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Project Officer, Strategy, Innovation and Sustainability

NSW Department of Communities and Justice • Australia • Added on Jun 22, 2026
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This role acts as a central coordinator for strategic initiatives within the Department of Communities and Justice, focusing on the intersection of infrastructure and environmental stewardship. You will lead the development and implementation of plans related to asset management, the net zero transition, and climate risk. By providing analytical support and research, you ensure that high-level strategy translates into tangible operational improvements across a diverse portfolio.

The significance of this position lies in operationalizing sustainability within the public sector for social impact. By integrating climate resilience and net zero goals into infrastructure and asset planning, you directly contribute to a safer and fairer NSW. This role bridges the gap between administrative governance and environmental responsibility, ensuring that public services are delivered through a future-proof and ecologically sound framework.

This suits someone who possesses a sharp analytical mind and can navigate complex governmental structures with ease. You should be comfortable managing multiple priorities and translating technical climate risks into clear, actionable advice for senior leadership.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary focus involves supporting the planning and delivery of strategic projects that enhance organizational capability. You will be responsible for coordinating activities across infrastructure planning and asset management, with a heavy emphasis on sustainability frameworks and climate risk management. Beyond project coordination, you will conduct detailed research and data analysis to support innovation. This includes preparing high-level reports, briefings, and strategic advice for senior stakeholders to ensure all deliverables align with the Department's and the broader NSW Government's environmental priorities. You will also be tasked with identifying operational risks and opportunities for improvement. By tracking milestones and managing documentation, you ensure that the transition to net zero and sustainability targets remains on schedule within a dynamic and complex public sector environment.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates can expect to gain deep expertise in public sector ESG integration. Specifically, you will learn how to apply climate risk management frameworks within a massive infrastructure and asset portfolio, which is a highly sought-after skill set in the current economy. Exposure to NSW Government policy-making and strategic planning processes will provide a unique perspective on how large-scale social and environmental goals are operationalized. You will likely engage with complex procurement and asset management standards that are being adapted for the net zero transition. Additionally, the role offers a chance to sharpen stakeholder management and strategic communication skills. Navigating the requirements of different agencies and internal teams while pushing for innovation provides a masterclass in diplomacy and change management within a bureaucratic setting.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in project coordination and policy analysis, preferably within a government or highly regulated environment. A solid understanding of sustainability principles, climate risk, and asset management is essential to hit the ground running. Technical prowess in data analysis and report writing is balanced by a need for excellent interpersonal skills. The department values individuals who can communicate complex strategic concepts clearly to non-expert audiences and build collaborative relationships across diverse teams. A proactive mindset and high level of adaptability are crucial. Since this role covers strategy, innovation, and sustainability, the candidate must be comfortable with ambiguity and have the initiative to drive projects forward without constant supervision.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, your application should explicitly link your previous experience to the government's net zero and climate risk priorities. Tailor your resume to show how you have managed complex projects where environmental goals had to be balanced with operational or financial constraints. In your two-page cover letter, highlight specific examples of analytical problem-solving. Mention a time you turned data or research into a strategic brief that influenced a senior decision-maker. Demonstrating an understanding of the Department of Communities and Justice's social mission will also show cultural alignment. Prepare for questions about how you handle competing priorities. Since this role supports strategy across infrastructure and innovation, proving you can manage multiple high-stakes portfolios simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail is key.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

This role is central to the department's environmental roadmap, specifically focusing on the transition to net zero. You will likely spend significant time on initiatives that reduce the carbon footprint of the department’s physical assets and infrastructure. Another major focus is climate risk management. This involves assessing how climate change impacts service delivery and infrastructure resilience, ensuring that the department can continue its social mission even in the face of environmental disruptions. You will also work on organizational capability building. This means not just managing one project, but creating the tools, reports, and governance structures that allow the entire department to integrate sustainability into their day-to-day operations.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges is balancing diverse stakeholder interests across different sub-agencies and departments. Sustainability initiatives can sometimes be seen as conflicting with immediate operational costs or traditional asset management protocols. The complexity of government reporting and compliance can also be a hurdle. Staying up to date with evolving NSW Government sustainability standards while ensuring project delivery doesn't stall requires significant diligence and patience. Finally, translating high-level strategy into practical outcomes in a large organization of over 8,000 employees is inherently difficult. Overcoming institutional inertia to implement innovative or sustainable practices will require persistence and strong evidence-based arguments.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a team check-in to coordinate ongoing infrastructure or sustainability projects, followed by hours of analytical work, such as reviewing asset data or researching new climate resilience standards. Mid-day, you might draft a briefing paper for a senior executive or participate in a cross-agency working group to discuss net zero targets. Communication is a constant, whether through formal emails or informal collaboration sessions to troubleshoot project bottlenecks. Afternoons are often dedicated to project tracking and reporting. You’ll be ensuring that various project streams are meeting their milestones and that risks are being documented and mitigated before they impact the broader department strategy.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

Within a large state department, there are significant paths for lateral and vertical movement. Success in this role could lead to Senior Project Officer or Management positions within the sustainability, asset management, or strategic policy divisions. The high visibility of net zero initiatives within the NSW Government means that successful outcomes in this role will be recognized by senior leadership. This exposure is invaluable for career progression into executive roles within the public sector. You will also have access to formal training and development programs offered by the DCJ. These certifications and internal leadership courses are designed to build the capabilities required for long-term career growth in state administration.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Internal stakeholders include senior management and executives who rely on your research and briefings for decision-making. You will also work closely with teams in infrastructure planning, asset management, and corporate services. Externally, you will interact with other NSW Government agencies and community partners to align sustainability efforts across the public sector. These interactions ensure that the department’s strategies are consistent with whole-of-government priorities. Technical consultants and external service providers may also be key stakeholders when specialized expertise is needed for climate risk assessments or innovation projects. Building strong rapport with these diverse groups is essential for project success.

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