This targeted position is only open for Public Sector employees
Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for good governance and high-quality public sector practice?
We’re looking for a Senior Project Officer – Governance to play a key role in enhancing the Department’s governance framework and driving initiatives that support transparency, accountability, and organisational performance.
This is a fixed term opportunity for 18 months commencing immediately. Please note that this position is open to PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYEES ONLY. Applications outside of the Public Sector will not be considered.
About the Role
As the Senior Project Officer – Governance, you will lead and support strategic, departmentwide projects that reinforce our corporate governance structures and ensure alignment with best practice standards. Working within the Strategy and Performance portfolio, you’ll provide expert advice, develop practical solutions, and strengthen governance processes across the organisation.
Your work will help shape how we manage risk, uphold integrity, and meet our legislative and ethical obligations. This role is highly collaborative, partnering with business units to deliver consistent, timely, and effective governance support that enables them to achieve operational and strategic goals.
What You’ll Do
- Lead key governance projects that improve frameworks, policies, and accountability mechanisms.
- Provide expert guidance on governance practices, legislative requirements, and ethical standards.
- Support the design, implementation, and monitoring of governance initiatives across the Department.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders to identify opportunities for improvement and develop practical, sustainable solutions.
- Strengthen the connection between governance functions and operational teams to enhance organisational alignment and performance.
- Ensure business units receive timely, accurate, and actionable governance advice.
What We’re Looking For
- A strategic and analytical thinker with experience in corporate governance, risk management, policy, or public sector administration.
- Strong project management skills and a track record of delivering highquality outcomes.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
- Someone who can balance detail with broader organisational vision and drive improvements that make a measurable impact.
- A commitment to integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Why Join Us?
At DWER, we’re more than just a regulator—we’re a values-driven organisation committed to fairness, transparency, and innovation. We respect First Nations peoples, their knowledge, culture, and connection to Country, and we are guided by science and new technologies to safeguard our environment and water resources.
Our values-based culture reflects who we are and how we go about business.
We care | We build trust | Better together | Open minds | We serve to make a difference
Find out more about us by visiting our website at www.dwer.wa.gov.au
Enjoy a great work-life balance, meaningful work, and the opportunity to collaborate with passionate professionals across government and industry.
What’s in it for me?
We provide an inclusive, agile, and safe workplace that empowers a diverse workforce to make a difference. We offer professional development opportunities, recognise the importance of work-life balance and wellness initiatives, and provide:
- the opportunity to be involved with exciting, interesting, and meaningful work.
- the opportunity to travel across Western Australia with a good balance of travel and office-based work.
- fully flexible working arrangements that are encouraged to facilitate an awesome work-life balance.
- competitive salary plus 11.5% employer superannuation contribution and access to salary packaging options.
- access to an assortment of personal and professional development and training opportunities.
- leading wellness program promoting a healthy work / life balance that includes funded flu vaccinations and employee assistance programs.
- a strong networking and social environment.
- clearly defined career progression pathways.
For further information about the opportunity, we encourage you to contact Emilee Rippon, Assistant Director – Governance, Risk and Audit on (08) 6364 7411 during business hours or via email at Emilee.Rippon@dwer.wa.gov.au
How to apply
If you believe you have what it takes to succeed in this opportunity, please apply online by clicking the ‘Apply for Job’ button (above or below) and provide the following in Word or PDF format:
- Provide a comprehensive CV;
- A Cover letter (two page maximum) that demonstrates your experience, skills and achievements relevant to the job description.
- Two (2) referees (one preferred to be a current supervisor or recent manager);
Please Note:
- To be eligible for appointment, applicants must have documentary evidence of entitlement to live and work in Australia for the duration of the employment opportunity.
- DWER conducts employment screening which may include a National Criminal History check.
For technical difficulties while applying online or information about the application process, please contact us for assistance on (08) 6364 6774 or at recruitment@dwer.wa.gov.au – email address not to be used for submission of applications.
Access Needs
We use the National Relay Service (NRS) to ensure we are accessible to people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. NRS can help you connect with us on:
- TTY/voice calls – 133 677
- Speak & Listen – 1300 555 727
If you have any support or access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in this selection process (including an alternate format of the application form), please contact our Recruitment Team at recruitment@dwer.wa.gov.au or on (08) 6364 6774.
This process may be used to fill similar vacancies that may arise within DWER and across the WA public sector over the next twelve (12) months. Vacancies may be full-time or part-time, permanent or fixed term with possibility of extension or permanency in a variety of metropolitan and regional locations.
Applicants found suitable but not recommended for this vacancy may be considered for subsequent vacancies in accordance with Part 5 (General Appointment) of Commissioner's Instruction 2: Filling a Public Sector Vacancy.
CLOSING DATE: Wednesday 11 February 2026 4:00pm (Australian Western Standard Time)
Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.
