Office for Early Childhood Development
Job reference: 841780
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 is responsible for implementing reform and change across the Office for Early Childhood Development.

This position 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 support the implementation and evaluation of programs.

Your Key Responsibilities: 

• Undertake the analysis of data to support supply planning and provision for 3- and 4-year-old preschool, including data profiling on in-scope datasets, and addressing data quality issues through identification and analysis.
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver a range of complex policy, project and change management functions which contribute to the implementation of OECD initiatives.
• Prepare, contribute to, and monitor the delivery of timely, high-quality documentation, including policy development, reports, briefings and correspondence, and ensure the accuracy of quality assurance and project activities. 
• Manage procurement processes including preparing specifications, participating in evaluation panels, managing external suppliers and monitoring contract deliverables and reports. 

 

About you:

The Senior Policy and Project Officer will bring initiative, communication skills and experience in data analytics and knowledge in project management methodologies.

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

• Experience in coordinating and undertaking data analysis projects, including determining scope and methodologies, and applying high level research and analytical skills to identify and address issues to meet the needs of stakeholders.
• Knowledge of best practice in data management and manipulation, qualitative and quantitative research design methods.
• Experience in using project management methodologies for effective design, implementation, documentation and reporting on project outcomes.
• Ability to analyse and evaluate complex and sensitive policy issues by developing policy options under broad direction, obtaining expert analysis from other agencies or from non-government providers. 

 

Role Benefits: 

• A role with real influence and impact in government policy.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth within the public sector
• Work with senior officials across government and early childhood sectors.
• Be part of an agency with a clear mission to improve the lives of South Australia’s children and families.
• Access to valuable salary sacrifice benefits like car leases, portable electronic devices, mobile phones, airline lounge memberships, self-education expenses, and more. Ask us about how you can make your salary go further working at the OECD.
• Access to flexible working arrangements to get that work life balance.

  

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.

 

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.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.