Policy Officer

**Ongoing Clerk Grade 7/8 Policy officer**:

- **Located in the Parramatta hub with flexible and hybrid working arrangements available**:

- **We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, people living with disability and people living in regional areas to apply**
- Are you a Policy Officer with lived experience and/or experience within the Early Childhood ,Community or Government sector that would like to work on programs to promote and ensure equity of access for all children to Early Education and Care in NSW?_

**About the Department of Education**
The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population.

For more information about the Department of Education, please visit NSW Department of Education

**About the Early Childhood Outcomes Division**
The Early Childhood Outcomes Division leads the delivery of the New Early Childhood Initiatives, including comprehensive investments in the critical first five years of life for every child - in child development and in early education and care, making investments that support families and the community now, as well as investing in long term reforms for the future. Our work is focussed on attracting, retaining, growing and developing an engaged and valued Early Childhood Education and Care workforce to deliver high quality services for children and families in NSW.

**About the Opportunity**
We have an opportunity for a Policy Officer Clerk Grade 7/8 to join our new formed team within commissioning. This role will see you involved with the coordination of researching and writing policy which contribute to the development of Policies that impact the Early Childhood sector. Our department focuses on the design and delivery of early childhood education and care programs, projects and funding to ensure all children receive the best start in life and can reach their potential.

**Some key activities**
- Undertake research and analysing information and data to support the development of evidence-based policy, including opportunities align with broader reform priorities and initiatives.
- Build and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, facilitating their engagement in, and contribution to, the identification of development of policy solutions.
- Assist in the preparation of high-quality written advice in the form of correspondence, reports, briefs, policy documents, and discussion papers.

For further information please view the Clerk Grade 7/8 role description.

**About you**
- Previous government experience (local, state, or federal), including understanding of government processes, is ideal.
- Demonstrated experience working closely with government partners will also be considered favourably.
- Demonstrated experience in research, analysis, and advice to support delivery of policy initiatives and projects.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor communication to different audiences, including external stakeholders and senior executive.
- Proactive with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Courage to challenge the status quo and seek and share innovative ideas.
- Interested in driving reform in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector at both state and federal level.

**Essential requirements of the role**
- Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline or demonstrated equivalent knowledge and/or experience.
- A valid Working with Children Check for paid employment or ability to obtain a paid one if successful.
- Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.

**Key knowledge and experience**
- Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Department’s Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Department’s Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.

**Benefits**
- 35 hour week
- Opportunity to make a difference at Department of Education
- Convenient access to major public transport hubs in Parramatta
- Flex leave entitlements & Access to fitness passport

**How to apply**

1.Submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the essential requirements for this role and what you can bring to the role,

2.Attach an up-to-date resume (maximum of 5 pages)

**This is a child-related role.** As a condition of employment, you will be required to provide a Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number and complete a National Criminal Record Check. Visit the website for more information.

**Closing date: Sunday 9th July at 11:59pm.**
- Please note: A talent pool may be created through this recruitment process. A talent pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles, includ