Principal Policy Officer - Priority Reform 4

Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council; Sydney; On-site; AUD 130,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AH&MRC) in Sydney CBD is seeking a Principal Policy Officer to drive policy development and reform for ADS&G under PR4. The role offers strategic, evidence-based advisory work and significant engagement with government partners.

The ideal candidate has senior policy experience, strong written and verbal communication, and a deep understanding of Closing the Gap and Aboriginal data governance.

Qualifications

• Senior policy experience in a regulated, political or community-based setting.
• Experience writing briefs, reports and policy materials for decision makers.
• Knowledge of ADS&G and data governance in NSW.
• Driver’s licence and willingness to travel as required.
• Understanding of Closing the Gap and Aboriginal sector.
• Qualifications in research, public admin or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead policy and reform initiatives to operationalise ADS&G in NSW.
• Design and implement policy approaches aligned with PR4.
• Identify policy issues and develop evidence-based positions and recommendations.
• Provide timely, well-argued policy advice and briefs for senior decision makers.
• Engage with government partners and represent the PR4 Team in forums.

Skills

Policy leadership

Evidence-based advisory

Stakeholder engagement

Policy development

Strong written communication

Aboriginal Data Sovereignty &Governanc

Education

Tertiary qualifications in research/public administration/social science

Job description

Principal Policy Officer - Priority Reform 4

Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council – Sydney CBD NSW

About the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW

The Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC) is the peak body for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services across New South Wales. We work alongside our Members to strengthen Aboriginal community-controlled healthcare and improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

Our work spans advocacy, policy, workforce development, health promotion, research, training and organisational support. We bring the experience and priorities of our Members into state and national decision-making, advocate for better health systems and investment, and help build the capability and sustainability of the Aboriginal community-controlled health sector.

Join our team of dynamic and innovative people who value and proudly play a meaningful role in supporting the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people and communities across NSW.

About the Project

This NSW-specific project fulfils Priority Reform 4 (PR4) commitments in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the 2025-28 NSW Closing the Gap Implementation Plan. The project focuses on improving shared access to data by Aboriginal communities; establishing shared decision‑making regarding government‑held data; building knowledge related to data and Aboriginal Data Sovereignty and Governance (ADS&G); and developing a sustainable model for ADS&G in NSW.

Primary objectives include increasing Aboriginal communities access to and sovereignty over data, and to empower communities to govern and use data in self‑determining ways. This involves honouring Aboriginal ownership and control over the collection, analysis, interpretation, dissemination, and use of Aboriginal data, especially in relation to Aboriginal knowledge.

About the Role

The Principal Policy Officer will be responsible for driving policy development and reform to support the operationalisation of ADS&G in NSW. This role will provide strategic and evidence‑based advice to inform decisions regarding approaches to and applications of ADS&G in the context of PR4, and will play a key role in relevant reform activities, including the design and implementation of a sustainable ADS&G model for NSW.

Number of Vacancies: 1

Location: Sydney CBD

Salary: Base $130,000 to $145,000 + super

The final offer within the advertised range will depend on the successful candidate's skills and experience.

Responsibilities:

Policy Development

• Lead policy and reform initiatives to operationalise ADS&G in NSW.
• Design and implement policy approaches and frameworks aligned with PR4.

Research & Analysis

• Identify emerging policy issues relevant to PR4 and ADS&G.
• Research, analyse and synthesise evidence to develop policy positions, options and recommendations.

Advice

• Provide timely, evidence‑based policy advice and recommendations to support decision‑making.
• Prepare high‑quality briefs, correspondence, reports and other policy materials as required.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent the AH&MRC PR4 Team at relevant forums, meetings and working groups.
• Build relationships and act as a key link between the AH&MRC PR4 Team and government partners on policy and reform matters.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications & Experience:

• This is an identified position. Applicants must identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Demonstrated experience in a senior policy role in a regulated, political, or community‑based organisation, or similar.
• Experience writing correspondence, briefings, reports, proposals, and information materials for key stakeholders and decision makers.
• Experience in the administrative, regulatory and knowledge environment that guides policy development by government agencies and statutory bodies.
• NSW Driver’s Licence and ability to drive and travel occasionally as required.
• Knowledge and understanding of Closing the Gap and the Aboriginal Community‑Controlled Sector.
• Tertiary qualifications pertaining to research, social science, data, ICT, policy, public administration, or similar

Skills and Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge and appreciation of the cultural, social and economic needs of Aboriginal people, including but not limited to shared data access and Aboriginal Data Sovereignty & Governance.
• Strong research and analysis skills, including experience identifying and exploring policy issues.
• Demonstrated political awareness and astuteness.
• The ability to plan and prioritise, solve problems, and deliver results.
• Manage risks effectively to ensure the success of policy and reform initiatives.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, and an ability to represent the PR4 Team at appropriate forums.

Personal Attributes

• Ability to work autonomously and demonstrate leadership, including guiding and coordinating junior staff.
• Strong interpersonal, influencing, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong work ethic with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, balance competing priorities, and
• Integrity and commitment to Ethical Practice, Equity, Diversity and Occupational Health and Safety.

Join Us!

Be part of a transformative initiative that prioritises the health and well‑being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through innovative research and collaboration.

We look forward to your application!