Senior Policy Officer The Closing the Gap Priority Reform 4 (PR4) Program, within the NSW Department of Customer Service (DCS), is currently looking for a Senior Policy Officer to join their team!

Benefits

- Temporary clerk grade 9/10 opportunity – until 30 June 2028.
- Genuinely hybrid working arrangements – two days per week on site.
- State of the art offices.
- Wellbeing programs and resources available.
- Excellent career development and learning & development opportunities.

About Us

Between 2025-28 the Department of Customer Service (DCS) will work in partnership with Aboriginal Affairs (AANSW) and the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations (NSW CAPO) to deliver the Closing the Gap (CtG) Priority Reform 4 (PR4) implementation actions and Aboriginal Data Sovereignty and Governance (ADS&G;) reform development work program (PR4 Program). DCS will work with all NSW government agencies on key implementation actions on behalf of the partnership, to improve shared access to and shared decision-making regarding NSW Government-held data for Aboriginal communities.

Understand more about the Department of Customer Service – Here

Primary Purpose of the Role The Senior Policy Officer will support several workstreams across the PR4 Program, including the implementation of the whole-of-government Shared Access to Data for Aboriginal Communities Policy and NSW Data Connector Service; cross-program monitoring, reporting, evaluation, and learning; and capability uplift initiatives across the sector to improve shared access to government-held data for Aboriginal communities. The role will also contribute to supporting secretariat and governance functions across the PR4 team.

The Senior Policy Officer will contribute to the delivery of the NSW PR4 in ways that align with Aboriginal Communities’ needs and priorities to achieve NSW Government commitments of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap as outlined in the 2025-28 NSW Closing the Gap Implementation Plan.

Key Responsibilities

- Support and undertake research and analysis, to develop fit-for-purpose governance, policies, processes, and/or capabilities, to support NSW-Government agencies to fulfil obligations to provide shared access to data for Aboriginal Communities.
- Collaborate with teams across multiple agencies to ensure policy alignment, consistent implementation, and sector-wide coordination.
- Contribute to monitoring, evaluation and learning strategies to assess policy effectiveness, resolve barriers to data access and identify program risks.
- Prepare high-quality reports, briefs,



and correspondence to inform the PR4 shared decision-making governance structure across DCS, Aboriginal Affairs NSW and NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations (NSW CAPO).
- Provide expert and timely policy advice to senior leaders and stakeholders to inform strategic directions and reform priorities.
- Contribute to PR4 initiatives using best practice methodologies and ensuring timely delivery to expected standards.
- Support secretariat functions of the PR4 team.

About You

You are passionate about enabling better outcomes for Aboriginal Peoples and Communities. You have:

- Proven experience in policy/program implementation, data governance or Aboriginal strategy contexts.
- Experience working with Aboriginal Communities and organisations, or in partnerships that involve government and non-government partners.
- Analytical and strategic thinking skills to identify risks, develop options, and deliver reform outcomes.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable strategies and advice for both government and Community partners.
- Knowledge of approaches to monitoring, evaluation and learning, continuous improvement and capability building.
- Commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement in public sector reform, in particular to progress the operationalisation of Aboriginal Data Sovereignty and Governance principles in NSW.

We value diverse experiences. Even if you're not sure you meet all requirements, we encourage you to apply.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply. We value the knowledge, perspectives and lived experiences that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people bring to our workforce and welcome applications from people who are passionate about supporting better outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

If you want to be part of a forward-thinking, innovative team that challenges the status quo to improve Aboriginal communities' access to data, we would love to hear from you!

What we need from you:

To start your journey towards becoming our Senior Policy Officer, please click on the link below and attach your resume (max 4 pages) and cover letter (max 2 pages).

In your cover letter,



please share your motivation for applying for this position and your relevant skills.

Please include a response to the targeted questions below. Please ensure that your response is not more than 600 words.

Targeted Questions:

1. Describe a time when you proposed a creative solution to a complex problem.
2. Describe a situation where you needed to reconcile diverse stakeholder perspectives to arrive at a policy decision. What was your approach and what would you do differently next time?

For any enquiries about the role please contact Emma Shinozaki-Langridge, Implementation Manager, Closing the Gap Priority Reform 4 via [email protected]

Salary Grade 09/10, with the base salary for this role starting at $133,348 base plus superannuation

Click Here to access the Role Description . For enquiries relating to recruitment please contact Rodrigo Sandoval via [email protected].

Visit the Capability Application Tool to prepare for the recruitment process by accessing practice application and interview questions based on the focus capabilities listed in the role description.

A talent pool may be created as part of this recruitment process and will be valid for up to 18 months. The talent pool may be used to fill future ongoing or temporary vacancies of the same or similar role.

Closing Date: Tuesday, October 13th, 2026 at 11:59 pm

Careers at Department of Customer Service A career at the Department of Customer Service (DCS) gives you the opportunity to help improve government services and be part of reform that perks people across NSW. We are focused on delivering excellent customer service, digital transformation, and regulatory reform. Come join us and influence the future of our great state.

Belong in our diverse and inclusive workplace The strength of our workforce lies in its diversity and embracing difference, while the key to our success is leveraging the contributions of employees with different backgrounds and perspectives.

You can view our full diversity and inclusion statement here.

We provide adjustments to the recruitment process for candidates, including individuals with disability. If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process, including alternate formats or have questions about the support available, please contact Talent Operations on 02 8276 8130 or [email protected].

For more information, please visit

Information on some of the different types of disabilities

Information on adjustments available for the recruitment process

📌 Senior Policy Officer (Sydney)
🏢 NSW Department of Customer Service
📍 Sydney