Senior Policy Analyst (ECEC) - WFH (Australia-wide)

Senior Policy Analyst (ECEC)Are you an organised policy professional? AERO is seeking a talented and driven Senior Policy Analyst with a background in ECEC to help contribute evidence-based policy advice on a range of complex educational issues.

• Offering a competitive base salary starting at $116,222 (commensurate with skills and experience) plus 12% superannuation
• Full time temporary contract until 31 January 2027
• Flexible location, work from home (Australia-wide)  

About The Organisation The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) is Australia’s national education evidence body. AERO is working towards excellent and equitable outcomes for all children and young people by generating and making high-quality evidence accessible and enhancing the use of evidence in Australian education. AERO is bringing together people who are passionate about evidence-informed policy and practice for schools and early childhood services. Our team is collegial, creative and committed to fulfilling AERO’s potential to make an impact. We value agile thinkers who can help shape AERO as a new, dynamic organisation, and team players who enjoy working across projects and in diverse, interdisciplinary teams. Many of our people have ongoing connections to research, policy and practice organisations, helping us to bridge the gap between evidence generation and translation. For more information about AERO, please see https://edresearch.edu.au Purpose of the role The role undertakes complex policy analysis / research to support policymakers and key stakeholders in using evidence effectively. Serving as the conduit between policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers, this role ensures high-impact findings are accessible, understandable, and easy to enact in a policy context. Through rigorous analysis and strategic collaboration, the position drives informed decision-making and system improvement within the early childhood and broader education sector, either through direct partnerships or policy influence mechanisms. Accountabilities

• Conduct advanced policy research and analysis, including investigating and critically analysing issues and opportunities relating to early childhood / education.
• Develop and implement strategies to maximise the influence of AERO’s research on system programs and policies.
• Provide high quality policy advice on a wide variety of issues in education, including ECEC services, schools, child and student outcomes, and evidence use in practice.
• Prepare, convene and facilitate workshops for stakeholders, and implement effective follow-up to maximise stakeholder engagement and dissemination of AERO’s work.
• Prepare advice and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders that conveys complex concepts and information on early childhood / education topics in an appropriate format and manner.
• Advise, support and collaborate with other AERO teams as required, with a particular focus on ensuring effective incorporation of AERO’s strategic policy agenda in their work.

Knowledge, Skills And ExperienceEssential requirements:

• Tertiary qualifications and/or relevant experience in policy (preferably public policy), public administration and/or early childhood/ education.

Knowledge And Experience

• Excellent understanding of policy landscapes and policy frameworks and governance.
• Understanding of ECEC (ideally) or education landscape and workings in Australia.
• Experience in collaborating with a team to deliver complex, high-quality products under tight timelines with competing priorities.
• Ability to effectively maintain productive working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners and researchers.

Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to create compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Highly developed conceptual and analytical skills, including the ability to translate technical and complex information concisely for diverse audiences.

AERO welcomes applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.How to apply?  Please submit an online application: 

• CV and a Cover Letter describing your interest in and suitability for the role addressing the skills and experience above.

Applications close 11.59pm Sunday 19 April 2026 (Sydney, AEDT)Notes  

• Respectfully, no agencies please. 
• Please only apply for this role if you are an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or have unrestricted work rights in Australia. 
• Appointments are subject to a National Criminal Record Check (NCRC) and having or obtaining a current valid working with children check (WWCC). 
• If you require any additional information to above or have technical difficulties applying, please contact: recruitment@edresearch.edu.au 
• Please do not send applications to this email address, apply through advert.