aso6 senior policy and project officer

Office for Early Childhood Development

Job reference: 694946

Location: ADELAIDE

Job status: Long Term Contract

Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Why work with us:

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.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• 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.

About you:

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.

Role Benefits:

• 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.

Application Instructions and Information:

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.

Remuneration:

ASO6 - $98,478 - $104,165 per annum, plus superannuation.

Additional Note:

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

Enquiries:

Enquiries can be directed to

Special Conditions:

For all other special conditions please refer to the attached position description.

Applications close: 11/09/2025 11:45 PM