EL1 Assistant Director - Policy Officer

  • Australia
  • Sydney
  • Contract
  • Up to AU$602.55 per day

Talent International is currently recruiting for an EL1 Assistant Director – Policy Officer to work for one of our Federal Government clients based in Surry Hills / Parramatta. The position is a 12-month contract role with the possibility of extension. The role pays $602.55 per day + Super.

7.5 hours per day and 38 hours per week

Position Overview:

The Assistant Director Policy Officer plays a key leadership role in shaping and delivering strategic policy initiatives that support the agency’s objectives. This role involves leading complex policy projects, providing high-level advice to senior executives, and engaging with stakeholders across government and industry. The position requires strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills, along with a sound understanding of government processes and ministerial engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the development and implementation of strategic policy initiatives aligned with government and agency priorities.
  • Provide strategic policy advice to senior executives and contribute to decision-making processes.
  • Prepare high-quality policy documents, including Cabinet submissions, ministerial briefs, discussion papers, and correspondence.
  • Navigate government processes, including parliamentary inquiries, intergovernmental forums, and ministerial workflows.
  • Conduct research and analysis to inform policy development, including environmental scanning and stakeholder consultation.
  • Manage complex policy projects, including planning, coordination, and delivery of outcomes within tight timeframes.
  • Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including other government agencies, industry, and community groups.
  • Represent the agency in interdepartmental committees, working groups, and external forums.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of policy processes, frameworks, and capability within the team.

Essential criteria

  • Demonstrated experience leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of complex public policy initiatives, preferably in a First Nations context, with the ability to influence strategic direction and outcomes.
  • Highly developed analytical skills, including the ability to synthesise diverse sources of evidence and data to provide authoritative, well-reasoned policy advice to senior executives and government.
  • Proven ability to identify emerging issues, assess risks, and develop innovative, practical solutions to complex policy challenges in a dynamic environment.
  • Capacity to ensure policy work is strategically aligned with broader government priorities, departmental objectives, and cross-agency reform agendas.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships across government, with First Nations stakeholders, and with external partners to influence outcomes.
  • Experience preparing and presenting high-quality written materials, including ministerial briefs, Cabinet submissions, and strategic reports, and representing the department in high-level forums.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and manage policy projects or programs, including planning, coordination, risk management, and delivery within tight timeframes and competing priorities.
  • Sound understanding of government decision-making processes, including Cabinet, Budget, and parliamentary procedures, and the ability to navigate these effectively.
  • Deep understanding of and commitment to working respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, and organisations.

Desirable criteria

  • Ability to interpret and apply data, research, and evaluation findings to shape policy and program decisions, including health workforce or Closing the Gap data.
  • Experience contributing to corporate initiatives, intergovernmental working groups, or cross-agency reform efforts, including strategic policy forums or capability reviews.

If you are interested in this role, please APPLY NOW by submitting your resume in MS Word Format. For further information, you may contact Uvez Ahmed on 0480 806 154 / uvez.ahmed@talentinternational.com for a confidential discussion.

Apply now

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