107 - $125,679 (1.0 FTE), plus superannuation.

Additional Note:

There are several full-time term roles (1.0 FTE) for a 2 year term with potential to be made ongoing.

Enquiries:

Enquiries can be directed to [email protected]

Special Conditions:

For all other Special Conditions please refer to the attached position description.