Policy and Program Officer | Full-time Temporary with a Possibility of Permanency

Australian Capital Territory; Canberra; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Policy and Program Officer role with the ACT Government’s Health and Community Services Directorate supports policy, reporting and project activities to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ACT.

The position is full-time, temporary with the possibility of extension or permanency and involves collaboration across government and the community sector on strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• Experience in policy, reporting, program delivery or project work within a government environment will be highly regarded.
• Cultural awareness and ability to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare briefing material, reports and correspondence.
• Contribute to policy development and implementation, coordinate reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with colleagues across government and community sector on strategic priorities.

Job description

Policy and Program Officer
Full-time Temporary with a Possibility of Permanency

Details: Help Shape Better Outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the ACT.

The Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs (OATSIA) within the Health and Community Services Directorate is seeking a Policy and Program Officer. The role supports a range of policy, reporting and project activities that contribute to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ACT.

You will prepare briefing material, reports and correspondence, contribute to policy development and implementation, coordinate reporting requirements, and work with colleagues across government and the community sector on strategic priorities, including Closing the Gap. We are looking for someone with strong communication and organisational skills who can manage competing priorities, build effective working relationships and deliver high-quality work within agreed timeframes.

Health and Community Services Directorate (HCSD) is an inclusive employer where all people are respected and valued for their contribution. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, mature age workers, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) people.

Eligibility/Other Requirements:

• Experience in policy, reporting, program delivery or project work within a government environment will be highly regarded.


• As this role is likely to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and young people, cultural awareness, the capacity to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is highly desirable.

Notes: This is a temporary position available from 15 November 2026 for up to 12 months with possibility of extension (not exceeding 12 months) and/or permanency.

A merit list will be established from this selection process and will be used to fill vacancies over the next 12 months.

Note: Under the ACTPS employment framework you may be placed in another role where required for the efficient administration of the service.

Where an offer of employment is for a fixed-term period, any related temporary contracts within the Territory will be issued in compliance with the requirements and applicable exceptions outlined in the Fair Work Act.

The ACT public service is committed to closing the gap, underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved. More information can be found here ACT Closing the Gap Implementation Plan - ACT Government Transparency Portal .

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Note

This is a temporary position available from 15 November 2026 for up to 12 months with possibility of extension (not exceeding 12 months) and/or permanency.