Senior Associate, Policy

New South Wales Premier's Department; Sydney; On-site; AUD 133,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Career development

Work‑life balance

Wellbeing support

Inclusive culture

Job summary

New South Wales Premier's Department in Sydney is seeking a Senior Associate, Policy to drive complex cross‑agency policy work that shapes state‑significant reforms in emergency management. You will provide high‑quality, well‑researched advice to the Premier and Minister for Emergency Services, informing decisions on urgent issues and major initiatives.

Responsibilities include Cabinet proposals, analyzing emerging trends, and leading stakeholder engagement across government and the community to

Qualifications

• Expertise in emergency management and cross‑agency coordination.
• Advanced analytical and problem solving abilities for complex issues.
• Proven project management experience with stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Drive cross‑agency policy work shaping state reforms in emergency management.
• Provide high‑quality, evidence‑based advice to the Premier and Minister for Emergency Services.
• Lead cabinet proposals, trends analysis, and stakeholder engagement to deliver practical solutions.

Skills

Emergency management

Analytical thinking

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Job description

New South Wales Premier's Department – Sydney CBD NSW

• Shape state-wide reform with high-impact, cross-agency policy work.
  
• Bring advanced problem-solving, policy and project management expertise to support Emergency Management in NSW.
  
• Full time, temporary Clerk Grade 9/10 role ($133,348 - $146,945 per annum) opportunity up to 30 April 2027, based in Martin Place Sydney.
  

Premier's Department

Senior Associate, Policy

You. At the centre of big ideas.

• Shape state-wide reform with high-impact, cross-agency policy work.
  
• Bring advanced problem-solving, policy and project management expertise to support Emergency Management in NSW.
  
• Full time, temporary Clerk Grade 9/10 role ($133,348 - $146,945 per annum) opportunity up to 30 April 2027, based in Martin Place Sydney.
  

About the Role

As a Senior Associate, Policy, you will drive complex cross‑agency policy work that shapes state‑significant reforms in emergency management. The role provides high‑quality, well‑researched advice to the Premier and Minister for Emergency Services, informing decisions on urgent issues and major initiatives.

Responsibilities include Cabinet proposals, analysing emerging trends, and leading stakeholder engagement across government and the community to deliver practical, evidence‑based emergency management solutions.

We're seeking candidates with deep knowledge of the emergency management sector, advanced problem‑solving and policy development capabilities to join the Delivery and Engagement Group in the Emergency Management Branch.

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

We're Looking For

• Expertise in Emergency Management: Deep knowledge of the emergency management sector, including experience with cross-agency coordination, policy reforms, and an understanding of the machinery of government and interdepartmental processes.
• Advanced Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to undertake objective, critical analysis of complex issues, draw accurate conclusions, and develop practical, evidence-based solutions that consider the broader business and policy context.
• Strong Project Management Capabilities: Demonstrated experience in planning, coordinating, and delivering complex projects, including stakeholder consultation, risk management, monitoring milestones, and evaluating outcomes.
• Exceptional Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences, facilitate collaboration, influence and negotiate with internal and external stakeholders, and prepare high‑quality advice for senior leaders.
• Collaborative Leadership: Commitment to acting ethically and professionally, supporting a culture of integrity, and fostering collaboration and mentoring within teams to deliver on state‑significant projects and reforms.

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

Why Join Us?

• Flexible Working: Broad range of flexible working arrangements
• Career Development: Ongoing learning through expert‑led sessions, online training, and professional development opportunities
• Work-Life Balance: Flex time accrual for extra hours worked (for non‑executive roles) based on a 35‑hour standard week
• Wellbeing Support: Access to employee assistance program, fitness passport program, and wellbeing initiatives
• Inclusive Culture: Staff‑led networks including Aboriginal Staff Advisory Committee, Diversity & Inclusion Network, and Young Professionals Network

Closing date: Friday, 16 October 2026 (11.59pm)

Salary: Clerk Grade 9/10. Package includes base salary ($133,348 - $146,945) plus superannuation (12%) and leave loading.

Hiring Manager: Rachael Gibson, Associate Director on **************@premiersdepartment.nsw.gov.au

About the Premier's Department

Connecting to Deliver from the Heart of Government

The Premier's Department leads the state's 430,000 public servants, driving collaboration and the delivery of whole‑of‑government priorities. Learn more about the department and a career at Premier's Department.

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 Premier's Department 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 ***@premiersdepartment.nsw.gov.au, or reaching out to the hiring manager.

Talent Pool

Talent Pool may be created from this recruitment process. If eligible, you may be contacted for ongoing and temporary opportunities in the same role or grade that become available over an 18‑month period.