Senior Policy Officer - Aboriginal Targeted

Together we shape thriving communities, public spaces, places and economies.

• Design and deliver high-impact native title policy through respectful partnerships that achieve meaningful outcomes.
• Aboriginal targeted, Permanent and Temporary (Up to 12 months) full-time opportunities.
• Office location based in Parramatta with flexible working supported | Other NSW DPHI locations by negotiation
• Salary relative to experience and ranges from $129,464 to $142,665 + super

What’s 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.

This is a targeted role under GSE Rule 26 and Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply. 

The role

The Senior Policy Officer shapes the design and delivery of complex policy to support a coordinated, whole‑of‑government approach to native title claims in NSW. You will operate in a highly technical legal, cultural and intergovernmental environment, turning evidence, legal precedent and stakeholder input into clear policy positions and workable implementation pathways. A key part of the role is providing high‑quality advice and briefings for senior executives and Ministers on sensitive matters involving native title rights, land tenure, government obligations and competing interests.

You will work as part of  a dynamic team and collaborate across NSW Government agencies, and with other stakeholders to navigate culturally significant issues and diverse perspectives, supporting informed and balanced decision‑making. The role requires strong judgment and the ability to manage ambiguity, shifting priorities and timeframes. You will help shape strategic direction, monitor policy impacts, mentor other policy staff and ensure advice is robust, timely and fit for purpose, while maintaining respectful and accountable engagement with Aboriginal communities and government partners.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Policy Officer

What you will bring to the role

• A strong commitment to working in genuine partnership, bringing respect for Aboriginal peoples’ connection to Country, culture and lived experience into the way policy is shaped, discussed and delivered.
• The ability to listen deeply, build trust and work collaboratively with Aboriginal communities, government colleagues and stakeholders, ensuring different voices are heard and reflected in policy advice and outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience developing complex, high-impact policy in legally challenging and culturally sensitive contexts, with a steady, adaptable approach that helps deliver quality work under shifting priorities and time constraints.
• Clear and culturally aware communication skills, translating complex information into practical, accessible advice and written materials that support shared understanding and good decision‑making.
• A supportive way of working that values mentoring, collective responsibility and integrity, contributing to a team environment focused on learning, accountability and delivering outcomes that matter to community.
• Experience in native title and/or relevant legal qualifications desirable, however not essential.

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.

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 at 11:55PM on Thursday 21 May 2026

Should you require further information about the role please contact Sifa Mtango on sifa.mtango@dpie.nsw.gov.au

To enhance your account security, PageUp is introducing two-factor authentication (2FA). You can follow the step by step guide here. If you experience any issues please reach out on (02) 63637676 - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1.

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.

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.

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 talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637676​ - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.