• 1 x Temporary Full-time role is available until June 2028
• Ongoing training and career development support
• Based in Dubbo (Sydney location may be considered) with flexible work arrangements
• Salary – Clerk Grade 9/10- $120,859 - $133,183pa plus Superannuation and annual leave loading 

The Department of Communities and Justice acknowledges lived experience and how it contributes to the valuable work we do with the community.

Whilst this position is open to all individuals, it is targeted to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people. We strongly encourage and support applications from people who are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander descent. While all applications are welcome, once we have determined through merit-based assessment which candidates meet the pre-established standards of the role, we will select the candidate who is also of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander descent.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Policy Officer to lead the development of a Remote Housing Strategy to support better outcomes for Aboriginal people in the Murdi Paaki Region.

Join the AHO Remote Housing Strategy team and enjoy working within a small team who are committed to delivering impactful change and meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal People in the Murdi Paaki region. You will appreciate working in a culturally safe, inclusive, and collaborative environment with government and community stakeholders. Your community led policy development skills will support the delivery of a remote housing strategy to achieve housing outcomes for local communities.

Your role

The Senior Policy Officer leads policy development and provide evidence-based policy analysis and specialist advice to develop high quality social policy, which drives reform and directly contributes to better outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities. Policy development will be co-designed with community representatives in this role to deliver a remote housing strategy.

What you’ll do 

• Policy Development:  Research and analysis of policy issues and the development of policy briefs, papers, and the writing of a remote housing strategy.
• Research: Support evidence gathering activities with community stakeholders, helping to compile information that informs policy development and decision-making.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Lead stakeholder meetings and forums, support the engagement process to gather insights and feedback relevant to policy initiatives.
• Documentation and Reporting: Preparing reports, briefing documents, and presentations to communicate policy findings and recommendations to various audiences.
• Project Support: Provide support for policy-related projects, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and contribute to the team’s objectives.
• Knowledge Sharing: Contribute to the AHO by sharing insights and learnings from research and engagement activities.
• Professional Development: Engage in opportunities for skill development and professional growth, staying informed of best practices and emerging issues in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy 

What we’re looking for 

Our desired candidate will be experienced in:

• Knowledge of OCHRE and Local Decision Making in NSW
• Demonstrated experience developing, reviewing, and writing policies in the areas of housing and/or human services.
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities
• Excellent writing skills, including policy writing, preparing government briefs and business cases with the ability to influence and engage diverse audiences effectively.
• Valid NSW Driver’s License, travel throughout far west NSW will be required regularly.
• Communicating, consulting, and consulting effectively with a range of stakeholders and have demonstrated experience in policy development and review as well as analysing data, maintaining systems and records, and preparing reports.
• Demonstrated high level organisational and time management skills, with proven ability to work under pressure.

 A position description is attached.

We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage, and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply – you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.

What We Offer 

We offer a variety of benefits, including:

• Learning and development opportunities, including ongoing support and mentoring from senior members that are invested in your personal and professional success.
• Competitive pay and conditions
• Flexible working arrangements, including working from home and office.
• Access to a Fitness Passport membership.

Want more information?  Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.

We do work that really matters

About AHO 

The Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) is a statutory body established under the Aboriginal Housing Act 1998 (NSW) to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have access to affordable, quality housing.

The AHO is governed by an all-Aboriginal Board, which provides advice to the Minister for Water and Minister for Housing in NSW. In addition, the AHO manages and coordinates an annual capital works program, along with developing and implementing financial and resourcing strategies.

Underpinning all planning is a strong commitment to the principles of self-determination and self-management, articulated through inclusive, fully consultative planning. At the same time, the AHO actively promotes employment opportunities for Aboriginal people, both within the AHO and through opportunities for tradespeople and trainees with contracted Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal building companies.

Underpinned by an all-Aboriginal Board providing advice to the Minister, the AHO provides housing assistance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and an increased range of housing choices, especially for those members of the community most in need. The AHO plans, administers, and expands the policies, program and asset base for Aboriginal housing in NSW.

Are you ready to join us?

Click Apply Now, attach a cover letter (maximum 3 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements of the role as well as an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages).

Got a question? 

For more information about the role or what it’s like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Deslin Foster on 0448 213 183 or at [email protected], using the subject line: Senior Policy Officer - Dubbo enquiry via EthicalJobs.      

 If you’ve got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application), please call Mary Michael on 0499 531 131 or via [email protected].   

Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit.

We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience, and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers, and other diversity groups.

To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.

Other Information 

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

For more information and advice on applying for roles at DCJ, visit Careers for Aboriginal people here.             

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application. 

To keep up with recruitment opportunities at DCJ, follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/CareersatDCJ.