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Guiding the future of NSW educationPosition detailsPrincipal Education OfficerOngoing, Full-timeClose to Wynyard station & hybrid work arrangements availableAbout usAt the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), we''re dedicated to carrying out meaningful work that drives improvements and elevates student achievement across NSW, now and into the future.We accomplish this by supporting all school sectors with high-quality syllabuses, assessment (including managing the HSC and NAPLAN), teaching standards (e.g., accrediting teachers) and school environments (including setting and monitoring school standards).NESA is aunique organisation in NSW (of around740FTE staff) with significant state-wide impact, visit ourwebsiteto learn more about the important work we do.About the roleJoin NESA as a Principal Policy Officer in the Office of the CEO and play a pivotal role in shaping education policy at a strategic level. This is your chance to lead and drive the development, delivery, and implementation of high-impact policy initiatives that influence organisational priorities and support key government commitments. If you''re passionate about making a difference and thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment, this role offers the opportunity to influence the future of education in NSW.In this role, on a day-to-day basis you will:Lead and coordinate research, analysis and review of policy issues to identify emerging issues, develop evidence-based solutions and strategies, and mitigate risks.Provide expert information and policy advice ensuring alignment with NESA''s strategic priorities and addressing complex issues within tight timeframes.Manage teams and projects to deliver significant policy initiatives and meet operational objectives under competing priorities.Lead and facilitate engagement with internal and external key stakeholders to consult and negotiate on policy issues, develop and recommend solutions and support sound policy decisions.Oversee the preparation of reports, briefings and correspondence to inform or respond to Agency and/or Government requestsMonitor national and international education trends and research in education to inform and continuously strengthen the design, development and delivery of NESA''s strategic priorities.To be successful you will need:An appropriate tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalent education industry skills, knowledge and experienceDemonstrated experience in policy development and managing projectsDemonstrated knowledge of NESA''s policy, legislative, and regulatory frameworkKnowledge and understanding of current and emerging education trends and issues, and makes connections with NESA''s policy and strategic agendaWe invite you to download the role description for additional information on the position.At NESA you''ll benefit from:An organisation where your contribution has a big impactAn enviable CBD location (all modes of transport nearby, and excellent coffee and eateries) with refurbished officesFlexible working arrangements and generous leave entitlementsAccess to discounted health and fitness memberships via Fitness Passport, an employee assistance program and annual flu vaccinationsSalary packaging optionsWorking in a purpose driven and ethical organisation with committed colleaguesReady to join us?Select apply and attach an up-to-date rsum (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages). Also address the 2 targeted questions below in your online application (maximum of 500 words per response - approximately):Describe a time when you had to consult and negotiate with multiple internal and external stakeholders on a sensitive policy issue. How did you manage differing perspectives and achieve a solution that supported sound policy decisions?Describe a time when you had to provide accurate policy advice under tight timeframes and with limited information. How did you ensure quality and manage stakeholder expectations?What steps did you take to validate your advice under time pressure?How did you communicate risks or uncertainties to decision-makers?What would you do differently if faced with the same situation again?Advice on applying for NSW Public Sector rolesIf you need reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process and workplace, please reach out to Close date: Tuesday 27 January 2026 at 11.59pm AESTThank you for your interest, we look forward to receiving your application.Important informationNESA''s Statement of Commitment to Child SafetyAll children and young people have the right to be respected, feel safe, be safe, and protected from harm. NESA is committed to child safety and child safe practices underpinning our purpose of helping children and young people leave school, ready to take advantage of life''s opportunities and rise to its inevitable challenges. We particularly welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people of all ages, genders, cultural and linguistic backgrounds and the LGBTQIA+ community.Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For ongoing roles, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. Australian Temporary Residents may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.A Talent Pool (valid for 18 months) may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles.