Principal Policy & Programs Officer

Together we shape thriving communities public spaces places and economies.

• Ongoing full-time opportunity (35 hours per week)
• NSW Office location negotiable with flexible working supported
• Salary relative to experience and ranges from $129464.00 to $142665.00 plus super

Whats in it for me

Join our team for a fantastic culture with dynamic collaboration and genuine long-term career support. We offer flexibility in work arrangements diverse and fulfilling assignments and prioritise work/life balance and wellbeing with initiatives like flex leave and access to support programs. Additionally we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome respected and empowered to succeed.

The Office of Local Government (OLG) is a small yet diverse agency of professionals invested in creating healthy and prosperous communities across NSW. Through the development of policy programs strong relationships engagement and intervention OLG is a driver of reform and uplift across the state with a purpose of fostering a strong and sustainable local government sector.

Theres never been a better time to join a diverse welcoming and fulfilling agency that helps build healthy and prosperous communities across NSW.

The role
As the Principal Policy and Programs Officer you will lead the development delivery and continuous improvement of a diverse portfolio of programs and policies that enable councils to meet their legislative and organisational responsibilities. This is a senior hands-on role responsible for planning delivering and evaluating programs that align with government objectives and legal requirements.

Youll juggle multiple complex projects in a fast-paced environment where priorities shift and deadlines compete. Building strong relationships - especially with stakeholders who may have different views - is key. Youll also need to stay sharp on local government trends to keep programs relevant and effective while navigating evolving legislative frameworks and community expectations.

For more information read the full Role Description here: Role Description

What you will bring to the role

• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing policy and program initiatives within a government or regulatory context.
• Proficiency in managing complex projects with multiple interdependencies including budget oversight benefit realisation and risk mitigation.
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation regulatory frameworks and policy directives to ensure program compliance and strategic alignment.
• Capable of driving outcomes while effectively involving stakeholders throughout the process fostering collaboration and buy-in.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement skills fostering strong relationships and ensuring alignment with diverse stakeholders to achieve outcomes.
• High level administrative skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and competing demands.

Key knowledge and experience

Knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms of government its operating environment and governing legislation or equivalent experience.

Experience working with grants management and customer relationship management systems.

Essential requirements

Tertiary qualifications or equivalent relevant professional experience in a related field.

About us

The Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure(DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this we: create vibrant productive spaces and precincts; manage lands assets and property effectively and deliver affordable and diverse housing. We strive to be a high-performing world-class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and builds the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people communities and entities.

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace where your individual contributions are valued and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups practices flexible working offers job share and workplace adjustments.

As part of DPHI the Office of Local Government (OLG) is the NSW Governments frontline interface with councils their 50000 employees and their elected officials across the state. Its goal is to build a strong responsible and sustainable local government sector with its purpose to ensure councils all over NSW can continue to effectively deliver infrastructure services and civic leadership to their communities.

Join us

If excited by the information above we look forward to receiving your application including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close Friday 19 December 2025 at 9:00AM. Should you require further information about the role please contact Tina Baldock Director Sector Policy on .

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent skills and potential. Contact the Talent Team via or (02) - HR Support option 3 DPHI People Advisory option 1 and reference Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number.

Check out ourAboriginal applicants guideto assist with applying for the role or contact ourAboriginal Career pathwaysteam for a yarn.