Policy Officer (Disability Targeted Position)

• Full-time opportunity available for 12 months (job share and part time may also be considered)
• Hybrid work environment on offer - Armidale, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Newcastle, Orange or Queanbeyan. 
• Salary starting from $101,947 pa + super

Diversity and inclusion are core values of the Department of Regional NSW. We encourage applications from people with a range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. This includes differences in culture, gender, sexual orientation, language and disability status or other attributes. The Department of Regional NSW is a workplace where everyone is able to contribute and participate to their full potential, and we are proud to have a team that reflects the richness and complexity of the regional NSW communities we serve.

Please note: This is a Disability targeted process. As such preference will be given to candidates who identify as having a Disability. If no suitable candidate is found, other applications may also be considered.

About Us:
Part of the Department of Regional NSW, the NSW Department of Primary Industries Biosecurity & Food Safety Division are looking for a Policy Officer to join their Strategic Programs & Partnerships team to help maximise outcomes for the economy, environment and community through strategic biosecurity and food safety policy, legislation, and partnerships.

So, who are the Strategic Programs & Partnerships team and what do we do?
Located across the state we operate in a continuous learning environment, drawing on the individual strengths of team members. Our work is varied and we: 

• Manage key machinery of government deliverables including staged repeal, statute law revision, delegations, parliamentary inquiries; miscellaneous amendments; reporting; budget estimates).
• Identify opportunities for policy, legislative and administrative improvements (for example, through research and insights).
• Lead strategic planning and the development of policy, projects, reviews, and reporting
• Connect and collaborate with and influence teams, agencies, and stakeholders (for example, Cabinet matters, ministerial and branch priorities, partnerships, and agreements).
• Inform, advise, and support teams, agencies, and other stakeholders in their delivery of strategic policy outcomes.          

The Opportunity:
We are a high performing, caring and supportive team – who look out for each other. We would love for you to join us and use your understanding of government, legislative & policy frameworks to help us do what we do best.

Working as a Policy Officer, your days will be varied and will include:

• Project support – Participate on project teams, and utilise your exceptional writing skills to prepare briefs, policy, and discussion papers
• Communication – Collaborate with industry stakeholders and key peak body representatives to support effective policy development.
• Research – Undertake research, analysis, and review of options to contribute to the policy process

What We Can Offer You

• Meaningful and rewarding work with opportunities to contribute to your community, achieve your professional goals, and maintain a work-life balance.
• Flexibility (including hybrid working) a 35-hour working week plus generous parental support, health and wellbeing & employee assistance programs.
• A job with us means you can deliver with impact, connect to what matters and live your way! Watch this video to find out more.

About You:
To be successful you’ll be outcome orientated and have experience/understanding of processes to develop a project, as well as the drive to see a project through from end to end.

You will have experience / understanding of government, legislative and policy frameworks and want to make a difference for primary industries and our stakeholders. 

A strong collaborator and communicator – with the ability to work with others, you’ll have the ability to work in a fast-paced moving environment and reset priorities with the flexibility to work within the grey and adjust quickly.

Knowledge of biosecurity, agriculture and primary industries would be welcomed but is not essential.

How to Apply?
Apply by submitting a current resume and cover letter (ideally no more than 2 pages) outlining why you are interested in these roles and how your relevant skills and experience will help you to succeed.

To find out more, please contact Jenny Thomson via jenny.thomson@dpi.nsw.gov.au or 0428 975 645. You can also view the role description.  

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the recruitment selection process, please let us know so we can assist. You can contact Jodi Arthur, Disability Recruitment Specialist by phone, text, or email - 0438 740 588, jodi.arthur@regional.nsw.gov.au.

Applications close on Thursday 9 February 2023 at 11.55pm.

OUR HIRING PROCESS & TIMELINE:
We will review applications once the advertisement period has closed. Our process includes at least one assessment task (which could be via video, written responses or presentations) and an in-person (or video) interview. Other checks will include reference checking prior to any appointments being made. We would ideally like to have our selected candidates start early in March 2023.

Additional Information:
A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months.