Office for Early Childhood Development
Job reference: 851772
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Why work with us: 

The Office for Early Childhood Development has been formed with a clear mandate: to create a fairer and better future for all children in South Australia by implementing the accepted recommendations of the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care.

As the steward of the early childhood development system, the Office will act on government's behalf, and work in collaboration with the sector, to organise and connect the system to reduce developmental vulnerability.

This includes providing universal access to quality, teacher-led preschool from the age of 3, growing and sustaining a quality early childhood workforce, and greater supports and connected services for families in the 1000 days of a child’s life.   

About this role: 

The Senior Policy Officer, Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) will be responsible for the coordination and development of strategic advice on national policy issues to improve outcomes for South Australian children in early childhood education and care settings. The role will work as part of a high performing team to build relationships across government, develop whole of government positions on key issues and draft papers and briefings for the Minister and senior executives.

Your Key Responsibilities: 

• Undertake research and consultation to formulate advice on national issues relating to early childhood education and care.
• Develop a network of professional relationships across government to inform advice to the Minister and senior executives.
• Support preparation and briefing for cross-government and intergovernmental meetings.
• Maintain an understanding of state and federal policies and issues relating to early childhood.
  
  

About you:

You will bring extensive experience in analysing and evaluating complex policy issues and providing expert advice, supported by strong communication skills to develop professional relationships with stakeholders and foster collaboration.

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

• Has demonstrated experience conducting strategic policy analysis.
• Is a team player who thrives in a high performing, fast paced environment with real opportunity for impact.
• Fosters collaborative working relationships and draws on the expertise of others to  synthesise diverse perspectives and prepare well informed strategic advice.
• Has the ability to pick up new information quickly and provide strategic analysis on complex policy issues across a broad range of early childhood topics.
• Has excellent communication skills and the ability to prepare clear and concise written advice for different audiences.

 

Role Benefits: 

• A role with real influence and impact in government policy.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth within the public sector
• 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 - $105,747 - $111,854 (1.0 FTE) per annum, plus superannuation.

Additional Note:

This is full-time, up to 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: 02/08/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- Position Description -ASO6 Senior Policy 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.