Senior Policy Adviser

NSW Department of Communities and Justice; Sydney; On-site; AUD 133,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

NSW Department of Communities and Justice seeks a Senior Policy Advisor to support the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People in policy research and advice. You will work under the Policy Manager to help influence government decisions and outcomes for young people in NSW.

The role involves high-impact analysis, collaboration with diverse stakeholders, and delivering policy projects to improve wellbeing, safety and participation for children and young people across the state.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience researching, analysing and developing policy advice on complex issues, preferably within government or a related environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to build positive relationships across government, community and sector partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to policy research, analysis and development across issues affecting children and young people in NSW.
• Monitor emerging issues and trends, identify risks and opportunities, and contribute to effective policy solutions.
• Deliver policy projects within agreed timeframes and quality standards.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with government agencies and other stakeholders.
• Respond to ministerial requests and contribute to initiatives that improve outcomes for children and young people.

Skills

Policy research

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Project management

Policy analysis

Job description

Location – Strawberry Hills

Employment type – Temporary full time for 12 months with a possibility of extension

$133,348 - $146,945 plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

This is a targeted recruitment. While all applicants are welcome, preference will be given to candidates who meet the established standards of the role and are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander descent. This is because the Department acknowledges this lived experience contributes a perspective valuable to our work with this community.

Senior Policy Advisor

Location – Strawberry Hills

Employment type – Temporary full time for 12 months with a possibility of extension

Salary – $133,348 - $146,945 plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

This is a targeted recruitment. While all applicants are welcome, preference will be given to candidates who meet the established standards of the role and are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander descent. This is because the Department acknowledges this lived experience contributes a perspective valuable to our work with this community.

Your role

This role reports to Policy Manager and supports the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People in their role as an independent statutory officer under the Advocate for Children and Young People Act (2014).

You will undertake high-impact policy research, provide expert advice, and contribute to initiatives that ensure young people's voices influence government decision-making. This is an exciting opportunity to work on complex and meaningful issues, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and deliver outcomes that support the wellbeing, safety and participation of children and young people in NSW.

What You’ll Do

You will lead and contribute to policy research, analysis and development across a range of issues affecting children and young people in NSW.

You Will Also

• Research, analyse and develop evidence-based policy options and provide strategic advice
• Monitor emerging issues and trends, identify risks and opportunities, and contribute to effective policy solutions
• Deliver policy projects within agreed timeframes and quality standards
• Build and maintain productive relationships with government agencies, community organisations and other stakeholders
• Respond to ministerial requests and contribute to initiatives that improve outcomes for children and young people

What We’re Looking For

• Demonstrated experience researching, analysing and developing policy advice on complex issues, preferably within government or a related environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly for a range of audiences.
• Proven stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build positive relationships across government, community and sector partners
• Highly developed analytical, problem-solving and project management skills, with the ability to deliver quality outcomes under tight deadlines

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, you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.

What We Offer

• 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.

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 Charmian Zhang 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 and advice on applying for roles at DCJ, visit Careers for Aboriginal people.

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/

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