Public Policy Specialist

Whizdom; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Whizdom is seeking an Education Officer to lead national education programs and policy initiatives that promote social cohesion and inclusion.

The role involves planning and delivering programs in collaboration with government agencies, education stakeholders and the public, and addressing Islamophobia in the education sector. Strong policy capability and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Australian education sector and its systems, with policy/program experience.
• Experience in education programs and policy related to social cohesion or interfaith cooperation.
• Teaching or training experience.
• Strong cultural competency and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to translate stakeholder perspectives into policy and program outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead education and training matters across programs, policies and events.
• Provide advice on complex issues and influence stakeholders to achieve outcomes.
• Monitor environment and translate developments into strategic advice and responses.
• Develop and deliver national education programs and events addressing Islamophobia and social cohesion.
• Evaluate program performance and adapt delivery approaches.

Skills

Education sector knowledge

Policy & program experience

Teaching/training experience

Cultural competency

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic policy advice

Strong written/verbal communication

Education

Degree in Education or policy-related field

Job description

Location: Sydney or Melbourne, with office attendance on agreed anchor days

Engagement: Full-time, approximately 12 months

Hours: 8 hours per day, 5 days per week

Security requirement: Australian citizenship and the ability to obtain, or currently hold, an Australian Government Baseline security clearance

Education Officer

About the Opportunity

A specialist Australian Government office is seeking an experienced Education Officer to lead education programs and policy initiatives that promote social cohesion and inclusion.

This position will plan and deliver national programs, projects, events and policies in collaboration with government agencies, education-sector stakeholders and members of the public. The successful candidate will also help raise awareness of Islamophobia and its impact within the education sector.

The role requires sound judgement, strong policy capability and the ability to anticipate emerging issues, evaluate program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate education and training matters, ensuring alignment across programs, policies, events and related initiatives.
• Provide advice on complex and sensitive issues and influence stakeholders to achieve program and policy outcomes.
• Monitor the operating environment, anticipate emerging issues and translate complex developments into clear strategic advice and practical responses.
• Develop, coordinate and deliver national education programs, initiatives and events that build awareness of Islamophobia and promote social cohesion.
• Evaluate project, policy and program performance, identify critical success factors and adapt delivery approaches where required.
• Identify and manage risks, including escalating issues when necessary.
• Prepare high-quality briefs, reports and other written materials.
• Provide clear and actionable advice to senior office stakeholders.
• Contribute to frameworks, methodologies and process improvements.

The position may also involve interstate travel, attendance at external forums as an office representative and work outside standard hours.

Required Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated knowledge of the Australian education sector and its systems, supported by relevant policy and program experience.
• Experience in education programs and policy relating to social cohesion, intercultural cooperation or interfaith cooperation.
• Teaching and/or training experience.
• Strong cultural competency, professionalism and sensitivity when engaging with diverse communities and stakeholders.
• An understanding of stakeholder, community and government environments, with the ability to incorporate these perspectives into policy, strategy and program outcomes.
• Proven research and analytical capability, including the ability to translate findings into evidence-informed educational resources, advice and policy responses.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing senior-level briefings, submissions and reports.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, with a demonstrated ability to establish strategic partnerships and influence decision-makers on sensitive matters.
• Sound judgement, resilience and adaptability when responding to emerging priorities and complex issues.
• Demonstrated experience identifying, assessing and managing risks across policy, project or program delivery.
• The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and remain calm and professional under external scrutiny.,

Desirable Experience

• Knowledge of government decision-making processes, policy and program frameworks, and whole-of-government approaches to education, training and learning.
• Experience in related social-policy areas, such as anti-racism, discrimination, multicultural affairs or human rights.
• Experience coordinating consultations, forums, roundtables or other stakeholder-engagement activities.
• An understanding of, or experience working with, Australia’s Muslim community or matters relating to Islamophobia. ,

What’s on Offer

• An approximately 12-month, full-time engagement.
• The opportunity to lead nationally focused education programs, events and policy initiatives.
• Meaningful work supporting social cohesion, cultural responsiveness and stronger community outcomes.
• Engagement with government, educational institutions, community stakeholders and subject-matter experts.
• A Sydney or Melbourne-based position with office attendance on agreed anchor days.

Eligibility and Security Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be Australian citizens.
• Be able to obtain, or currently hold, an Australian Government Baseline security clearance.
• Be available to work full-time.
• Be based in Sydney or Melbourne and able to attend the office on agreed anchor days.