Principal Policy Officer, Aboriginal Co-design

**Office for Early Childhood Development**
**Job reference**: 669238
**Location**: 5000 - ADELAIDE
**Job status**: Long Term Contract
**Eligibility**: Open to Everyone

**Why work with us**:
The Office for Early Childhood Development was created to champion change and to help build a system that gives all South Australian children a flying start to life.

Guided by the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care, the Office for Early Childhood Development is the steward of the early childhood development system in South Australia.

The Office is tasked with a significant responsibility: bringing together a holistic, connected system for early childhood development across South Australia, with the goal of reducing the rate of children entering school developmental vulnerable. Critical to this is the roll-out of universal 3-year-old preschool from 2026, giving every child access to 2 years of teacher-led, play-based early learning before school.

**About this role**:
The **Principal Policy Officer - Aboriginal Co-design** plays a pivotal role in leading culturally informed policy development and strategic initiatives that support improved access and participation in early childhood education for Aboriginal children and families across South Australia. Central to the role is the facilitation of genuine co-design processes with Aboriginal people, communities, and organisations, ensuring that their voices and cultural perspectives are embedded at every stage of policy development and implementation. The position provides strategic advice to senior leaders, builds strong and respectful partnerships across sectors, and champions culturally responsive practices within the Office for Early Childhood Development.

As a **Principal Policy Officer - Aboriginal Co-design**, you will:

- **Lead Co-Design**: Drive genuine and inclusive engagement with Aboriginal people and communities to co-create early childhood education strategies.
- **Policy Influence**: Advise senior leaders and collaborate across agencies to implement Closing the Gap priorities and recommendations from the Royal Commission.
- **Champion Culture**: Ensure cultural perspectives are embedded into policies, services, and strategic initiatives across the Office.
- **Stakeholder Engagement**: Build and maintain strong relationships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, families, and community leaders.
- **Mentor and Empower**: Support and coach team members to strengthen their cultural responsiveness.
- **Research and Recommend**: Analyse emerging systemic issues, conduct research, and prepare insightful briefings and recommendations for high-level decision-making.

**About you-**

Be the voice that shapes the future. Lead real change for Aboriginal children and families across South Australia.

Are you ready to lead meaningful co-design and policy work that drives equity, access, and belonging in early childhood services? The Office for Early Childhood Development (OECD) is seeking a culturally grounded and passionate leader to join us as a **Principal Policy Officer - Aboriginal Co-design**. This is your opportunity to walk alongside community and directly influence strategies that close the gap in early childhood development outcomes.

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

- **Deep Cultural Understanding**: Extensive experience working with Aboriginal communities and a strong grasp of social, cultural, and economic issues affecting Aboriginal children and families.
- **Policy Expertise**: Strong ability to analyse, develop and advise on complex policy issues that improve outcomes for Aboriginal people.
- **Strategic Thinking**: Able to work with autonomy, manage priorities in a fast-paced environment, and influence across all levels of government.
- **Exceptional Communicator**: Clear, respectful, and persuasive communicator with strong written and verbal skills.
- **Solutions Focused**: Analytical thinker who can identify systemic barriers and recommend practical, evidence-informed solutions.
- **Inclusive and Ethical**: A strong commitment to cultural safety, diversity, and ethical public sector practice.

**Who You’ll Work With**
- Aboriginal communities, families and working groups
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs)
- South Australian and Commonwealth government departments
- OECD Communications, Policy and Engagement Teams

**Desirable-**
- Degree in Aboriginal Studies, Social Work, Public Policy, or related field.
- Knowledge of the South Australian early years landscape and government processes.

**What’s in it for you?**
- **Make lasting impact**: Your leadership will shape state-wide strategies and ensure Aboriginal families are better supported from the earliest years.
- **Work with community**:Partner with Aboriginal people, community-controlled organisations, and government to build culturally responsive policies—grounded in trust and respect.
- **Elevate