Policy & Project Officer

NSW Department of Communities and Justice; Dubbo; On-site; AUD 117,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work environment

Career development opportunities

Health & Wellbeing programs

Employee Assistance Programs

Job summary

NSW Department of Communities and Justice – Office for Youth is seeking a policy professional to coordinate strategic policy research, analysis and development that supports government priorities affecting children and young people across NSW.

You will work in a collaborative team, engage with diverse stakeholders, prepare briefs and reports, and help design and evaluate policy initiatives. Temporary full-time role until June 2027 with potential extension.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience undertaking policy research, analysis and development, including preparing high-quality briefs, reports and recommendations for decision-makers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex issues clearly and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and deliver high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience building productive relationships and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to achieve shared objectives and policy outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and undertake strategic policy research, analysis and development activities that support government priorities and strategic initiatives affecting children and young people.
• Research, analyse and provide policy advice to support government priorities, informed decision-making and improved outcomes for children and young people.
• Develop policy solutions and project outcomes by preparing briefs, reports and other documentation, while supporting the implementation and evaluation of policy initiatives.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships by engaging with young people, government agencies and community organisations, coordinating consultations and identifying emerging issues and opportunities.

Skills

Policy research

Stakeholder engagement

Written & verbal communication

Time management

Collaboration

Job description

Location – Any NSW Location (Flexible)

Employment type – Temporary full time for up to June 2027 with a possibility of extension

Salary - $116,981 - $129,492 plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

Your role

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to evidence-based strategic policy development, engage with diverse stakeholders, and ensure the voices of young people influence government decision-making.

Working within a collaborative and high-performing team, you will undertake research, provide policy advice, and support projects that deliver meaningful outcomes for children, young people and communities throughout NSW

What You’ll Do

As part of the Office for Youth, you will coordinate and undertake strategic policy research, analysis and development activities that support government priorities and strategic initiatives affecting children and young people

You Will

• Research, analyse and provide policy advice to support government priorities, informed decision-making and improved outcomes for children and young people.
• Develop policy solutions and project outcomes by preparing briefs, reports and other documentation, while supporting the implementation and evaluation of policy initiatives.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships by engaging with young people, government agencies and community organisations, coordinating consultations and identifying emerging issues and opportunities.

What We’re Looking For

• Demonstrated experience undertaking policy research, analysis and development, including preparing high-quality briefs, reports and recommendations for decision-makers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex issues clearly and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and deliver high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience building productive relationships and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to achieve shared objectives and policy outcomes.

We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply – you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.

Download the role description.

What We Offer

We offer a variety of benefits, including:

• A challenging and rewarding career
• Flexible, autonomous work environment
• Competitive pay and conditions
• Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities
• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.

We do work that really matters

Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It’s work that really matters.

Applications close:

Sunday 25th October 2026 at 11:59pm AEST.

Got a question?

For more information about the role or what it’s like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Charlotte Frew at [e-mail].

If you’ve got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best, please call Mayur Kaushik on 0467 174 016 or via [e-mail].

Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit

We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.

To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.

Other Information

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

For more information visit Applying for DCJ jobs on the DCJ website.

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.

To keep up with recruitment opportunities at DCJ, follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CareersatDCJ/

The Welcome Experience

Thinking about moving to regional NSW? Get free, personalised support with housing, schools, jobs, and settling in. Learn more: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience

The careers site currently promotes this service on the ‘Discover roles with DCJ in regional NSW’ page.