Principal Policy Officer Location: McKell Office, Sydney, flexible working conditions (office presence 2-3 days per week required) Grade: Clerk Grade 11/12 Salary Range: $149,739 - $173,174 super Employment type: 12-month temporary secondment opportunity available from February 2026 (possible extension or made ongoing Portfolio Policy – Workers Compensation Reform, Portfolio Policy and Cabinet About this role Are you passionate about shaping policies and programs that positively impact the lives of individuals and businesses in New South Wales? Are you a strategic and critical thinker, with strong organisational and people management skills, and have experience working on and/or leading strategic public policy projects? About Us The Workers Compensation Project team is a policy team within Portfolio Policy and Cabinet supporting the introduction and implementation of government priority reforms, in consultation with other agencies including the State Insurance Regulatory Authority and Insurance and Care NSW. This is a secondment opportunity to join our small, highly skilled team providing strategic policy advice to Ministers, the DCS Secretary and senior executives, including a Steering Committee. In this role you will have the opportunity to gain exposure to senior decision-makers and play a role in shaping policy, strategy and legislation in the DCS Portfolio across a diverse range of issues. About the role Reporting to the Director, Workers Compensation Project, Portfolio Policy and Cabinet, you will work with a small, highly skilled team that is delivering high-profile, impactful legislation and other policy initiatives. In this role you will lead your team to: Collaborate with and maintain strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. Research and analyse policy issues to support evidence-based decision-making and advice. Manage Ministerial briefings, cabinet submissions and policy and strategic advice to a Steering Committee. Support a range of strategic policy projects and activities relating to the workers compensation system including the preparation of discussion papers, proposals for regulatory reform, and implementation. About You We are looking for someone with the following skills and experience: Leadership of evidence-based public policy and/or strategic reform projects. Ability to exercise judgment in providing detailed advice in the context of broad policy objectives Exceptional stakeholder management and negotiation skills, including the ability to consult broadly and manage conflicting perspectives. Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively, meet deadlines and deliver high quality work. People management skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills with high attention to detail How to apply: Apply with your up-to-date CV (5 pages max) and covering letter or email, outlining how your skills and experience are relevant to the temporary position and why you want to work with us. For enquiries, please reach out to Pauline Kavanagh at Pauline.kavanagh@customerservice.nsw.gov.au Salary Grade 11/12, with the base salary for this role starting at $149,739 base plus superannuation Click Here to access the Role Description . For enquiries relating to recruitment please contact Rodrigo Sandoval via rodrigo.sandoval@customerservice.nsw.gov.au. Visit the Capability Application Tool to prepare for the recruitment process by accessing practice application and interview questions based on the focus capabilities listed in the role description. Closing Date: Monday 16th February 10am Careers at Department of Customer Service A career at the Department of Customer Service (DCS) gives you the opportunity to help improve government services and be part of reform that benefits people across NSW. We are focused on delivering excellent customer service, digital transformation, and regulatory reform. Come join us and influence the future of our great state. Belong in our diverse and inclusive workplace The strength of our workforce lies in its diversity and embracing difference, while the key to our success is leveraging the contributions of employees with different backgrounds and perspectives. You can view our full diversity and inclusion statement here . We want you to bring your best self to this application process. If you have any support or access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in this selection process (including an alternate format of the application form) please contact rodrigo.sandoval@customerservice.nsw.gov.au or 02 9494 8351. For more information, please visit Information on some of the different types of disabilities Information on adjustments available for the recruitment process