Job Description

Senior Commissioning and Planning Officer

Commissioning and Planning | Strategy, Policy and Commissioning

• Location – Tamworth, and Ballina or Coffs Harbour
• Employment type – Ongoing fulltime (two roles) and one temporary role until 30 June 2027
• Grade– Clerk Grade 9/10
• Salary - $133,348 pa - $146,945 pa plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

About Commissioning and Planning

The Commissioning and Planning directorate in Strategy Policy and Commissioning lead engagement with the sector to inform and shape system reform, service improvement and innovation. We work in partnership to develop and procure services, manage contracts and monitor performance to ensure accountability and value for money. We are responsible for sector development, stewardship of the system and achieving quality outcomes for children, families, individuals and communities in NSW.

Commissioning and Planning is a statewide directorate and manage over 1300 human services contracts on behalf of DCJ, across multiple program areas.

Your role

As part of the Commissioning and Planning team, you will play a key role in managing funded services across the NorthEast region of NSW. Working closely with service providers, government partners and internal stakeholders, you will manage contracts, monitor performance and support the delivery of quality outcomes for vulnerable children, young people, families and communities.

You will use data and evidence to monitor contract performance, provide strategic advice, resolve complex issues and support continuous service improvement. Through strong stakeholder engagement and effective contract management, you will help ensure services deliver value for money and achieve positive outcomes for the people and communities we serve.

What you’ll do

As part of the Commissioning and Planning team, you will be responsible for, but not limited to:

• Managing a portfolio of funded contracts across the NorthEast region of NSW.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with service providers, government partners and key stakeholders.
• Monitoring contract performance, financial accountability and program outcomes to ensure compliance, value for money and continuous service improvement.
• Leading contract management activities, including contract negotiations, performance monitoring, issue resolution and risk management.
• Analysing performance data and providing strategic advice to support planning and decision-making.
• Preparing high-quality briefing notes, submissions, correspondence and other complex documents in response to Ministerial and agency requests.
• Working collaboratively with stakeholders to strengthen sector capability and improve service delivery outcomes.
• Supporting and mentoring contract managers with more complex matters.

What we’re looking for

In this role you will:

• Demonstrate a sound understanding of contract management principles and responsibilities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with service providers and a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Use sound judgement, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to manage complex issues and support informed decision-making.
• Communicate confidently with a range of audiences and prepare high-quality briefing notes, reports and correspondence.
• Influence and provide clear, evidence-based advice to support service delivery and business outcomes.
• Manage competing priorities while delivering high-quality work within tight timeframes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement through effective contract management, performance monitoring and stakeholder engagement.
• Ideally have a working knowledge of the human services sector.
• Experience in analysing and assessing financial acquittals and documentation is desirable.

Essential requirements:

• Tertiary qualifications in a related discipline or equivalent experience.

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To apply directly via the DCJ Careers site click here Search for the job and click the ‘Apply now’ button.

We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply – you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.

What We Offer

• We offer a variety of benefits, including:
• A challenging and rewarding career
• Flexible, autonomous work environment
• Competitive pay and conditions
• Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities
• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.

We do work that really matters

Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It’s work that really matters.

Apply now and join Australia’s top public sector employer where we will support you and provide an exciting and flexible working environment!

Are you ready to join us?

Click apply, attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements of the role as well as an up-to-date résumé (maximum 3 pages).

Applications close Sunday, 9 August 2026 at 11:59pm AEST.

Got a question?

For more information about the role or what it’s like to work for DCJ, please contact Fiona Napper on 0427 070 072 or via email at fiona.napper@dcj.nsw.gov.au

If you’ve got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application), please call Poppy Sgro on 02 9765 3929 or via email at poppy.sgro@dcj.nsw.gov.au

Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit

We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.

To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visitInclusion and diversity on the DCJ website

Other Information

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

For more information visit Applying for DCJ jobs on the DCJ website.

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.

To keep up with recruitment opportunities at DCJ, follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CareersatDCJ/

The Welcome Experience
Thinking about moving to regional NSW? Get free, personalised support with housing, schools, jobs, and settling in. Learn more: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience

The careers site currently promotes this service on the ‘Discover roles with DCJ in regional NSW’ page.