Senior Policy And Data Analyst

Description:

Why work with us:

The Office for Early Childhood Development was created to champion change and to help build a system that gives all South Australian children a flying start to life.

Guided by the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care, the Office for Early Childhood Development is the steward of the early childhood development system in South Australia.

The Office is tasked with a significant responsibility: bringing together a holistic, connected system for early childhood development across South Australia, with the goal of reducing the rate of children entering school developmental vulnerable. Critical to this is the roll-out of universal 3-year-old preschool from 2026, giving every child access to 2 years of teacher-led, play-based early learning before school.

About the role:

As the Senior Policy and Data Analyst, you will lead the design, analysis, and implementation of data assets, providing strategic insights to inform planning and decision-making. You will be at the forefront of driving improvements through data analytics, visualisation, and policy development. Your work will directly influence the successful roll-out of universal 3-year-old preschool and other key initiatives in early childhood education.

Key responsibilities include:

• Specialist Policy Development & Risk Assessment:
  Lead the creation of expert advice by analysing policy and operational requirements, ensuring a clear understanding of how decisions impact outcomes and associated risks, driving informed and responsible decision-making.
• Data-Driven Strategic Decision-Making:
  Provide high-level data analytics services that support strategic decision-making, ensuring the effective and efficient provisioning of preschool and early childhood services across the state.
• Comprehensive Data Reporting & Service Planning:
  Generate data reports that aid in strategic modeling and integrated service planning, enabling scenario analysis to guide statewide service delivery, covering key areas such as funding, infrastructure, and workforce planning.
• Data Standardization & Maintenance:
  Offer expert advice to identify and standardize relevant data sources, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data models and methodologies that support the work program and policy development.
• Continuous Improvement in Data and Reporting:
  Drive initiatives to improve data quality and reporting processes, setting clear goals, priorities, and objectives, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and ensuring that data is tailored to meet stakeholder needs effectively.
• Innovative Data Analysis & Policy Development:
  Lead horizon scanning efforts to identify new areas for improvement in data analysis, bringing forward tools, apps, and expertise that contribute to enhanced policy development and decision-making.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Solution Development:
  Build and manage strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders across government agencies to better understand needs, refine requirements, and define effective solutions for early childhood development.

What’s In It for You?

• Make a Real Impact: Your work will shape the future of early childhood education in South Australia, directly contributing to children’s developmental success.
• Dynamic Role: Lead the design and implementation of complex data systems, working across a variety of data sources and policy areas.
• Collaboration: Work closely with senior executives, internal teams, and external partners to drive innovative solutions.
• Development Opportunities: Be part of an evolving team where your expertise in data analysis, policy, and early childhood development can thrive.

About you:

To thrive in this role, you will bring the following key skills and experience:

• Strong experience in policy analysis and data analytics, particularly in complex environments.
• Expertise in leading programs involving data extraction, manipulation, and visualisation.
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• A passion for continuous improvement and innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• A commitment to promoting a safe, inclusive, and healthy work environment.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a team at the heart of South Australia’s future – creating and implementing strategic solutions for early childhood education.

We encourage you to apply and bring your expertise to our dynamic team!

Application instructions and information:

Applications should be made through the IWorkForSA website.

Applicants must submit a CV, Pre-employment Declaration, and a cover letter outlining their suitability against the key selection criteria in the attached position description.

Additional Note:

This is a full-time 2-year long term contract role (1.0 FTE) with potential to be made ongoing.

Remuneration:

ASO7 $108,109 -$116,864 (1.0 FTE) per annum, plus superannuation.

Enquiries:

Enquiries can be directed to OECD.HR@sa.gov.au

Special Conditions:

The successful applicant is required to gain a Department for Human Services (DHS) working with children check (WWCC) prior to being employed which is required to be renewed every 5 years before expiry. The incumbent will be required to undertake RRHAN –EC (Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect - Education Care) Facilitator Lead (Masterclass) extended course or the online (Fundamentals) course which will be required to be updated every three years.

For all other Special Conditions please refer to the attached Position Description.

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.