Senior Policy Officer

• Employment Type: Full Time (35 hours per week)
• Duration: 18 month Fixed Term Contract  
• Remuneration: Level 8 from $132k + 17% superannuation & leave loading  
• Location:  Kensington NSW (Hybrid Working Arrangements)

Why your role matters

The Senior Policy Officer plays a key role within the portfolio of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Quality), providing policy advice and support to staff across UNSW. The position will lead a significant policy transformation project focused on policies relating to UNSW programs and courses, helping to ensure the University’s policy framework is clear, contemporary and fit for purpose.

The role is responsible for managing the end-to-end policy transformation process, including stakeholder consultation, policy review and redesign, and the development of final recommendations. Working collaboratively across the University, the Senior Policy Officer will build strong relationships with colleagues within the Deputy Vice-Chancellor portfolio, Governance, senior UNSW stakeholders and the broader University community to support effective policy development, implementation and continuous improvement.

The Senior Policy Officer reports to the Manager, Academic Offerings and has no direct reports.

Specific accountabilities include:

• Manage the end-to-end project to transform UNSW’s program and course policy suite, consolidating existing policies and procedures into a single Program and Course Policy.
• Oversee the application of the UNSW Policy Framework throughout policy development, ensuring governance, consultation, and policy documentation align with institutional requirements.
• Engage and consult with a broad group of senior University stakeholders and subject matter experts to identify emerging issues and dependencies in current policies, and develop evidence-based policy solutions that are able to be implemented University-wide.
• Lead benchmarking and analysis of sector practice, trends and legislative developments, translating findings into recommendations to strengthen University policy and associated processes.

About You:  

• Relevant tertiary qualification with substantial relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience within a policy role.
• Experience in successful project and resources management, and the review, development and communication of policies, practices and strategies, particularly in the context of change.
• Excellent research and analytical skills, including benchmarking and interpreting legislation, policies and procedures.
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to write for a variety of audiences and to produce easy-to-read policies and documents in plain language.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain effective collaborative professional relationships with senior University staff and stakeholders, and the ability to act with tact and discretion in dealing with sensitive and confidential matters.
• Ability to function effectively and independently with the capacity to take responsibility, exercise independent judgement and proactively address and resolve complex problems as they arise, including at senior levels to negotiate and agree on outcomes.

For further details on role responsibilities and skills & experience required, refer to the position description found under the position listing on Jobs@UNSW.

Benefits and Culture:

People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world.

Our benefits include:

• Flexible working options.
• Career development opportunities.
• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments.
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period.
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness).

For further details on the benefits, please visit https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au/lifestyle-benefits

Pre-Employment Checks
As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

How to Apply: Submit your CV & cover letter addressing your suitability for the role (in approximately  2 pages) before 11.55pm Sunday 30th August 2026. Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.

Job queries contact: Chloe Gane, Talent Acquisition Consultant E: chloe.gane@unsw.edu.au  (applications to the address cannot be accepted, please apply online)

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.