Principal Policy Officer –Research and Social Policy Team

North Parramatta with parking available. (flexibility to attend Sydney CBD as required) 

Full-Time, Fixed-Term Contract until 30 June 2025 (possibility of extension based on funding) 

******Please note we are open to secondment and other similar arrangements*****

Are you an experienced policy professional passionate about driving impactful change in child protection, out-of-home care, and youth services? At Uniting, we’re looking for a Principal Policy Officer to lead policy development, advocacy projects, and support high-quality research that empowers practice improvements, innovation, and systemic policy change.

About the Role
As a key member of the Research and Social Policy Team, you will bring extensive experience in NSW public policy to inform, design, and execute social policy analysis that enhances Uniting’s work across child and family welfare, early learning, and safeguarding initiatives. In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Transformative Social Policy Analysis: Identify and conduct policy development and analysis projects that draw on our operational experience and support our long-term advocacy and change goals.
• Partnership Development: Cultivate strong relationships within Uniting, with sector partners, and across external organisations to ensure our research aligns with sector needs and fosters meaningful collaboration for capacity-building.
• Policy Dissemination: Prepare and present research findings across formats including reports, briefing notes, and journal articles. Represent Uniting’s voice at workshops, seminars, and conferences.
• Ethics and Compliance: Contribute to research integrity by reviewing external research proposals as necessary.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will need:

Qualifications:

Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience. A higher degree qualification is highly regarded.

Experience:

3+ years in social policy relating to child, youth and family services. We particularly welcome candidates with recent experience working in a NSW Government agency, and/or with experience in child protection.

Skills and Competencies:

• Proven experience in policy development, including submissions and briefing notes.
• Strong understanding of government processes and public policy influence.
• Advanced project planning and management skills with the ability to lead small project teams.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build collaborative relationships across Uniting, government agencies, and community organisations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently and work as part of a small, dynamic team.
• Commitment to Social Justice: A deep alignment with Uniting’s mission and a passion for making a tangible difference in the community through research and policy.

Desirable Skills

• Experience working on policy initiatives with Aboriginal communities.
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods and experience managing externally conducted projects.

Join us to help shape policies that make a difference, working within a vibrant team focused on impact, innovation, and advocacy. If you’re a passionate change-maker with a background in social policy, we invite you to bring your expertise to Uniting.

To review the role responsibilities in greater detail please review the comprehensive Position Description by clicking on the link below 

 PD Principal Policy Officer.

For all questions, please don't hesitate to contact Louise Massie via email at mmassie@uniting.org

How to apply:  Send your CV and a brief cover letter highlighting why this role appeals to you - Applications reviewed upon receipt, please apply today.

What We Offer You

• A rewarding career with a leading human services organisation.
• Up to $18,550 NFP salary packaging available.
• Access to our U rewards program with exclusive discounts.
• Flexible work hours for work-life balance.
• Access to Fitness Passport – Live your best life.
• A supportive and inclusive and collaborative work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth.
• Purchase of additional leave.

When you’re part of Uniting NSW.ACT, you’re part of a diverse, purpose-led team of people who are really making a difference to the world around them.
 
We contribute to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide care and support for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on people experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice.
 
Uniting leaders and employees work together to create a culture that is safe, inclusive and person-centred. We bring this to life every day through our values: compassionate, respectful, imaginative and bold.
 
Uniting acknowledges the continuing sovereignty and rich cultural diversity of Australia’s First Peoples. We pay our respects to all Elders – past, present, and emerging – and to all First Peoples on whose lands we live and work. 
 
Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people.

Employment with Uniting is subject to satisfactory background checks which may include a national police check, reference checks, working with children checks, and NDIS checks.