Principal Policy Officer

Help shape nationally significant First Nations policy across Australia's VET sector

• Competitive Salary Package of $134,185 (incl. of Super) + Salary Packaging
• National Remote Role | Work from Anywhere in Australia
• Laptop and Technology to support Remote Working
• Join a growing national organisation and contribute to lasting outcomes for First Nations learners, communities and organisations

A New National Architecture

The Indigenous Centre of Vocational Excellence (ICOVE) is a First Nations-led national initiative established under the Australian Government's National Skills Agreement and 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 through stronger partnerships, capability building, innovation and policy leadership.

As ICOVE continues to grow, so does the opportunity to help shape evidence-based policy that supports better outcomes for First Nations learners, communities and organisations across Australia.

Joining ICOVE means becoming part of a team building a new national organisation from the ground up while contributing to policy that helps shape the future of First Nations vocational education.

For more information, please visit:

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

The Role: Activating the System

KAMS / ICOVE is seeking a Principal Policy Officer to join its growing national team, working remotely from anywhere in Australia

Reporting to the Director of Policy, you'll help develop evidence-based policy, strengthen advocacy and build productive relationships across government, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), education providers and key sector stakeholders.

Working collaboratively across ICOVE, KAMS and Tranby, you'll contribute to policy, research and strategic advice that supports stronger First Nations leadership and helps improve vocational education outcomes across Australia.

Here's What You'll Be Working On

As Principal Policy Officer, you'll help shape ICOVE's Policy & Advocacy function by developing evidence-based policy, building strategic relationships and contributing to nationally significant reform initiatives.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing policy papers, submissions, briefing notes and strategic advice that support ICOVE's priorities
• Monitoring policy developments and identifying opportunities to strengthen First Nations vocational education and training
• Building productive relationships across government, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), education providers and key sector stakeholders
• Representing ICOVE on committees, working groups and stakeholder forums
• Undertaking research and policy analysis to support informed decision-making and advocacy
• Contributing to monitoring, evaluation and reporting that supports continuous improvement
• Working collaboratively across ICOVE's Policy, Innovation, Capacity Building and Communications teams on strategic initiatives
• Supporting national projects, events and activities that advance ICOVE's vision and impact

The Profile: Practical, Strategic and Delivery-Focused

You enjoy analysing complex issues and developing practical policy that creates meaningful impact.

Whether you're preparing submissions, engaging stakeholders or providing strategic advice, you enjoy influencing decisions through evidence, collaboration and clear communication.

You'll be confident building relationships across diverse stakeholder groups while translating complex issues into practical, evidence-based recommendations.

To succeed in this role, you'll bring:

• Demonstrated experience developing, analysing and implementing policy within government, community or related sectors
• Strong written communication skills, including preparing reports, submissions and briefing papers
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience building productive stakeholder relationships
• Relevant qualifications in Public Policy, Law, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Education, Social Sciences, Community Development or a related discipline, OR equivalent demonstrated experience

The following experience will also be highly regarded:

• Experience within government, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), education, research or the VET sector
• Knowledge of the National Skills Agreement, Closing the Gap reforms or broader First Nations policy
• Experience representing organisations through committees, partnerships or stakeholder forums

Above all, you'll be collaborative, adaptable and solutions-focused, with the ability to work independently while remaining connected to a national remote team.

What's on Offer

In recognition of the important role you'll play in helping shape ICOVE's Policy and Advocacy agenda, you'll receive a competitive salary package of $134,185 (incl. of Super) along with an excellent range of benefits including:

• Salary Packaging to maximise your take-home pay
• National Remote Role with flexibility to Work from Anywhere in Australia
• The opportunity to help build a new national organisation from its establishment phase
• Direct involvement in nationally significant Closing the Gap reform initiatives
• The opportunity to influence policy that supports First Nations leadership and system-wide reform
• Ongoing Professional Development and Career Growth
• Laptop and Technology to support Remote Working

Why This Role Matters

Policy has the power to shape systems, influence decisions and create lasting change.

Joining ICOVE is an opportunity to help shape the future of First Nations vocational education while contributing to a new national organisation with a clear purpose and growing national impact.

If you're looking for a role where your policy expertise, strategic thinking and relationship-building skills can make a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you - APPLY NOW!