Senior Policy Officers x2

Homelessness NSW; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 114,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax‑fee

Nine-day fortnight option

Flexible work arrangements including W

Job summary

Homelessness NSW, the peak body for ending homelessness in NSW, is seeking two Senior Policy Officers to drive policy initiatives and advocacy with government, partners and the sector. These full-time, 12-month contracts are based in Woolloomooloo, Sydney, with flexible work options including regular work-from-home days.

You will lead evidence-based policy work in housing and homelessness, manage stakeholder engagement, budgeting and reporting, and supervise a Policy Officer, reporting to the

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience in social policy and research, preferably housing/homelessness.
• Understanding of homelessness-related laws and public policy.
• Strong stakeholder consultation and facilitation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Budgeting and project management experience.
• Commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal peoples.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement policy initiatives and advocacy strategies.
• Conduct in-depth policy analysis and propose evidence-based solutions.
• Provide expert policy advice to stakeholders and manage relationships.
• Lead stakeholder engagement to inform policy solutions.
• Support research and expand knowledge on homelessness policy.
• Analyse data to support policy and project development.
• Oversee budgeting, reporting and project management with senior leadership.
• Coordinate events and manage a direct report.
• Stay updated on legislation and policy developments.

Skills

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Governance & budgeting

Advocacy

Communication

Public policy expertise

Education

Tertiary qualifications in social/public policy

Driver Licence

Five years relevant experience

Job description

Homelessness NSW is the peak agency dedicated to ending homelessness across NSW. Representing a diverse membership, including specialist homelessness services, allied organisations and individuals with lived experience, we advocate and provide leadership on homelessness issues. Our purpose is to build the capability of people and the capacity of systems to end homelessness. Guided by social justice and human rights principles, we strive for an NSW where everyone has a safe place to call home. Through collaboration with government, services, and partners, we influence policy, support effective service delivery and drive innovation.

Position Overview

Homelessness NSW is seeking two dynamic and experienced Senior Policy Officers to lead policy initiatives and advocacy efforts that support our strategic goals. These roles play a crucial role in engaging with government, developing evidence-based solutions and facilitating sector engagement and consultation across a range of reform initiatives.

As a Senior Policy Officer, you will develop evidence-based policy approaches, engage stakeholders, and lead key policy initiatives aligned with Homelessness NSW’s strategic objective to make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring in NSW. The position requires a high level of expertise in social policy, particularly in social housing and homelessness.

Both roles are full-time for a fixed 12-month contract. Our office is based in Woolloomooloo, Sydney and candidates based in Sydney are preferred. Homelessness NSW supports flexible working arrangements, including work from home days every week and varied start and finish times.

The role salary is set at the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry (SCHADS) Award Level 6, offering a range of $113,600.00 to $128,200.00, with access to Not-for-Profit Salary Packaging benefits up to $15,900 tax-free. We also offer the option to work a nine-day fortnight.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and implement policy initiatives, advocacy strategies, and engagement aligned with Homelessness NSW’s strategic objectives.
• Conduct in-depth policy analysis to identify emerging issues and propose evidence-based solutions.
• Provide expert policy advice to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring informed decision-making.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with government agencies, non-government organisations, and key stakeholders.
• Lead stakeholder engagement to inform and shape policy solutions.
• Contribute to research efforts and expand Homelessness NSW’s knowledge base on homelessness policy.
• Analyse qualitative and quantitative data to support policy and project development.
• Work closely with the CEO and Director, Policy, Advocacy & Research, to ensure effective project management, budgeting and planning.
• Effectively manage a direct report (Policy Officer).
• Coordinate events including member workshops and policy/strategy forums.
• Stay updated on relevant legislation, standards, and policy developments impacting homelessness.
• Undertake administrative efforts such as report writing, record-keeping, and scheduling.
• Undertake other tasks and projects as required by Homelessness NSW.

Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated experience in social policy and research at a senior level, preferably in the areas of housing and homelessness.
• Excellent understanding of the issues facing people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and laws and public policy that impact on homelessness and the risk of homelessness.
• Demonstrated skills in stakeholder consultation and facilitation, including navigating a range of views and supporting participation for those with lived or living experience of homelessness.
• Strong analytical and research skills, including the ability to analyse and interpret complex information from a variety of sources to make informed recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of synthesising complex concepts for diverse audiences.
• Strong advocacy skills with a demonstrated ability to influence social change.
• Commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal peoples, including through addressing the systemic over-representation of Aboriginal people experiencing homelessness.
• Previous experience managing project budgets.

Your Qualification and experience will consist of:

• Tertiary qualifications in social or public policy, research, campaigning, community development, or a related field, and/or five (5) years of relevant experience.
• Valid Driver Licence.

Join Homelessness NSW as the Senior Policy Officer and contribute to impactful initiatives.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Vee Blackwood (Director of Policy, Advocacy & Research): [e-mail] using the subject line: Senior Policy Officers x2 enquiry via EthicalJobs.