Strategic Policy are seeking to establish a pool of Principal Policy Officers for permanent and fixed term, full-time and part-time vacancies which may arise during 2025 and up to the end of August, 2026. Appointments may be offered at any time for vacancies that commence during this period.
We have one permanent, full-time position available for immediate filling in our Whole of Government Reform Branch.
The Strategic Policy directorate plays a lead role in enabling the Department to set its strategic agenda and address complex policy challenges in the WA public education system. We do this by leading and supporting the development of system-level strategies and policy initiatives, and by providing strategic advice to inform decision-making on critical issues.
The Strategic Policy directorate comprises of four interconnected branches working together to improve student outcomes:
- Strategic Policy: Stewards the Department’s strategic architecture, including system-wide strategies and strategic policy, and helps to build strategic policy capability across the Department.
- Whole of Government Reform: Enables the Department to effectively participate in whole-of-government policy reform agendas at both the state and federal level.
- Projects and Initiatives: Undertakes strategic projects on significant issues that are cross-cutting and complex.
- Agency Commissioning: Stewards the Department’s commissioning architecture, including our Agency Commissioning Plan, governance, system-wide commissioning tools and frameworks, and helps to build commissioning capability across the Department
The Role
As a Principal Policy Officer, you will contribute to the development of high-level system-wide strategies and initiatives to address complex and evolving policy challenges. Within the Whole of Government reform branch you will represent the Department across a range of forums and contribute to cross-sector initiatives. Some key initiatives include working with the Department of the Premier and Cabinet on Aboriginal Affairs, or driving system-wide initiatives that promote inclusive practices for people with disability.
Your work will support decision-making at all levels of the Department, including the preparation of reports, briefings, and submissions on key policy matters that align with broader government commitments to social justice, inclusion, and reconciliation. You will undertake in-depth research and analysis to provide sound, evidence-based advice, shaping policies that reflect both operational needs and diverse community perspectives. #linkedin
Professional Benefits
We are conveniently located in East Perth and our employees enjoy a range of benefits which include:
- 12% employer contributed superannuation.
- Flexible working arrangements are genuinely considered to create healthy work life balance including; working from home or remote, flexible working hours and part-time arrangements.
- 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).
- 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 Leanne Swingler, Manager on (08) 9264 4349 or by emailing Leanne.Swingler@education.wa.edu.au
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 three (3) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
- A two (2) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF:
2. Demonstrated high-level project management skills with a proven ability to plan and coordinate strategic initiatives in a complex environment.
3. Demonstrated highly developed conceptual, analytical and problem solving skills, including the ability to apply strategic thinking to develop options and achieve outcomes.
4. Demonstrated highly developed communication and interpersonal skills to build effective relationships and networks, including experience in undertaking high-level consultations, collaborations and negotiations.
6. Demonstrated highly developed strategic planning skills with a proven ability to apply contemporary strategic policy tools and frameworks and coordinate, deliver and evaluate strategic outcomes.
Shortlisted applicants will have their skills and experiences in relation to the remaining selection criteria assessed in the further stages of the recruitment process. Remaining selection criteria can be found on the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
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 4127 for assistance.
Advertised Vacancy Number: DOE990809
The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Tuesday, 30 September 2025
