Office for Early Childhood Development
Job reference: 841563
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Why work with us:

The Office for Early Childhood Development was created to champion change and to help build a system that gives all South Australian children a flying start to life.

Guided by the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care, the Office for Early Childhood Development is the steward of the early childhood development system in South Australia.

The Office is tasked with a significant responsibility: bringing together a holistic, connected system for early childhood development across South Australia, with the goal of reducing the rate of children entering school developmental vulnerable. Critical to this is the roll-out of universal 3-year-old preschool from 2026, giving every child access to 2 years of teacher-led, play-based early learning before school by 2032.

 

About this role:

The Senior Policy and Project Officer will contribute to a range of project and policy functions to deliver key initiatives to support the roll-out of 3-year-old preschool.

This role contributes to governance, project delivery, strategic policy design and delivery through the provision of advice based on best practice and appropriate evidence, as well as stakeholder input to help shape policy and project initiatives relevant to OECD's reforms including initiatives that align with South Australia's Early Childhood Workforce Strategy.

 

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, coordinate, and deliver a range of complex policy, project and change management functions which contribute to reform objectives and strategic
• Coordinate analysis and reporting which support and inform the provision of reports, information and recommendations to management.
• Manage contract and grants processes including preparing specifications, participating in evaluation panels, managing external suppliers and monitoring contract deliverables and reports.
• Build positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support the delivery of program outcomes.

 

About you:

You will bring experience in complex policy and program development. Your high-level communication skills will enable you to successfully engage stakeholders to foster collaboration and develop improved policy and research outcomes.

To be successful in this role, we are looking for someone who brings:

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to identify program outcomes, working under pressure and meeting strict deadlines.
• Ability to identify and analyse complex problems and formulate and implement flexible and adaptable solutions in response to organisational and operational.
• Proven ability to select and apply high level communication and interpersonal skills to negotiate and liaise effectively at senior levels with stakeholders.

 

Role Benefits:

• A role with real influence and impact in government
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth within the public sector
• Work with senior officials across government and early childhood
• Be part of an agency with a clear mission to improve the lives of South Australia's children and families.
• Access to flexible working

 

Application Instructions and Information:

Applications should be made through the IWorkForSA website.

Applicants must submit a CV, Pre-employment Declaration, and a cover letter outlining their suitability against the attached position description.

 

Remuneration:

ASO6 - $102,171 - $108,071 (1.0 FTE) per annum, plus superannuation 12%.

 

Additional Note:

This is a full-time 2-year long term contract role (1.0 FTE) with potential to be made ongoing.

 

Enquiries:

Enquiries can be directed to OECD.PandC@sa.gov.au

 

Special Conditions:

For all other special conditions please refer to the attached position description.

Applications close: 03/05/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- Position Description - ASO6 Senior Policy and Project Officer GRWQ.pdf
- 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.