Senior Project Officer

Senior Policy Officer

Location – Dubbo (Parramatta location may be considered) with flexible work arrangements

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

Industry leading training with ongoing career development and support

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.

About Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO)

The Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) is a statutory body established under the Aboriginal Housing Act 1998 (NSW) to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have access to affordable, quality housing.

The AHO is governed by an all-Aboriginal Board, which provides advice to the Minister for Housing and Homelessness. In addition, the AHO manages and coordinates an annual capital works program, along with developing and implementing financial and resourcing strategies.

Your role 

Working in the AHO Murdi Paaki 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.

All policy and project development will be codesigned with community representatives of the Murdi Paaki Region to deliver core initiatives of the Murdi Paaki Housing Strategy, including:

• 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

• 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 and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
• 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.

If you are viewing this ad in Seek and wish to apply via their portal, you will be required to either set up a profile or login via your existing Seek account.

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:

• Learning and development opportunities, including ongoing support and mentoring from senior members that are invested in your personal and professional success.
• Competitive pay and conditions
• Flexible working arrangements, including working from home and office.
• Access to a Fitness Passport membership.

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 Sunday 23rd February 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 trista.hickey@aho.nsw.gov.au.

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 Syvonne Pereira on 0402 600 846 or via syvonne.pereira@dcj.nsw.gov.au.            

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 and advice on applying for roles at DCJ, visit Careers for Aboriginal people https://www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/about-us/careers-at-dcj/pathways/careers-for-aboriginal-people.html             

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/