Principal Policy Officer

Job description
Agency Department of Children and Families Work unit Strategy and Coordination
Job title Principal Policy Officer Designation Senior Administrative Officer 1
Job type Full time Duration Fixed for 12 months
Salary $132,408 - $147,919 Location Darwin
Position number 30496 RTF 353754 Closing 20/08/2026

Contact officer Michelle McColm, Director Transforming Aboriginal Outcomes/Strategy and Coordination on 08
8999 2911 or michelle.mccolm@nt.gov.au

About the agency https://families.net.gov.au
Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=353754
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR
TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates
people with disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment
process or job, please discuss this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the
merit process, go to the OCPE website.

Primary objective
Provide overarching strategic policy advice and coordination in the design and delivery of whole of system approaches to
outcomes, and connect key parties to unify effort towards agency priorities and objectives. Facilitate reform strategies and
align reform pieces across portfolios, including commissioning functions and management and delivery of projects in
partnership with NT and Australian Government agencies and the community sector. The role will also be responsible for
the coordination and high-level secretariat support to the whole-of-government Root Causes Sub-Committee.

Key duties and responsibilities
1. Provide high level advice, support and coordination on agency initiatives, strategic projects and service models, programs

and contemporary policy approaches to support communities, including vulnerable children, young people, parents and
families.

2. Prepare comprehensive written briefings, reports, discussion papers, submissions, ministerial correspondence and
presentations.

3. Undertake strategic analysis of complex issues affecting the NT, specifically in relation to children and families’ services
and the responsibilities of the Department.

4. Develop, implement and lead project management covering scope management, stakeholder engagement, change
management, program and project governance, reporting, timeframes, resources, risk and issues and communications

5. Establish and maintain strong collaborative relationships with other NT agencies, Commonwealth Government and
community sector representatives to ensure a partnership-based approach to achieving goals in required timeframes.

6. Lead and manage a team to achieve successful outcomes.

Selection criteria
Essential
1. Strong research, analytical and problem solving skills in the context of policy and project development, implementation

and evaluation including the ability to synthesise complex and connected information.
2. Demonstrated capacity to engage with the NT’s commitments under national strategies and provide timely support for

Ministerial and Executive representation of Territory interests and perspectives.
3. Proven experience in managing projects including knowledge of project management frameworks, the ability to meet

deadlines, and to work as part of a team.
4. High level interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills including the ability to develop and maintain effective

professional relationships and partnerships across all levels of government, service providers and the community sector.
5. Highly developed strategic, conceptual, analytical and research skills to evaluate issues, define options and prepare

recommendations for scrutiny at the Executive, Ministerial and Government level.
6. Well-developed written and communication skills, including high-level development of official government documents

such as strategies, plans, frameworks, cabinet submissions, ministerial briefings and presentations.
7. Proven skills in contemporary management including staff and change management.

Desirable
1. Tertiary qualification in human services, social sciences, public policy, administration, communications or a related field.

Further information
The recommended applicant will be required to hold a current Working with Children Clearance Notice and undergo a
criminal history check (a criminal history will not exclude an applicant from this position unless it is a relevant criminal history.