Principal Consultant, Ministerial Services

About the role

The Reform and Strategic Services division of the Department of Education is recruiting a Principal Consultant for Ministerial Services, based in East Perth. The Ministerial Services Unit acts as the link between the Department and the offices of the Minister for Education, Early Childhood and the Minister for Tertiary and International Education, coordinating accurate, time-critical and sensitive information, ministerial responses, correspondence, Parliamentary and Cabinet processes and advice on policies, reports and strategic initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain strong knowledge of Government legislation and processes and advise the Minister's office to meet timelines.
• Manage projects supporting the policy and direction of the Department.
• Prepare correspondence, briefing and speech note requests, Parliamentary questions, Cabinet comments and inquiries in response to public correspondence.
• Provide advice and information on policies, reports, priorities and strategic initiatives to the Minister and other agencies.
• Work with the Ministerial Services team and staff in the Ministers' offices and across the Department, balancing multiple priorities and competing deadlines.

Required profile

• Australian or New Zealand citizenship, permanent residency or a valid visa with work rights for the term of appointment.
• Consent to a criminal history check and a current Screening Clearance Number from the Department of Education's Screening Unit.
• High-level professional knowledge and experience in the context of the role.
• Extensive experience preparing correspondence, reports, ministerials and briefing notes.
• Experience managing complex projects and issues, and conducting senior-level consultations, collaborations and negotiations.

Required skills

• Clear, effective writing aligned with government standards and ministerial requirements.
• Conceptual, analytical, research and investigation skills, with the ability to identify trends and propose innovative solutions.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to deliver outcomes on schedule under tight timeframes.

What we offer

• 12% employer-contributed superannuation.
• Flexible working arrangements, including working from home, flexible hours and part-time options.
• Annual, personal, long service and parental leave, plus professional development and study leave.
• Salary packaging and easy access to public transport.

Applications close on 9 November 2026 and must be submitted online with a CV and a three-page statement addressing the selection criteria.