Principal Policy Officer

Principal Policy Officer

Grade: Clerk Grade 11/12
Salary Range: $149,739 - $173,174 + super
Location: Haymarket, flexible working conditions (office presence 2-3 days per week required)
Employment type: 2xFull-Time (35 hrs p/week) Temporary opportunities (1x6 months and 1xUntil June 2028) with possibility of extension"
Principal Portfolio Policy – Workers Compensation Reform, DCS Policy and Reform

About this role

• Are you passionate about shaping policies and programs that positively impact the lives of individuals and businesses in New South Wales?
• Are you a strategic and critical thinker, with strong organisational and people management skills, and have experience working on and/or leading strategic public policy projects?

About Us

The Workers Compensation Project team is a policy team within Portfolio Policy and Cabinet supporting the introduction and implementation of government priority reforms, in consultation with other agencies including the State Insurance Regulatory Authority and Insurance and Care NSW. 

This is a temporary opportunity to join our small, highly skilled team providing strategic policy advice to Ministers, the DCS Secretary and senior executives, including a Steering Committee. In this role you will have the opportunity to gain exposure to senior decisionmakers and play a role in shaping policy, strategy and legislation in the DCS Portfolio across a diverse range of issues.

About the role

Reporting to the Director, Workers Compensation Project, Portfolio Policy and Cabinet, you will work with a small, highly skilled team that delivers high-profile, impactful legislation and other policy initiatives.

In this role you will lead your team to:

• Collaborate with and maintain strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Research and analyse policy issues to support evidence-based decision-making and advice.
• Manage Ministerial briefings, cabinet submissions and policy and strategic advice to a Steering Committee.
• Support a range of strategic policy projects and activities relating to the workers compensation system including the preparation of discussion papers, proposals for regulatory reform, and implementation.

About You

We are looking for someone with the following skills and experience:

• Leadership of evidence-based public policy and/or strategic reform projects.
• Ability to exercise judgment in providing detailed advice in the context of broad policy objectives
• Exceptional stakeholder management and negotiation skills, including the ability to consult broadly and manage conflicting perspectives.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively, meet deadlines and deliver high-quality work.
• People management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with high attention to detail

How to apply:

Apply with your up-to-date CV (5 pages max) and covering letter or email, outlining how your skills and experience are relevant to the temporary position and why you want to work with us.

For enquiries, please reach out to Pauline Kavanagh at Pauline.kavanagh@customerservice.nsw.gov.au

Salary Grade 11/12, with the base salary for this role starting at $154,231 base plus superannuation

Click Here to access the Role Description . For enquiries relating to recruitment please contact Rodrigo Sandoval via rodrigo.sandoval@customerservice.nsw.gov.au.

Visit the Capability Application Tool to prepare for the recruitment process by accessing practice application and interview questions based on the focus capabilities listed in the role description.

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A talent pool may be created as part of this recruitment process and will be valid for up to 18 months. The talent pool may be used to fill future ongoing or temporary vacancies of the same or similar role.     

Closing Date: Tuesday, November 17th, 2026 at 11:59 pm. 

Careers at Department of Customer Service
A career at the Department of Customer Service (DCS) gives you the opportunity to help improve government services and be part of reform that benefits people across NSW. We are focused on delivering excellent customer service, digital transformation, and regulatory reform. Come join us and influence the future of our great state.

Belong in our diverse and inclusive workplace   
The strength of our workforce lies in its diversity and embracing difference, while the key to our success is leveraging the contributions of employees with different backgrounds and perspectives.

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