A07 Principal Program Advisor

Location: Berrinba (flexible options for Brisbane CBD or Burleigh Heads)
Term: Fixed until 30 June 2027
Salary:$133,603 – $143,125 p.a. + super 

About the Role
This is a rare opportunity to join a high-profile, nationally significant program focused on protecting Australia’s biosecurity. As Principal Program Advisor, you’ll provide high-level advisory and coordination support across legal, compliance, governance, and communications.

You’ll act as the program’s subject matter expert for regulatory matters, lead projects such as Codes of Practice, and prepare policy and case-specific advice for oversight bodies. Your work will include synthesising complex information into clear, accurate briefs and submissions for senior stakeholders, including Parliamentary and Ministerial audiences.

This role offers the unique chance to see projects through from inception to completion, something rarely available in government policy roles.


Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate input from subject matter experts across multiple disciplines.
• Lead regulatory projects and initiatives, ensuring best practice.
• Prepare high-level briefs, submissions, and correspondence for senior stakeholders.
• Provide strategic advice on complex policy and legislative issues.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to develop whole-of-government initiatives.

Ideal Candidate

• Strong background in policy, compliance, and regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to manage complex, fast-paced projects and deliver under pressure.
• Experience coordinating across multiple sectors (community, technical, scientific).
• Cabinet Liaison Officer, Senior Policy Officer, or similar policy and compliance experience highly regarded.
• Exposure to legal systems and strategic advisory work.
• Degree in Law (desirable).
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative, proactive, and solutions-focused.

Why Apply?

• Contribute to a once-in-a-lifetime program delivering significant benefits for Australia.
• Launchpad into senior roles; exposure to large, complex programs.
• Hybrid work model and multiple locations.
• National initiative critical to Australia’s biosecurity.

Pre-employment checks: Criminal history and disciplinary clearance required.

Eligibility: Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold valid work rights.


To be considered, please click "Apply" now and upload your most recent CV. For a confidential discussion, contact Max Brown at max.brown@chandlermacleod.com



At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse, people living with a disability and the LGBTIQA+ community.

You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at https://www.chandlermacleod.com/diversity-and-inclusion.