Principal Program Officer – Governance and Improvement

About the role

The Principal Program Officer will lead the Governance and Improvement team within Corporate Services, driving forward‑thinking governance, risk and compliance initiatives. You will manage a small team, oversee complex projects, and champion a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities

• Lead operational delivery of core governance functions including audit, risk, cyber security, privacy and legislative compliance.
• Provide expert advice, manage governance projects and identify process‑improvement opportunities.
• Coordinate Cabinet Legislation and Liaison Officer duties and ensure adherence to security protocols.
• Oversee agency reporting processes such as Estimates, SDS and the Annual Report.
• Prepare briefing notes and quarterly operational reports for the Executive Leadership Advisory Group.
• Manage logistics for internal and external audits, produce audit reports, and track recommendations to ensure compliance.
• Conduct quarterly risk register reviews, maintain risk policy documents, and prepare papers for the Audit and Risk Management Committee.
• Lead integrity and ethics initiatives and enhance cyber security, privacy and business continuity frameworks, including cyber‑exercise coordination and data‑breach response.

Required profile

• Forward‑thinking with strong analytical capabilities.
• Proven ability to lead a small team and manage complex tasks independently.
• Excellent communication skills, high integrity, and a commitment to confidentiality.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence governance practices at a senior level.
• Collaborative environment within a public‑sector organization.
• Professional development and exposure to high‑impact projects.