* Open to all Regional NSW– Hybrid working
* Grade: Clerk Grade 11/12
* Salary Range: $149,739 - $173,174 + super
* Employment type: Ongoing Full time
* Leading a high performing policy team focused on delivering Ministerial and Department priorities
About this role
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is seeking a dynamic and experienced Principal Policy Officer. In this role, you will:
* operate with a high level of autonomy, responsible for leading policy and reform projects, working across DPIRD teams and with other agencies.
* develop Cabinet submissions in collaboration with subject matter experts and other agencies and support the passage of legislation through Parliament.
* be responsible for developing and advising on policy initiatives and reform projects that deliver priority outcomes within the DPIRD portfolio.
* collaborate with various stakeholders, including industry representatives and government agencies, to influence and drive policy and reform agendas.
* engage with executive, ministerial offices, and stakeholders to develop reforms and guide policies through Cabinet and Parliamentary processes.
Key responsibilities include leading small team of policy professionals to undertake complex policy analysis, maintain influential relationships, provide strategic advice to senior executive, and represent the Department across government and in Cabinet and Legislative processes.
This role reports to the Director – Legislation and Reform and contributes to strategic planning and fosters a culture of professionalism and delivery within the team.
About Us
The roles sits within the Legislation and Reform team at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. This team drives legislative reform priorities and cross-cutting policy development for the department relating to Ministerial and Department priorities.
The team sits within the Department's central Policy, Reform and Evidence (PRE) Branch which leads cross-cutting policy and reform initiatives underpinned by robust data, analysis and evidence.
PRE works with teams across the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to protect, support and develop primary industries and regional economies by ensuring that government decisions are informed by evidence, expert advice and stakeholder views.
About You
The ideal candidate for this role will possess a strong background in policy and reform, with a particular focus on developing Cabinet submissions and supporting the passage of Legislation through Parliament. You will have a proven ability to establish and maintain influential relationships across government to ensure effective achievement of policy objectives. Additionally, you will be adept at maintaining alignment of policy and legislative settings with the government's broader policy objectives.
You excel in balancing political drivers and imperatives with the diverse views and demands of stakeholders, as well as legislative and resource constraints. This skill allows you to produce effective and efficient policy for the DPIRD portfolio. You will work with a high level of autonomy, managing a team to achieve strategic goals.
Strong communication skills are essential, enabling you to engage and consult effectively with people from across the department, government and stakeholder groups. Your leadership qualities will shine as a collaborative leader who fosters innovation and team development/culture.
Accordingly, we are looking for someone with the following skills and experience:
* Experience with developing Cabinet submissions and supporting the passage of Legislation.
* 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
Why us?
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is the department dedicated to growing primary industries and supporting regional economic development to deliver long term benefits to the state. Our focus is to protect, support and develop our primary industries, mining sector, and regions.
DPIRD brings together Agriculture and Biosecurity; Forestry and Fishing; Local Land Services; Mining, Exploration and Geoscience; Regional Development and Delivery; the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation; NSW Public Works and Soil Conservation Service. We have nearly 5,000 employees, with almost 80 per cent of us living and working in regional NSW.
Sounds interesting -want to Apply?
If you are a forward-thinking leader with a passion for influencing policy, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your curriculum vitae and a cover letter (MAX 2 Pages) addressing your suitability for this position.
For a confidential Discussion about this role please contact Nick Peters, Director Legislation & Reform on or 0429 222 538.
Here is the Role Description.
Applications Closing Date: Tuesday 10 March at 11:55pm
If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to and a member of the team will contact you for a confidential discussion.
Additional Information:
A talent pool may be created from this recruitment action for ongoing and temporary roles of the same standard that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months. The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and other assessments as required.
Diversity and inclusion are core values of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development 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.