Principal Policy Officer

Aboriginal Engagement; West Perth; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A government department in Ontario, Canada, is seeking a Principal Policy Officer to lead the development and delivery of strategic projects related to the Native Title Act. Responsibilities include managing complex negotiations and engaging with stakeholders across sectors. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership skills and have a profound understanding of government policy and negotiation processes. This full-time permanent role offers an opportunity to contribute to significant public sector initiatives focused on Aboriginal engagement and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Experience in Native Title Act negotiations and future acts.
• Skills in developing policy and managing projects.
• Ability to produce evidence-based recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Lead future act negotiations with various stakeholders.
• Develop collaborative strategies for future acts.
• Manage critical analysis and quality assurance on projects.

Skills

Native Title Act expertise

Negotiation skills

Public sector knowledge

Leadership

Interpersonal communication

Job description

Principal Policy Officer – Advisory and Negotiations

Position Number: DPC25071 | Work Type: Permanent – Full Time | Closing Date: 5 January 2026, 4:00 pm

The Department of the Premier and Cabinet has established a Native Title Act Future Acts Unit to provide strategic oversight and leadership of future act matters across the Western Australian public sector. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to key strategic priority projects, including the clean energy transition, decarbonisation, and increased economic diversification.

About the Unit

The Unit is part of the broader Aboriginal Engagement directorate and delivers three key functions: Future Acts Advisory and Negotiation; Future Acts Assessment and Triage; and secretariat and administrative support for relevant committees. The team engages directly with native title groups and Aboriginal communities while collaborating closely with other WA Government agencies.

About the Role

The Principal Policy Officer leads the development and delivery of strategic projects and policy outcomes. Responsibilities include:

• Lead and contribute to complex future act negotiations in collaboration with key state government, private sector, and community stakeholders.
• Develop and implement collaborative strategies that resolve cross‑agency issues and facilitate coordination of future acts matters.

To be successful you will have strongly developed skills and experience in:

• Native Title Act future acts and agreement making under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and related state legislation.
• Developing and negotiating whole‑of‑government solutions to complex matters.
• Leading, developing, and implementing contemporary and responsive policy relating to native title future act matters.
• Leading, coordinating, and managing priority projects and providing critical analysis and quality assurance.

You will demonstrate outstanding leadership characteristics, a deep understanding of the public sector, and the ability to produce evidence‑based recommendations that withstand scrutiny.

Requirements for Application

• Comprehensive CV detailing qualifications, skills, experiences, and key achievements relative to the position. Include contact details of two referees, at least one of whom is a current or recent supervisor.
• Two‑page cover letter detailing experience, skills, and knowledge in developing and implementing policy and projects relevant to the Native Title Act future act framework and related state legislation; and highly developed communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise, negotiate, and consult with a range of stakeholders.

Permanent Appointment

Eligibility requires Australian citizenship or permanent resident status in Australia at the time of applying.

Equity and Diversity

The Department of the Premier and Cabinet is committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) will apply to this position. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Additional Requirements

• Proof of identity (100‑point check).
• A satisfactory National Police Certificate issued by the Western Australian Police Force that is less than two months from the date of issue.

How to Apply

Click ‘Apply for Job’ at the bottom of this advertisement to submit your application. Applications are to be received no later than 4:00 pm, Monday 5 January 2026.

Interview Date

Interviews for shortlisted applicants will be held in the week commencing 26 January 2026. Further details will be provided prior to that date.

Subsequent Vacancies

Applicants who are found suitable in this process may be considered for similar vacancies that arise within the department, in accordance with the relevant Commissioner’s Instructions.