Office for Early Childhood Development
Job reference: 843132
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 the roles

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

The Senior Policy and Project Officer and Policy and Project Officers are responsible for supporting reform and change across the Office for Early Childhood Development (OECD). The position plays a vital role in researching, analysing and interpreting policy reform initiatives by monitoring progress against deliverables through the provision of policy support and project coordination.

Undertaking preparation of documents and providing advice and recommendations related to the design, implementation and evaluation of projects and programs. 

Roles Available

• ASO6 Senior Policy and Project Officer
• ASO5 Policy and Project Officer

Role Summary

ASO6 Senior Policy and Project Officer

Key Responsibilities

As the Senior Policy and Project Officer, you will be responsible for coordinating and delivering policy and / or project activities including analysing and evaluating issues to identify solutions and make recommendations to present to senior leaders.

• Develop, plan, research and monitor a range of high-quality policy and project support functions through the coordination and preparation of project and policy documents and report, briefings with recommendations, to support decision-making within OECD.  
• Participate in the reporting of project deliverables to meet milestones through status reports, project dashboards, and executive summaries. 
• Ensuring policies are evidence based, practical and compliant with legislation, assessing risks, benefits and implementation considerations.
• Build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders to maximise collaboration on key initiatives, demonstrating a strong commitment to service excellence in all interactions. 

Key Skills

To succeed in this position, you will bring demonstrated policy and project experience, including the ability to implement policy, and processes to achieve successful outcomes within a complex, changing and challenging work environment.

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

• Experience in policy and project coordination, including analysing complex policy in strategic outcomes focus environment, evaluating information, and developing practical recommendations and solutions to support organisational priorities.

• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build effective relationships, consult and influence diverse groups, and coordinate contributions to meet time‑critical objectives.

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing including the ability to prepare and present complex information in a clear, accurate and visually effective manner, across a range of formats such as reports, presentations, briefings, papers, ministerial responses. 

• Effective task and time management, working autonomously or collaboratively under limited direction, setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and providing professional support with preparing agendas, minute taking and coordination of briefing preparation, keeping accurate records of correspondence, research and being able to disseminate information.

ASO5 Policy and Project Officer

Your Key Responsibilities

• Assist to provide advice to inform and influence early childhood development research and policy.
• Undertake and coordinate elements of projects within a policy and project driven environment.
• Contributes to the development of new techniques and methodology in a continuous improvement environment.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders to enhance collaboration on key initiatives, demonstrating a strong commitment to service excellence. 
• Deliver quality, proactive, and dependable service to customers, incorporating innovation to meet strategic outcomes.  

Key Skills

• Proven initiative and adaptability in a dynamic and complex work environment.
• Coordinate detailed analysis and reporting to inform senior management.
• Prepare quality documentation, including policies, briefings and reports.
• Oversee and coordinate policy and project programs adhering to deliverable requirements.

Role Benefits: 

• Opportunities for professional development and career growth within the public sector.
• 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:

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 12% superannuation.

ASO5 - $89,007 – $98,991 (1.0 FTE) per annum, plus 12% superannuation.

 

Additional Note:

There is one (1) full-time 2-year long term contract role available (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: 17/05/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- ASO5 Policy and Project Officer, PII.pdf
- ASO6 Senior Policy and Project Officer, PII.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.