Principal Policy Officer

Shape the Future of First Nations VET Policy Across Australia

• Be the engine room behind national policy change
• Competitive salary circa $150K (inclusive of Super)
• Turn complexity into clarity that shapes outcomes for First Nations communities
• Join a team built on partnership, courage, and real influence

A New National Chapter Begins

The Indigenous Centre of Vocational Excellence (ICOVE) is a First Nations-led national initiative established under the Australian Government’s National Skills Agreement, aligned with Closing the Gap reforms.

Delivered in partnership between Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS) and Tranby Aboriginal Co-operative, ICOVE has been created to strengthen how the vocational education and training (VET) system works for First Nations people — enabling better pathways into meaningful employment through stronger policy, improved capability, and more effective system design.

More than a traditional peak body, ICOVE represents a new national architecture — bringing together policy, research, innovation, and sector capability into a coordinated, system-level approach.

With ICOVE being built from the ground up, this is a unique opportunity to step into a foundational leadership role and shape a structure that will influence outcomes across Australia for years to come.

For more information, please visit:

• ICOVE 
• Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS)
• Tranby Aboriginal Co-operative

Your Role in Driving National Change

You’re not just writing policy — you’re interpreting it, shaping it, and influencing how it lands.

As a Principal Policy Officer, you sit at the core of ICOVE’s policy engine room, scanning the landscape, making sense of complex reform activity, and translating it into clear, strategic input that drives national outcomes.

KAMS / ICOVE is seeking a full-time Principal Policy Officer based in Australia (remote, with preference for Canberra), reporting to the Policy Director. You’ll play a key role in ensuring First Nations perspectives are represented, understood, and embedded across the evolving VET policy landscape.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Analysing national and state policy frameworks impacting First Nations VET outcomes
• Developing briefing papers, submissions, and position papers
• Providing strategic policy advice to internal and external stakeholders
• Representing ICOVE at committees, working groups, and sector forums
• Building relationships across government, community, and sector partners
• Monitoring emerging policy trends and identifying opportunities for influence
• Translating complex policy into clear, actionable insights
• Supporting broader ICOVE policy and program priorities

To read the full position description, please click here

How You’ll Build Impact in Your First Year

This role is about building context quickly, then turning it into influence.

In your first few months, your focus will be on getting across the landscape and contributing early. You’ll immerse yourself in the national VET and Closing the Gap policy environment, understand ICOVE’s policy partnership priorities, and build relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. At the same time, you’ll step into live work — supporting briefing notes, submissions, and policy responses where you can add immediate value.

This is a fast-moving environment, and you’ll be trusted to step in, pick things up quickly, and contribute from the outset.

As you progress, success in the role becomes less about output and more about impact and influence.

Within your first 6–12 months, you’ll be:

• Producing high-quality policy outputs that inform national discussions
• Building trusted relationships across government and sector stakeholders
• Identifying key policy opportunities and ensuring ICOVE has a voice
• Contributing to major publications and strategic outputs
• Becoming a go-to person for interpreting complex policy developments

By this stage, you’re not just across the detail — you’re helping shape the direction.

The Culture You’re Joining

This team is being built with intention.

• Purpose-led — everything ties back to outcomes for Aboriginal communities
• Collaborative — no egos, strong partnership mindset
• Intellectually rigorous — high standards, thoughtful work
• Fast-paced and evolving — priorities will shift, adaptability is key
• Courageous — willing to challenge thinking and navigate complexity

You’ll be working with people who are thoughtful, driven, and deeply committed to impact — and you’ll be expected to bring the same.

Your Experience and Approach

To qualify, you will need demonstrated experience in policy analysis and development, along with strong written communication skills. A minimum of 5+ years’ experience in policy, government, or a related field will be essential.

Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:

• Experience working within or influencing government policy environments
• Ability to analyse and distil complex information quickly
• Experience preparing high-quality briefs, submissions, and reports
• Understanding of VET, workforce policy, or Closing the Gap frameworks
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations (highly regarded)

As our ideal candidate, you will be analytical, curious, and highly organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities. You will be a strong communicator who can translate complexity into clarity, and someone who thrives in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.

This is a role for someone who wants to operate in the detail while influencing the bigger picture.

What’s on Offer

In recognition of the impact, scope, and national significance of this role, you will receive a salary package circa $150,000 (inclusive of SUPER), alongside:

• Flexible, remote working arrangements
• Opportunity to work from Canberra (preferred for policy engagement)
• Travel opportunities across Australia
• Professional development and leadership growth
• Work within a purpose-driven, community-led organisation
• Exposure to high-level national policy and decision-making forums

If you share our values and have the skills necessary to bring success to the role, we encourage you to APPLY TODAY!