Job Description

The Cabinet Office

Senior
Associate, Policy – Multiple Roles

You. At the centre of big ideas.

• Help shape government decisions on some of NSW's most significant climate, energy, environment, water and primary industries priorities
  
• Join a high-performing policy team working at the centre of government to provide advice that informs Cabinet decision-making
  
• Multiple ongoing and temporary Clerk Grade 9/10 opportunities ($133,348 - $146,945 per annum), based in Martin Place, Sydney CBD.

About the Role

The Cabinet Office (TCO) plays a central role in supporting Cabinet decision‑making and driving whole‑of‑government policy development and advice. TCO comprises three policy groups: Energy, Environment and Evidence; Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations; and Economic, Housing and Infrastructure Policy.

This recruitment round is primarily for the Energy, Environment and Evidence Group, for teams involved in energy, environment and water policy, primary industries, crown lands, climate change, infrastructure and economic transition

We are seeking to fill multiple Senior Associate, Policy roles, including one ongoing and two temporary opportunities available until 20 April 2027 and 21 June 2030, with potential to extend or convert to ongoing.

As a Senior Associate, Policy, you will undertake complex policy and project work to inform Cabinet and government decision‑making. This is a senior policy role at the centre of government, offering exposure to Cabinet‑level issues and the opportunity to contribute to decisions with statewide impact.

You will prepare high‑level advice, critically analyse policy proposals, engage with stakeholders across government, and contribute to significant policy reforms and service delivery initiatives across NSW Government. You will collaborate across agencies and with key external stakeholders on cross‑portfolio and state‑significant issues that spans energy, environment and water policy, primary industries, crown lands, climate change, infrastructure and economic transition.

This is an opportunity to work on challenging policy issues at the centre of government and help shape outcomes on some of NSW's most significant environmental, energy and natural resource priorities.

Applicants may be placed in a talent pool for future temporary and ongoing opportunities in the same grade that become available over the next 18 months.

To learn more about the role, please review the

We're Looking For

• Policy Development & Delivery: Demonstrated experience contributing to complex policy development, reform initiatives or service delivery projects within government or a similarly complex environment.
  
• Analysis & Advice: Proven ability to undertake critical analysis and deliver high‑quality, evidence‑based written and verbal advice on complex, sensitive or cross‑portfolio issues.
  
• Project Management, judgement and prioritisation: Demonstrated capability in planning, coordinating and delivering policy or project work within tight timeframes, using your judgement to balance competing priorities in fast‑paced environments.
  
• Stakeholder Engagement: Experience working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, including across government agencies, central agencies, and external organisations, to inform policy development and achieve outcomes.
  
• Sector Knowledge: Experience or familiarity with environment, energy, water or primary industries policy areas will be highly regarded
  
• Communication & Collaboration: Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex issues and work constructively across teams, agencies and jurisdictions.
  
• Integrity & Professionalism: Experience working in a highly ethical and professional environment, with a sound understanding (or ability to quickly develop an understanding) of relevant legislative, policy and governance frameworks.

We value diverse experiences. Even if you're not sure you meet all requirements, we encourage you to apply.

Why Join Us?

• Flexible Working: Broad range of flexible working arrangements
  
• Career Development: Ongoing learning through expert-led sessions, online training, and professional development opportunities
  
• Work-Life Balance: Flex time accrual for extra hours worked (for non-executive roles) based on a 35-hour standard week
  
• Wellbeing Support: Access to employee assistance program, fitness passport program, and wellbeing initiatives
  
• Inclusive Culture: Staff-led networks including Aboriginal Staff Advisory Committee, Diversity & Inclusion Network, and Young Professionals Network

How to Apply

Click ‘Apply Online’ and submit your application including:

• A resume detailing relevant knowledge, skills and experience (maximum 5 pages)
  
• A cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements of the role (maximum 2 pages)

Closing date: Tuesday, 11 August 2026 (9:59 AM)

Salary: Classification Grade 9/10. Package includes base salary ($133,348 - $ 146,945) plus superannuation (12%) and leave loading.

Hiring Manager: Paul Chalouhi, Associate Director on Paul.Chalouhi@tco.nsw.gov.au

About The Cabinet Office

Leading policy, strategy and integrity from the heart of government

The Cabinet Office (TCO) enables robust Cabinet decision-making by ensuring policies and proposals submitted for consideration are of the highest quality and in line with government priorities. Learn more about the department and a career at The Cabinet Office.

Our Commitment

We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans and other diverse communities.

The Cabinet Office acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and live. We pay respect to Ancestors and Elders past and present. We recognise and learn from the strengths of First Nations peoples of New South Wales and their continuing connection to, and unique cultural and spiritual relationship with, Country.

Additional Information

Reasonable Adjustments: The selection process will include assessment techniques to determine your suitability. You can request reasonable adjustments at any stage by indicating in pre-screening questions, contacting the Talent Team at PCT@premiersdepartment.nsw.gov.au, or reaching out to the hiring manager.

Talent Pool: A talent pool may be created from this recruitment process. If eligible, you may be contacted for ongoing and temporary opportunities in the same role or grade that become available over an 18-month period.