Principal Program Officer - Early Childhood Programs And Funding

As the Principal Program Officer, you will implement effective contract and relationship management strategies to ensure that outcomes are delivered in a timely and effective manner and the strategic aims and objectives of the government are achieved.

You will provide information and advice to funded organisations to ensure that contractual obligations are met.

About the Department of Education:

The Department of Education are dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the community and schools we support by treating everyone with respect and dignity. This starts with recruitment and selection. The methods of assessing suitability in the recruitment process may vary. This includes making reasonable adjustments to support applicants at all stages of the process and employee lifecycle.

Your Role:

We are seeking a solution-focussed Principal Program Officer who demonstrates a positive outlook, personal drive and flexibility to join our team.

It would be advantageous that the Principal Program Officer has a solid understanding of the complexities and demonstrated experience of working with the early years sector; as well as experience in contract and relationship management. This includes service agreement and program management to improve outcomes for Queensland's children and families.

An understanding of Queensland's Early Years and Kindergarten funding arrangements and regulated Early Childhood Education and Care contexts would be advantageous.

As the Principal Program Officer, you will contribute to the functions of the Programs and Funding Branch.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide information and advice to funded services and support the department to analyse operational policy, program and legislative issues affecting Early Childhood services.
• Contribute to the development of strategic initiatives and provide advice on policy development, operational planning and practice.
• Contribute to the design, planning and review of Programs and strategies for the provision of Early Childhood development initiatives in Queensland.
• Develop and maintain effective linkages with:
• Regional staff to ensure that policies and programs reflect the identified needs and issues and that Programs and or services are delivered effectively.
• Other work areas to ensure policies and program proposals are consistent with departmental objectives.
• Other departments and non-government organisations to ensure a focus on outcomes and a whole of government approach to Early Childhood development.

Instructions to apply:

• A brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history); and
• A two-page (maximum) document detailing the skills, experience and attributes you will bring to this role that specifically address the selection criteria. Please respond to the Competencies - How you may be assessed in the Role Description.

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive. 

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department. 

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted. 

When working in regulated employment an employee must have a current Working with Children Clearance (blue card) issued by Blue Card Services.

Salary rate shown is reflective of full-time (1.0 FTE). 

The Department of Education is a family inclusive workplace. Click here to find out more about our Inclusion and Diversity strategies. ( https://alt-qed.qed.qld.gov.au/working-with-us/induction/department/human-resources/inclusion-and-diversity#:~:text=Pathways%20to%20Parity,participate%20fully%20in%20our%20workplaces. )