Policy Officer (3 days per week)

Sydney | Part-time, 3 days per week | Initial 2-year contract

Help strengthen the voice of Australia’s planning profession.

The Planning Institute of Australia is looking for a Policy Officer to join our Policy and Advocacy team, working across NSW and national policy priorities.

This role would suit a planner or policy professional who enjoys tackling important issues, working with experts and stakeholders, and turning evidence into clear arguments that can influence government and public debate.

You will work across planning reform, housing, climate action, infrastructure and other issues affecting planning and planners. Your work could include researching an emerging policy issue, coordinating input from PIA members, preparing a submission, developing a briefing for a government meeting or helping communicate PIA’s position publicly.

About the role

Working with PIA’s National Head of Policy and Advocacy and State Manager (NSW and ACT), you will:

• research and analyse planning and public policy issues

• contribute to submissions, policy positions, advocacy campaigns and thought leadership

• monitor government reforms and consultation opportunities

• coordinate input from members, committees and external experts

• prepare briefings, presentations, articles, media material and other advocacy content

• help build relationships across government, industry, academia and the planning profession.

You will be part of both PIA’s national Policy and Advocacy team and our NSW team.

About you

You may be a planner looking to improve planning systems and champion the value of planning, or a policy and research professional with strong knowledge of the planning and development sector.

We are looking for someone who can analyse complex issues, write clearly, work confidently with a range of people and manage their own work in a busy environment.

A qualification in planning or a relevant field such as geography, economics, law, property, or social or environmental sciences is required. Knowledge of the NSW planning system and current planning reform agenda will be particularly valuable.

About PIA

The Planning Institute of Australia is the national professional body for planners and the planning profession.

Our purpose is to be the home of Australia’s planning profession. We champion the value of planning, develop planners, connect the profession and advocate for better planning outcomes.

PIA has around 30 staff nationally and works with thousands of planners across government, private practice, academia and the community.

Why join PIA?

At PIA, you’ll be part of a national peak organisation shaping the future of Australia’s cities, regions and communities.

This role offers:

• A chance to influence major policy and planning outcomes

• A statewide and national platform and profile

• Flexible, work-from-home arrangements

• A collaborative, purpose-driven team environment

Working arrangements

The position is based in PIA’s Surry Hills office and works three days per week, with the specific days agreed with the successful applicant. Some work from home flexibly may also be available.

This is initially a two-year contract.

Applications close: Monday 24 August 2026