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Principal Policy Officer
Trade Policy and Legislation; Employment and Trade Policy; Strategy and Skills Performance; Brisbane CBD
Are you a motivated and curious policy officer, with legislative experience, able to apply your skills to meet government and departmental priorities in a complex and changing environment? Are you keen to build new knowledge and take on the challenges of a diverse portfolio? Join the Employment and Trade Policy team to enhance your skills and help deliver strategic policy responses to the opportunities and challenges faced by the portfolio areas of trade, employment and training.
The Employment and Trade Policy Branch drives a strategic approach to policy development across the portfolio areas of trade, skilled migration, international education and training and workforce related policy, with a focus on influencing greater investment in human capital and trade to support economic growth.
Job details
| Position status | Fixed Term Temporary |
|---|---|
| Position type | Flexible full-time |
| Occupational group | Policy & Planning |
| Classification | AO7 |
| Workplace Location | Brisbane Inner City |
| Job ad reference | QLD/695878/26 |
| Closing date | 04-Aug-2026 |
| Job duration | For 12 months with possibility of extension |
| Contact person | Erika Christensen |
| Contact details | Ph: 3524 3099 Access the National Relay Service |
This role will have a particular focus on leading a portfolio wide legislative reform agenda. This role provides an opportunity to apply your policy and legislative skills to develop policy to support Queensland industries, employers, communities and individuals. In this role, you will apply your legislative, strategic policy, stakeholder engagement, and project management skills and experience to develop responses to the opportunities and challenges faced by the trade, employment and training sectors.
About the role
As the Principal Policy Officer, you will:
• Conduct complex policy research and analysis to provide clear, high-quality and timely advice that guides policy and project development on strategic employment and trade issues, helping the department achieve its vision and purpose.
• Maintain recent knowledge of issues and initiatives in employment and trade policy at an international, national and state level to support strategic policy advice on intergovernmental and intragovernmental arrangements, legislation and reform initiatives.
• Prepare high-quality written materials and communications on employment and trade policy and legislation, including briefs, cabinet submissions, drafting instructions, consultation papers, regulatory impact statements, presentations and speeches.
What we are looking for
The position requires an applicant who can:
• Think strategically by considering long-term goals and aligning them with the current environment and its drivers while thinking ahead to anticipate future needs.
• Lead change in complex environments by responding constructively to periods of uncertainty, proactively adapting approaches to meet changing expectations and requirements, and demonstrating positivity and focus during challenging times.
• Drive accountability and outcomes by working professionally and effectively under pressure, managing competing priorities to meet deadlines and achieving results independently or as part of a team. This includes identifying, implementing and promoting improved work practices within policy, data and research projects and operational teams.
Refer to the Role Description for a full list of responsibilities and what we are looking for.
How to apply
To apply, please submit the below via the SmartJobs application page:
• Your current resume
• Provide a covering letter (of one page) addressing the ‘What are we looking for' statements and telling us why you are interested in this role and outlining what your motivation is to join us.
Please ensure you refer to the Role Description 'Interested in applying' section for more information on what to include as part of your application.
We're committed to appointing the best-suited person for each role. This includes considering equity, diversity, respect, and inclusion needs within our agency. We believe that these elements are essential for the success of our team, and we strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. If you require any reasonable adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to reach out to the designated contact for the vacancy.
Applications will remain current for 12 months.
Further information
We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.
Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.
Documents
Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.
