Senior Project Officer

NSW Department of Communities and Justice; Lismore; Hybrid; AUD 133,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

The NSW Reconstruction Authority in Lismore seeks a Senior Project Officer to provide strategic policy advice, governance oversight and program assurance for Adaptation & Resilience initiatives.

You will analyse issues, prepare executive briefings, monitor finances and risks, and partner with delivery teams and stakeholders to support robust, timely decisions in a complex government program.

Qualifications

• Strong written communication skills and ability to prepare executive briefings and complex reports.
• Experience in policy development, governance, assurance or program management.
• Ability to assess information, identify key issues and develop practical recommendations.
• Financial literacy and ability to interpret budgets, forecasts, and performance reporting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare high-quality briefing notes, strategic advice and reporting for senior executives and governance forums.
• Analyse complex issues, risks and program performance information to provide evidence-based recommendations and support decision-making.
• Contribute to policy development and continuous improvement initiatives across Adaptation and Resilience programs.
• Monitor and analyse financial performance, project expenditure and program forecasts, identifying trends, risks and emerging issues.
• Develop and maintain reporting products that provide clear insights into program performance, delivery risks and strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across operational, policy and corporate functions to support program outcomes and strategic objectives.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Policy development

Governance experience

Stakeholder engagement

Executive briefing

Financial literacy

Education

Tertiary qualification

Job description

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Department/Agency: NSW Reconstruction Authority

Location: Lismore, NSW, AU, 2480

Whole of Government expression of Interest – NSW Government employees only eligible to apply

Temporary full-time - until 31 March 2028 (35 hours/week)

Role based in Lismore with flexible and hybrid working arrangements

Clerk Grade 9/10, Salary relative to experience from $133,348 to $146,945 + super

The Senior Project Officer plays a critical role in supporting the successful delivery of the Adaptation & Resilience programs through the provision of strategic policy advice, governance oversight, executive reporting and program assurance.

Working across a complex, high-profile program environment, you will analyse emerging issues, develop evidence-based recommendations, prepare high-quality executive and ministerial briefings, and support robust governance and decision-making processes. You will work closely with program delivery teams, senior leaders and key stakeholders to ensure risks, issues, finances, performance and strategic priorities are effectively monitored and reported.

This role is ideal for a highly analytical professional who combines strong policy and governance expertise with an understanding of program and project delivery in a government environment.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare high-quality briefing notes, strategic advice and reporting for senior executives and governance forums.
• Analyse complex issues, risks and program performance information to provide evidence-based recommendations and support decision-making.
• Contribute to policy development and continuous improvement initiatives across Adaptation and Resilience programs.
• Monitor and analyse financial performance, project expenditure and program forecasts, identifying trends, risks and emerging issues.
• Develop and maintain reporting products that provide clear insights into program performance, delivery risks and strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across operational, policy and corporate functions to support program outcomes and strategic objectives.

About you

You are a strong writer, critical thinker and trusted adviser who can quickly understand complex issues and translate them into clear, concise advice for decision-makers.

You bring experience working within government programs, policy, governance or project environments and are comfortable operating between strategic and operational matters.

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Excellent written communication skills, including the preparation of executive briefings, strategic advice and complex reports.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess information, identify key issues and develop practical recommendations.
• Experience in policy development, governance, assurance or program management
• Financial literacy and the ability to interpret budgets, forecasts, project financials and performance reporting.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate and build productive working relationships.
• Tertiary qualification and/or relevant knowledge and experience.

Applications close 11.55pm, 11th Wednesday November 2026.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

Great people come from all walks of life. At NSW Reconstruction Authority we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote gender diversity in our workplaces, the employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the employment of people with a disability. We welcome and encourage applications from all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background or sexual orientation.