Job Description

McArthur is seeking an experienced APS6 Senior Policy Officer to support a high-profile Australian Government policy and strategy initiative.

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This is a hands-on policy role suited to an experienced Commonwealth professional who can quickly understand complex subject matter, undertake research and analysis, develop high-quality written advice and work confidently with senior and external stakeholders.

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This is not a general administration or purely project management position. We are particularly interested in candidates with demonstrated APS6-level policy development and government writing experience.

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The chance

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- Canberra-based Australian Government assignment
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- Initial contract from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027
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- Potential extension of up to 3 months
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- Up to 37.5 hours per week
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- Flexible/hybrid working arrangements may be considered
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- $63.73-$71.59 per hour + super, dependent on relevant experience and APS6 salary equivalent
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- Current Baseline security clearance required
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Key responsibilities

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You will contribute to the development and delivery of a nationally significant government strategy, including:

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- Undertaking policy research, analysis and development
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- Drafting and contributing to policy and strategy documents
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- Preparing high-quality departmental and ministerial briefs, papers, correspondence and other executive material
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- Analysing complex information and translating findings into transparent advice, options and recommendations
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- Supporting engagement with Commonwealth agencies, industry, community and other external stakeholders
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- Providing secretariat support to working groups and interdepartmental meetings
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- Coordinating stakeholder information, consultation activities and associated records
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- Monitoring project milestones, timelines, actions and deliverables
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- Contributing to project reporting and quality assurance
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- Assisting with stakeholder communications and written content where required
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About you

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To be competitive for this opportunity, you will have demonstrated experience operating at APS6 level or equivalent within the Australian Government, ideally in a policy, strategy or closely related role.

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We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

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- Strong Commonwealth Government policy development and policy analysis experience
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- Excellent written communication and the ability to prepare ministerial briefs, executive briefs, correspondence, submissions or similar government material
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- Strong research, critical thinking and analytical capability
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- Experience providing clear policy advice, options and recommendations
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- Demonstrated stakeholder engagement across government and/or external organisations
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- Experience supporting interdepartmental committees, working groups or other governance forums
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- Strong organisation skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines
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- Sound understanding of Commonwealth Government processes and expectations
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- The ability to work independently with limited supervision at APS6 level
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Experience in national strategy development, agriculture, food systems, regional policy, industry policy, health, environment, social policy or other complex cross-government policy areas would be advantageous but is not essential.

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Security requirement

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Applicants must hold a current Baseline security clearance.

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McArthur encourages applications from suitably experienced professionals who meet the requirements of the position.

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📌 Senior Policy Officer - Federal Government (Canberra)
🏢 Mcarthur
📍 Canberra