Senior Policy Officer

Senior Policy Officer Location: Parramatta with access to hybrid working arrangement Full time temporary opportunity until 30 June 2027 (35 hours per week) Salary from $133,348 to $146,945 pa. + super 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 As the Senior Policy and Projects Officer, you will take a lead role in coordinating the AHO Housing Policy Framework and Annual Policy Schedule. You will oversee policy governance activities, manage whole-of-program reporting, coordinate policy audits and support the successful implementation and review of AHO housing policies, guidelines and frameworks. You will work across the policy lifecycle, from strategic planning and consultation through to implementation monitoring and continuous improvement. You will also provide leadership and guidance to Policy Officers and other team members involved in policy projects. What you’ll do Lead the coordination and maintenance of the AHO Annual Policy Schedule. Monitor policy review cycles and identify legislative, operational and strategic priorities for future policy work. Oversee implementation and project planning, including monitoring implementation progress across approved policies. Coordinate consultation and engagement activities with internal and external stakeholders, including Aboriginal Community Housing Providers, Aboriginal stakeholders and government partners. Monitor and report on policy deliverables, milestones and outcomes. Develop briefing notes, executive papers, reports and presentations. Provide leadership, guidance and mentoring to Policy Officers Work collaboratively with Homes NSW and AHO business units to ensure policy alignment and successful implementation outcomes. Support the Housing Policy Manager in driving continuous improvement of policy development, implementation and governance processes. What we’re looking for We are looking for someone who can demonstrate: Has experience working with Aboriginal people and communities and a strong understanding of Aboriginal cultures, communities and housing issues. A commitment to improving outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities. Experience leading policy, program or project work within government or a similarly regulated environment. Project management and organisational skills. Experience coordinating consultation with diverse stakeholders and building productive relationships. Ability to analyse information, identify emerging issues and develop practical solutions. Experience preparing high-quality briefing material, reports and strategic advice. Strong understanding of policy governance, implementation and evaluation processes. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results in a complex environment. 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: 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. You will need to attach an up-to-date résumé (maximum five pages) and a cover letter (maximum three pages) with a brief outline on how you meet the requirements of the role and answer the targeted question below: Describe a time when you led policy, program or project work that improved outcomes for Aboriginal people or communities. How did you engage stakeholders and ensure the work achieved its intended outcomes? Applications close Tuesday 6th 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 Karen Fischer karen.fischer@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 Stephanie Hughes on 02 8688 0027 or via stephanie.hughes@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.