Principal Policy Officer

This is a permanent full-time position commencing ASAP

The Intergovernmental Relations branch:

• Coordinates and provides strategic policy advice to Executive, the State Government and other State agencies on Commonwealth–State education reforms, priorities and policy initiatives.
• Coordinates the Department’s interactions with the Commonwealth Government and key national decision-making forums, including Education Ministers Meeting, the Australian Education Senior Officials Committee (AESOC) and associated working groups.
• Develops, monitors and coordinates responses to issues of high priority or risk, including Commonwealth–State education-related funding, policy, national agreements and other matters identified by the State Government, Minister/s or Executive.
• Coordinates Department of Education contributions to whole-of-government State responses for national inquiries and reviews, as well as other national and international periodic reporting such as to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and United Nations.

The Role

We are looking for a highly motivated and dedicated Principal Policy Officer to coordinate the development of State positions in relation to a variety of current and emerging national education policies, reforms, reviews and initiatives. This will include proactively analysing and considering their implications for Western Australia and providing high quality strategic written advice and recommendations to Executive and State Government Ministers.

You will consult, collaborate and negotiate with a range of internal and external stakeholders including other government agencies, and research and prepare responses to correspondence, briefings and reports on various matters for Ministers, the Director General and others as required.

As Principal Policy Officer, you will proactively inform and oversee State planning and implementation of national initiatives. You will also support the management of Commonwealth-State relations, including leading, facilitating and providing representation on internal and external working parties and committees, and being a strong advocate for Western Australia on national issues.

Professional Benefits

We are conveniently located in East Perth and our employees enjoy a range of benefits which include: 

• 12% employer contributed superannuation.
• Generous leave entitlements including annual, personal, long service and parental leave
• Professional development opportunities and study leave/assistance
• Access to salary packaging (in accordance with relevant industrial instruments) 
• Flexible working arrangements are genuinely considered to create healthy work life balance including part-time arrangements, and working from home or remote, flexible working hours where such arrangements still ensure the needs of the business unit are met
• Enjoy easy access to public transport with the Claisebrook train station just a 5-minute walk away or, take advantage of the free Yellow Cat bus service that stops outside our building entrance. Additionally, various CPP parking locations are within walking distance.

Want to know more?

Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dale Miller, Director, Intergovernmental Relations on (08) 9264 40***or by emailing ***********@education.wa.edu.au

Agency Referrals: Public sector agencies seeking to refer surplus employees should contact Recruitment at ***************@education.wa.edu.au during the advertising period. 

We are committed to building the leadership capability of our people (Building Leadership Impact).

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our workplaces and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.

Eligibility

To work with us, you must: 

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
• consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.

More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website and in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Application Instructions

Apply online in two easy steps:

Step 1: Select Apply for Job

Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one being your current line manager.

Step 2: Attach your documents

Your application should include: 

• A CV of up to five (5) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
• A document of up to five (5) pages that illustrates you have the knowledge, skills and experience to perform this role with regard to the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF. The document should provide clear examples of when and how you demonstrated these selection criteria:

1. Demonstrated extensive knowledge of and experience in the development, coordination and provision of high quality strategic advice to government on complex matters.
2. Demonstrated high-level written communication skills, including extensive experience in the preparation of complex reports and briefing papers for Executive and/or Ministers.
3. Demonstrated high-level verbal, interpersonal and negotiation skills including the ability to liaise effectively with individuals at all levels within and between organisations.
4. Demonstrated extensive knowledge of current state and national education issues, priorities, policies and systems.
5. Demonstrated extensive knowledge and understanding of Western Australia’s public sector legislative requirements and associated administrative processes.

It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.

Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.

For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 41***for assistance.

Advertised Vacancy Number: DOE1062210 

Applicants assessed as suitable may be considered for similar vacancies that arise in our branch within the next 12 months. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position.

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Monday, 31 August 2026.