Policy Associate

The Cabinet Office NSW; Sydney; On-site; AUD 117,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cabinet Office NSW seeks an Associate, Policy to research and analyse complex policy issues and develop evidence-based policy options for government decision-making. You will contribute to policy development, briefings and cabinet proposals, collaborating across government and with external stakeholders to progress key priorities.

Role offers opportunities across SPIR and related groups, with a focus on delivering high-quality, ethical policy analysis in a central government setting.

Qualifications

• Policy development experience contributing to complex policy development or reform initiatives.
• Ability to deliver critical analysis and write high-quality advice on complex issues.
• Demonstrated project management from planning to delivery under tight timeframes.
• Experience working with a broad range of stakeholders across government and external organisations.
• Strong communication skills to explain complex issues clearly across teams and jurisdictions.
• Experience in ethical, professional environments with governance knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Research and analyse complex issues and develop evidence-based policy options.
• Prepare high-quality advice to support government decision-making.
• Contribute to policy development, briefings, Cabinet and project proposals; engage stakeholders.
• Coordinate cross-government cooperation to progress priorities and initiatives.
• Communicate effectively across teams, agencies and jurisdictions.

Skills

Policy development

Analysis & advice

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication & collaboration

Integrity & professionalism

Education

Legal qualifications

Job description

Leading Strategy, Policy and Integrity from the Heart of Government

• Work on complex, high-impact policy issues that support the Premier, Cabinet and government decision-making.
• Bring your policy, research, and project skills to the Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations (SPIR) Group
• Multiple ongoing, temporary and talent pool Clerk Grade 7/8 opportunities ($116,981 - $129,492 per annum) available in Martin Place, Sydney CBD.

About the Role

The Cabinet Office (TCO) plays a central role in supporting Cabinet decision‑making and driving whole‑of‑government policy reform. TCO comprises of four groups, including three policy groups, Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations (SPIR). Energy, Environment and Evidence (EEE) and Economic, Housing and Infrastructure Policy (EHIP).

We are recruiting multiple Associate, Policy opportunities within the Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations (SPIR) Group, including:

• 1x ongoing role in the Intergovernmental Relations team
• 2x temporary roles up to 3 August 2028, with the potential to extend or convert to ongoing across the Human Services and Intergovernmental Relations teams

As an Associate, Policy, you’ll research and analyse complex issues, develop evidence‑based policy options and prepare high‑quality advice to support government decision‑making.

You’ll contribute to policy development, briefings, Cabinet and project proposals, stakeholder consultation and strategic initiatives, working across government to progress key priorities.

It’s an opportunity to build your policy experience at the centre of government and contribute to issues with a significant impact across NSW.

Successful applicants may be appointed directly to a role or placed in the talent pool for future opportunities at the same grade over an 18‑month period.

To learn more about the role please review the Role Description.

About the Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations Group

The Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations (SPIR) Group provides advice across social policy, justice, security and intergovernmental priorities. Its Human Services and Intergovernmental Relations Branch works across health, education, early childhood, skills, communities and disability reform, as well as NSW’s engagement with the Commonwealth and other states and territories, including supporting the Premier through National Cabinet. The Justice and Security Policy Branch works across civil and criminal justice, policing, family and sexual violence, national security, public safety and resilience, and cyber security.

We're Looking For

Individuals who have experience in social policy areas or legislative and justice matters (including legal qualifications).

Key required capabilities, qualifications and experience include:

• Policy Development & Delivery: Demonstrated experience contributing to complex policy development, intergovernmental reform initiatives or service delivery projects within government or a similarly complex environment.
• Analysis & Advice: Proven ability to undertake critical analysis and deliver high‑quality, evidence‑based written and verbal advice on complex, sensitive or cross‑portfolio issues.
• Project Management: Demonstrated capability in planning, coordinating and delivering policy or project work within tight timeframes, balancing competing priorities in fast‑paced environments.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Experience working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, including across government agencies, central agencies, Commonwealth agencies and external organisations, to inform policy development and achieve outcomes.
• Communication & Collaboration: Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex issues and work constructively across teams, agencies and jurisdictions.
• Integrity & Professionalism: Experience working in a highly ethical and professional environment, with a sound understanding of relevant legislative, policy and governance frameworks.

We value diverse experiences. Even if you're not sure you meet all requirements, we encourage you to apply.

Salary: Clerk Grade 7/8. Package includes base salary ($116,981 - $129,492) plus superannuation (12%)and leave loading.

Hiring Manager: Leona Wedderburn, Associate Director on [e-mail].

About The Cabinet Office

Leading Strategy, Policy and Integrity from the Heart of Government

The Cabinet Office supports the Premier and Cabinet in their roles as decision‑makers with expert policy advice informed by data, evidence, consultation and a focus on the bigger picture. Learn more about The Cabinet Office and a career at The Cabinet Office.

Our Commitment

We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans and other diverse communities.

The Cabinet Office acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and live. We pay respect to Ancestors and Elders past and present. We recognise and learn from the strengths of First Nations peoples of New South Wales and their continuing connection to, and unique cultural and spiritual relationship with, Country.

Additional Information

Reasonable Adjustments: The selection process will include assessment techniques to determine your suitability. You can request reasonable adjustments at any stage by indicating in pre‑screening questions, contacting the Talent Team at [e-mail], or reaching out to the hiring manager.