Senior Policy Adviser

Senior Policy Advisor Location – Strawberry Hills Employment type – Temporary full time for 12 months with a possibility of extension Salary – $133,348 - $146,945 plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading This is a targeted recruitment. While all applicants are welcome, preference will be given to candidates who meet the established standards of the role and are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander descent. This is because the Department acknowledges this lived experience contributes a perspective valuable to our work with this community. Your role This role reports to Policy Manager and supports the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People in their role as an independent statutory officer under the Advocate for Children and Young People Act (2014). You will undertake high-impact policy research, provide expert advice, and contribute to initiatives that ensure young people's voices influence government decision-making. This is an exciting opportunity to work on complex and meaningful issues, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and deliver outcomes that support the wellbeing, safety and participation of children and young people in NSW What you’ll do You will lead and contribute to policy research, analysis and development across a range of issues affecting children and young people in NSW. You will also: Research, analyse and develop evidence-based policy options and provide strategic advice Monitor emerging issues and trends, identify risks and opportunities, and contribute to effective policy solutions Deliver policy projects within agreed timeframes and quality standards Build and maintain productive relationships with government agencies, community organisations and other stakeholders Respond to ministerial requests and contribute to initiatives that improve outcomes for children and young people What we’re looking for Demonstrated experience researching, analysing and developing policy advice on complex issues, preferably within government or a related environment Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly for a range of audiences. Proven stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build positive relationships across government, community and sector partners Highly developed analytical, problem-solving and project management skills, with the ability to deliver quality outcomes under tight deadlines 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. Download the role description. To apply directly via the DCJ Careers site click here . Search for the job and click the ‘Apply now’ button. 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 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements of the role as well as an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages). Applications close: Sunday 25th October 2026 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 Charmian Zhang at charmian.zhang@officeforyouth.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, please call Mayur Kaushik on 0467 174 016 or via mayur.kaushik@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. 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.