Senior Policy Officer

Senior Policy Officer (Living Affordability, including Energy) Full-time Temporary

Are you looking for a fast-paced role where you can make a real difference?

This is a great opportunity for a passionate, driven, talented and innovative individual to undertake professional and high-quality research and analysis that supports and provides leadership to QCOSS' policy and advocacy activities. This role will have a focus on living affordability which will also include consumer issues related to essential services (in particular energy).

About us:

We are Queensland's peak body for the social service sector.  We create positive social change through our work in effective advocacy, policy development, engaging and empowering our members, the social service sector, and communities across the State. Our vision is to achieve equality, opportunity, and wellbeing for every person, in every community.

As a conduit for change in our sector, we are always looking at creating interesting and innovative ways to connect and engage with our members, stakeholders, and broader community.

About you:

You have a passion for work that creates meaningful change. You will be comfortable working in a high-performing, fast-paced environment and be:

• Professional, enthusiastic, innovative, resilient and flexible.
• Outcome-focussed, proactive, and driven to deliver a consistently high standard of work

You will have tertiary qualifications in Economics, Social policy, Social Sciences, Public Policy and Social Research, Law, Health or other relevant tertiary qualifications, and demonstrated experience to fulfil the requirements of the position that includes:

• Research and complex policy analysis skills including ability to interpret legislation, as well as the analysis of data and academic grey literature and collect information from relevant QCOSS members and community organisations
• Strong writing skills, including the ability to draft submissions, research papers and briefs with a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to devel evidenced based solutions and recommendations in response to issues impacting on the community services sector and their service users
• Continuous improvement skills to contribute to improving existing research and policy practice and quality assurance.
• High-level project management skills with the ability to coordinate competing priorities and stakeholders needs, coupled with excellent interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• A strong understanding and commitment to the work of QCOSS and our commitment to social justice.

In addition, the following mandatory requirement applies:

• Work Rights: You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

This is not just a job; this is a fantastic opportunity to make an impact

What you will get:

We will offer you a flexible, exciting, rewarding full-time (38 hrs/week) temporary position for a period of 12 months in a great place to work.

All this plus a competitive remuneration package between $114,509.20 and $119,587.52 per annum dependent on relevant qualifications and experience to fulfil the requirements of the position.

Superannuation of 13% and salary packaging benefits apply in addition to flexible work arrangements including working from home, flex time and time off in lieu provisions.

Find out more:

The position description and selection criteria can be found on the QCOSS website at  or by emailing:   If you require any further information or detail, please contact Bronwen Kippen, Executive Director Research and Policy at

Please note QCOSS will be closed from Friday 19 December, and will reopen Monday 5 January 2026.

Don't wait - Inspire Us and Apply Now

QCOSS is focused on hiring people who are adaptable and resilient, committed to teamwork and strong collaboration, and who share our values of respect, optimism, and strength.

So, if this role resonates with you, please apply by providing a copy of your resume and a cover letter responding to the selection criteria (no more than 2 pages) by 5:00 pm Monday 12  January 2026.

Any application that does not address the selection criteria will not be considered.

Inclusion and diversity:

QCOSS is an inclusive employer. We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional custodians of the land in which we live and work and, therefore, support their right of self-determination.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where employee diversity such as gender, age, culture, disability (physical or mental health), religion, sexual orientation is recognised and celebrated.

We encourage applications from people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds and people with disability.

We respectfully request no recruitment agency approaches