Guiding the future of NSW education

This is an identified position in accordance with Section 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Applicants must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.

Position details

- Clerk Grade 9/10
- Full-time, Salary: $133,348 to $146,945 p.a. plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and leave loading
- Ongoing role
- Close to Wynyard station & hybrid work arrangements available
- Contact for enquiries: Chelsea Lendon via [email protected]

About us

At the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), we are dedicated to carrying out meaningful work that drives improvements and elevates student achievement across NSW, now and into the future.

We accomplish this by supporting all school sectors with high-quality syllabuses, assessment (including managing the HSC and NAPLAN), teaching standards (e.g., accrediting teachers) and school environments (including setting and monitoring school standards).

NESA is a unique organisation in NSW (of around 740FTE staff) with significant state-wide impact, visit our website to learn more about the important work we do.

About the role The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is seeking a Senior Policy Officer (Aboriginal Identified) to support the strategic integration and coordination of policy across the organisation, with a particular focus on advancing NESA's Commitment to Aboriginal Education. In partnership with Aboriginal staff, senior leaders and key stakeholders, you will help shape policy, drive meaningful engagement, and contribute to initiatives that improve educational outcomes for Aboriginal students and communities across NSW.

This is an exciting opportunity to apply your policy expertise and Cultural knowledge in a role that has a genuine impact on education outcomes. You will work on complex and high-profile policy issues, collaborate with influential stakeholders, support the Aboriginal Education Forum of the NESA Board, contribute to organisation-wide projects and help inform strategic decision-making across the organisation.

On a day-to-day basis you will be responsible for:

- Providing expert policy advice and information to support the interpretation and implementation of policy initiatives, particularly NESA's Commitment to Aboriginal Education.
- Supporting the Aboriginal Education Forum of the NESA Board through the provision of secretariat and coordination services.
- Building and maintaining effective relationships with Aboriginal communities, education stakeholders, government agencies and internal partners to inform policy development and decision-making.
- Researching, analysing and reviewing complex policy issues,



identifying emerging trends, risks and opportunities, and developing evidence-based recommendations.
- Monitoring, evaluating and reporting on policy and project implementation to ensure desired outcomes are achieved.
- Preparing high-quality briefs, reports, correspondence and publications for senior executives, the NESA Board and government stakeholders.
- Providing guidance and mentoring to policy officers and support staff to successfully deliver policy priorities and initiatives.
- Contributing to organisation-wide projects and initiatives that support NESA's strategic objectives.

Our ideal candidate will bring:

- Demonstrated experience delivering complex policy initiatives and projects in environments with competing priorities, evolving stakeholder expectations and tight timeframes.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex information, develop evidence-based solutions and provide sound policy advice.
- Proven ability to build trusted relationships, influence outcomes and engage effectively with Aboriginal communities, stakeholders and senior decision-makers.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality briefs, reports and correspondence and explain complex issues clearly to diverse audiences.
- Experience monitoring and evaluating policies and programs to support continuous improvement and achievement of strategic outcomes.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in engaging with Aboriginal people and communities.

Essential Requirements:

- Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline or demonstrated equivalent relevant professional experience.
- Aboriginality. This is a genuine qualification and authorised in terms of Section 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Applicants must confirm their Aboriginality through written documentation in addition to addressing the capabilities and pre-screening questions in their application.

We invite you to download the role description for additional information on the position. At NESA you will benefit from:

- An organisation where your contribution has a big impact.
- An enviable CBD location (all modes of transport nearby, and excellent coffee and eateries) with refurbished offices.




- Flexible working arrangements and generous leave entitlements.
- Access to discounted health and fitness memberships via Fitness Passport, an employee assistance program and annual flu vaccinations.
- Salary packaging options.
- Working in a purpose driven and ethical organisation with committed colleagues.

Ready to join us?

Key information: If you are a current NESA employee or from another NSW government agency who use SuccessFactors for Recruitment and myWorkZone for Payroll, it’s important to apply through SuccessFactors to ensure your application reaches our system in the right place. If you need advice on that process, follow this guide.

For all other candidates:

Select “Apply now” and attach an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages). Also address the 2 targeted questions below in your online application (maximum of 500 words per response - approximately):

1. Please describe a policy, program or project you have led or significantly contributed to that required consultation with Aboriginal communities and/or stakeholders. What was your approach and what was the result?
2. Describe your experience in leading the provision of secretariat support to an established committee or forum that provides policy or operational support to a government organisation.

Advice on applying for NSW Public Sector roles

If you need reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process and/or workplace, please reach out to [email protected]

Close date: Friday, 25 September 2026 at 11.59pm AEST

Thank you for your interest, we look forward to receiving your application.

#S/DNI

Significant information

NESA’s Statement of Commitment to Child Safety

All children and young people have the right to be respected, feel safe, be safe, and protected from harm. NESA is committed to child safety and child safe practices underpinning our purpose of helping children and young people leave school, ready to take advantage of life’s opportunities and rise to its inevitable challenges.

We particularly welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people of all ages, genders, cultural and linguistic backgrounds and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For ongoing roles, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. Australian Temporary Residents may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.

A Talent Pool (valid for 18 months) may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles

📌 Senior Policy Officer (Aboriginal Identified) (Sydney)
🏢 Department Of Communities And Justice
📍 Sydney