Senior Policy

The Office for Early Childhood Development has been formed with a clear mandate: to create a fairer and better future for all children in South Australia by implementing the accepted recommendations of the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care.

As the steward of the early childhood development system, the Office will act on government's behalf, and work in collaboration with the sector, to organise and connect the system to reduce developmental vulnerability.

This includes providing universal access to quality, teacher-led preschool from the age of 3, growing and sustaining a quality early childhood workforce, and greater supports and connected services for families in the 1000 days of a child's life.

About this role:

The Senior Policy and Project Officer will contribute to a range of project and policy functions to deliver key initiatives to support the roll-out of 3-year-old preschool.

This role contributes to governance, project delivery, strategic policy design and delivery through the provision of advice based on best practice and appropriate evidence, as well as stakeholder input to help shape policy and project initiatives relevant to OECD's reforms including initiatives that align with South Australia's Early Childhood Workforce Strategy.

• Plan, coordinate, and deliver a range of complex policy, project and change management functions which contribute to reform objectives and strategic priorities.
• Coordinate analysis and reporting which support and inform the provision of reports, information and recommendations to management.
• Manage contract and grants processes including preparing specifications, participating in evaluation panels, managing external suppliers and monitoring contract deliverables and reports.
• Build positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support the delivery of program outcomes.
• One of the available roles will report to the Senior Advisor, Aboriginal Workforce and have a strong focus on contributing to governance, project delivery and strategic policy design relating to Aboriginal children, families and Communities.
• The key responsibilities of this role include: Plan, coordinate and deliver a range of complex policy, project and change management functions which focus on achieving outcomes for Aboriginal peoples.
• Coordinate analysis and reporting which support and inform the provision of reports, information and recommendations to management.
• Manage contract and grants processes including preparing specifications, participating in evaluation panels, managing external suppliers and monitoring contract deliverables and reports.
• Build positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including sustaining partnerships with Aboriginal families and Communities, ensuring that Aboriginal cultural perspectives are appropriately considered.

• You will bring experience in complex policy and program development. Your high-level communication skills will enable you to successfully engage stakeholders to foster collaboration and develop improved policy and research outcomes.
• To be successful in this role, we are looking for someone who brings:
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively to identify program outcomes, working under pressure and meeting strict deadlines.
  • Ability to identify and analyse complex problems to formulate and implement flexible and adaptable solutions in response to organisational and operational need.
  • Demonstrated experience in analysing and evaluating complex and sensitive policy issues under broad direction.
  • Proven ability to select and apply high level communication and interpersonal skills to negotiate and liaise effectively at senior levels with stakeholders.

• A role with real influence and impact in government policy.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth within the public sector.
• Work with senior officials across government and early childhood sectors.
• Be part of an agency with a clear mission to improve the lives of South Australia's children and families.
• Access to flexible working arrangements.

Applications should be made through the IWorkForSA website. Applicants must submit a CV, Pre-employment Declaration, and a cover letter outlining their suitability against the attached position description. People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and/or those who have a disability are strongly encouraged to apply.

There are several full-time roles (1.0 FTE) for a 2 year term with potential to be made ongoing.