• Temporary, full-time role till February 2028
• Location – All of NSW (Negotiable & Flexible)
• Clerk Grade 9/10, salary from $129,464 to $142,665 per annum (FTE) + super + leave loading

About the Role

The Senior Policy & Project Officer will play a pivotal role in identifying, developing and delivering priority policy initiatives and strategic projects aligned with the Agriculture Commissioner’s workplan.

You’ll provide high-level executive and secretariat support, lead complex projects, synthesise information into sharp strategic advice, and help shape recommendations that inform senior executive and Ministerial decision-making.

This is a fast-paced, high-volume environment where you’ll balance competing priorities, respond to emerging issues, and collaborate across government and industry to deliver meaningful outcomes.

As part of a small, agile team, you will:

• Support the scoping and delivery of high-priority strategy, policy and program initiatives.
• Provide high-quality, evidence-based strategic advice to the Agriculture Commissioner, Senior Executive and Ministers.
• Lead and manage projects, including procurement, stakeholder engagement, contract management, program delivery, monitoring and reporting.
• Coordinate and contribute to Whole-of-Government submissions, inquiries, strategic plans, audits and external policy development.
• Monitor and analyse emerging agricultural, land use and economic policy trends in NSW, nationally and internationally.
• Provide secretariat support to the Agriculture Commissioner, including planning and managing engagement with departmental staff, government agencies, industry and community stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong professional networks to support coordinated, whole-of-government solutions.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in project management and delivering complex initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate information into strategic advice.
• Knowledge of government processes, including Cabinet and legislative procedures.
• Experience preparing submissions, briefings and policy advice for senior stakeholders.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• NSW Driver Licence and willingness to travel as required.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the centre of agricultural in NSW, influence decisions at a senior level, and contribute to a team delivering meaningful outcomes for the sector.

For more information about the role, please click here to view the role description.

Additionally, if you would like to hear more about this role, please contact Nick Finlay, Principal Policy and Project Officer via nick.finlay@dpird.nsw.gov.au or on 02 4920 5061.

Applying is easy!

Please apply via our online portal and submit:

✅ A CV (approx. 4 pages)

✅ A cover letter (max 2 pages). Briefly outline how your skills and experience make you a great fit for this role.

Application Closing Date: Monday 16 March 2026, at 11:55pm

We are committed to ensuring every stage of the recruitment process is accessible and free from barriers. If you require adjustments or information in an alternative format to participate, please contact talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or the hiring manager listed for a confidential discussion.  

What to Expect Next  

After applying:  

• You’ll receive a confirmation email
• We’ll review all applications once the ad closes
• If shortlisted, you may be invited to interview (in person or Microsoft Teams video)
• Further assessments will follow (e.g. writing task, skills test, psychometric test)
• Reference checks will be completed for final candidates  
• The preferred candidate for this role may be required to undergo reference checks, a national police check, bankruptcy check, health assessment and/or other assessments as required.  
• A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next 18 months.   

About us – together, we are DPIRD  

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.  

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.  

The department brings together:  

• Local Land Services  
• NSW Resources  
• Agriculture and Biosecurity  
• Fisheries and Forestry  
• Regional Development and Delivery.  

We have skilled and dedicated teams working in 200 locations across regional NSW. With nearly 5,000 employees, and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.  

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion  

At DPIRD, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – including, but not limited to, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation.  DPIRD is a proud Disability Confident Recruiter, Family Inclusive Employer and Carer Friendly Employer  

We also understand that work is just one part of life. Our Family Inclusive Employer and Carers + Employers Accreditations reflect our commitment to supporting employees to balance work and family responsibilities.