Principal Policy Officer, Strategy and Governance (AO7)

High-Impact Policy Role | Government Entity | Brisbane Location | FTE until 19 October 2026

Annual Salary Range: $131,678-$141,002 + 12.75% Super

Are you a high-calibre policy leader ready to drive strategic policy, governance, and legislative alignment within a key government entity? This is a unique opportunity to apply your expertise in a complex, dynamic environment, shaping outcomes that directly support the organisation's strategic objectives and legislative compliance. This is a temporary, flexible full-time role based in Brisbane until October 2026.

About the Role: Leading Strategic Policy

The Principal Policy Officer is a critical leadership role within the Strategy and Planning team, focusing on the identification, development, and implementation of integrated strategies, policies, and legislation. You will operate at the intersection of policy and governance, ensuring the organisation meets its strategic, reporting, and legislative obligations.

Leveraging your sound knowledge of governance frameworks and government policy, you will provide strategic counsel and drive the development of innovative solutions. The role demands strong communication, intellectual flexibility, and the ability to seamlessly transition between high-level autonomous work and collaborative team efforts.

Key Responsibilities: Driving Outcomes and Influence

• Lead Strategic Policy Development: Plan and lead the development of policy and strategy priorities, including high-level analysis and preparation of responses to proposed government policy changes, and comprehensive reviews of legislation and the regulatory environment.
• Complex Project Oversight: Plan, lead, and/or undertake special projects and manage complex policy work, including monitoring critical deliverables, setting priorities, and proactively identifying and mitigating delivery risks.
• Executive and Cabinet Submissions: Prepare, or assist with the preparation of, high-quality, timely, and well-researched submissions and briefs on complex issues. This includes drafting discussion papers, Cabinet submissions, interjurisdictional proposals, and Estimates briefs.
• Strategic Stakeholder Management: Cultivate productive and collaborative working relationships across the organisation, with senior executives, other government agencies, and critical external stakeholders to ensure integrated policy outcomes.
• Advisory Excellence: Undertake rigorous research and synthesis of diverse viewpoints to provide timely, well-considered strategic advice, supported by clear rationale, to the Director and Executive Director on current and emerging issues.

What We're Looking For: A Policy Specialist

We are seeking a candidate with a demonstrated capacity to thrive in a strategic, policy-driven environment, exhibiting the behaviours of an Individual Contributor within the Leadership competencies for Queensland (LC4Q) framework.

• Policy and Analytical Acumen: Strong understanding and experience of government policy and strategy development with high-level analytical skills. You must demonstrate the ability to identify complex options, resolve challenges, and apply sound judgement in ambiguous environments.
• Evidence-Based Decision Making: Strong ability to undertake objective, systematic analysis, source diverse perspectives, and draw reliable conclusions based on evidence to support and communicate recommendations.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Influence: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to build constructive partnerships and contribute positively to a high-performing team culture.
• Core Policy Experience: Demonstrated experience in policy development and analysis, as well as managing complex issues in a dynamic environment, taking responsibility for discrete work, and collaborating on strategic priorities.

Highly Regarded Expertise:

• An undergraduate or higher degree qualification in public policy, law or a related discipline.
• In-depth knowledge of Cabinet and Parliamentary processes and decision-making.

Skills and experience in statutory interpretation and/or legislation review.

At Randstad, we are passionate about providing equal employment opportunities and embracing diversity to the benefit of all. We actively encourage applications from any background.