Positions

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The Outback Communities Authority (OCA) is a South Australian Government statutory body which provides municipal services and community support to residents, associations and townships across Outback SA – which is approximately 63% of the State.  The organisation’s goals include sustaining its communities, improving their liveability, growing the Outback economy and advocating for the interests of Outback people.

The OCA aspires to be an agile organisation with a strong culture of teamwork and collaboration evident between colleagues and OCA’s relationships with partners and stakeholders.  The Strategic Policy Manager will directly contribute to the prosperity, sustainability, and resilience of Outback South Australia by delivering policies that address the unique challenges of the region, supporting local communities, and fostering responsible development.

This pivotal role forms part of the OCA leadership team and works closely with the Director, Board, staff and relevant government agencies.  Key responsibilities include:

• developing and implementing policies, regulations and procedures to support delivery of programs that improve the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of Outback communities;
• providing high level advice to the Director and Board;
• drafting Cabinet submissions and Ministerial briefings;
• managing projects which formulate and implement regulations and legislation to improve conditions across Outback SA;
• initiating and overseeing research efforts to analyse trends and emerging issues relevant to Outback development;
• evaluating the impacts of existing policies and assessing the social, economic and environmental impact of those proposed;
• overseeing and mentoring staff involved in policy implementation and promoting a culture of innovation, collaboration and accountability.

Applications are welcome from culturally sensitive professionals with proven experience in managing multi-stakeholder projects from conception through to execution and evaluation.  An in-depth understanding of regional development, natural resource management and social policy in rural or remote areas will be important as will the ability to build excellent relationships with community members and organisations, representative bodies and other stakeholders across Outback SA.  Proven skills to engage effectively with Aboriginal people and communities is critical.  The successful candidate will also display strong leadership capabilities, excellent strategic thinking and analytical skills and the ability to balance competing priorities in a complex policy environment.  Experience working in or with communities in regional or Outback Australia is highly desirable but not essential.  Consideration will be given to candidates wishing to work from either city or regional locations but willing to undertake Outback travel.

The Outback Communities Authority is a part of the Department for Housing and Urban Development, whose primary objective is the delivery of homes and housing options for South Australians.