Department for Education Job reference: 858707

Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE

Job status: Short Term Contract

Eligibility: SA Public Sector Employees only

Why work with us Every child and young person deserves a great education.

We have a strategy that aims to unlock every child’s potential now and into the future, one that in partnership with learners, students, parents and the wider South Australian community will build a world-leading public education system. One that is equitable and prioritises learning and wellbeing.

Together we will make our education system the best it can be.

When our children and young people thrive, so do our communities and our state.

About The Role The National Relations and Policy Directorate sits at the centre of South Australia’s engagement with the national education agenda. We provide strategic policy advice to senior executives, the Chief Executive and Minister, helping shape South Australia’s position on significant national education reform and decisions.

Our work spans complex, high-profile and often fast-moving policy issues. We bring together evidence, strategy, policy and an understanding of the political environment to influence national discussions to improve outcomes for South Australia’s children and young people.

The Policy and Project Lead, Intergovernmental Relations and Policy is a senior policy role for someone who can operate confidently in this environment. The role leads policy development and positioning, provides authoritative advice on complex and sensitive issues,



and translates emerging national developments into clear strategic choices for senior decision-makers.

Working across the department, State Government, and with other jurisdictions, the Policy and Project Lead builds influential relationships, works with a multidisciplinary group of stakeholders, and drives work from early policy development through to executive and ministerial consideration. The role requires strong judgement, intellectual agility and the ability to see both the immediate policy question and the broader strategic landscape.

As a senior member of the directorate, the Policy and Project Lead also helps shape how the team works: developing others, modelling high standards of judgement and integrity, fostering a strong performance culture, and directing resources towards the issues and projects that matter most.

Qualifications Essential: Nil

Desirable: An appropriate, relevant tertiary qualification in law, economics, evaluation, public policy, early childhood or education, or equivalent experience.

Special conditions The successful applicant is required to gain a Department for Human Services (DHS) working with children check (WWCC) prior to being employed which is required to be renewed every five years before expiry.





The incumbent will be required to undertake RRHAN –EC (Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect - Education Care) Facilitator Lead (Masterclass) extended course or the online (Fundamentals) course which will be required to be updated every three years.

For all other Special Conditions please refer to the attached Position Description.

Remuneration ASO8 $130,046 - $134,956 per annum (1.0 FTE) + superannuation (12%) and leave loading

Enquiries Enquiries can be directed to Simon Bucsai, Manager, IGR, via tel: (08) 8226 5233 or email: [email protected].

Application instructions Applications should be made through the IWorkForSA website.

Applicants are required to submit a CV, the Application Cover Sheet, Employment Declaration, and a cover letter of no more than two pages addressing the key competencies in the attached position description.

People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and/or those who have a disability are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional Note This is a full time contract role (1.0 FTE), initial 14-month term (backfill) contract.

Applications close: 22/10/2026 11:30 PM

Attachments

- Application Cover Sheet - PSAct..pdf
- How to Apply PS Act guidelines.pdf
- Position description - ASO8 Policy and Project Lead - IGR.pdf
- VL233 Pre-employment declaration.pdf

Flexibility Statement The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.

📌 Policy and Project Lead, Intergovernmental Relations and Policy (Adelaide)
🏢 Department For Education, South Australia
📍 Adelaide