Project Officer, Helpdesk

Guiding the future of NSW education

Position details

• Clerk Grade 7/8
• Ongoing, Full-time
• Close to Wynyard station & hybrid work arrangements available

About us

At the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), we’re dedicated to carrying out meaningful work that drives improvements and elevates student achievement across NSW, now and into the future.

We accomplish this by supporting all school sectors with high-quality syllabuses, assessment (including managing the HSC and NAPLAN), teaching standards (e.g., accrediting teachers) and school environments (including setting and monitoring school standards).

NESA is a unique organisation in NSW (of around 740FTE staff) with significant state-wide impact, visit our website to learn more about the important work we do.

About the role

NESA's Assessment Operations function involves managing the assessment and reporting of student learning, ensuring standards are consistent across New South Wales schools. This includes establishing standards for syllabuses, moderating student results to ensure fairness, and managing the final assessment marks that schools submit.

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) was established in 2008. It is an assessment of students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in the areas of literacy and numeracy and is administered to eligible students in Term 1 each year.

The Project Officer performs project management and support activities to contribute to the development and delivery of a range of projects in line with established objectives. The role has a focus on coordinating the workflow of the NAPLAN helpdesk ensuring high service standards are maintained and NSW schools are well supported. This includes coordinating and supporting an expanded helpdesk in the lead up to and during the NAPLAN test period.

On a day-to-day basis you will be responsible for:

• Providing support services, including preparation of reports and briefs, coordinating resources.
• Prepare a range of written communications for a variety of stakeholders.

To be successful, you will need:

• A current NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance for paid employment is required before commencing in this role.
• Experience identifying issues and/or roadblocks with information flows and developing appropriate solutions.
• Proven experience of managing staff so they can provide timely and accurate advice in a fast-paced environment.

We invite you to download the role description for additional information on the position.

Note:

• This role is expected to work in the office more frequently from mid-January to end March each year, while managing the expanded NAPLAN helpdesk.
• A current NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance for paid employment is required before commencing in this role. It is not required at the application stage. The cost of the WWCC clearance is the responsibility of the successful applicant.

At NESA you'll benefit from:

• An organisation where your contribution has a big impact
• An enviable CBD location (all modes of transport nearby, and excellent coffee and eateries) with refurbished offices
• Flexible working arrangements and generous leave entitlements
• Access to discounted health and fitness memberships via Fitness Passport, an employee assistance program and annual flu vaccinations
• Salary packaging options
• Working in a purpose driven and ethical organisation with committed colleagues

Ready to join us?

Select apply and attach an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages). Also address the 2 targeted questions below in your online application (maximum of 500 words per response - approximately):

• Targeted Question 1: Can you describe your experience managing or coordinating a contact centre or helpdesk team? What tools or systems did you use?
• Targeted Question 2: Tell us about a time when you influenced the outcome of a project by taking a leadership role.

Advice on applying for NSW Public Sector roles

If you need reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process and workplace, please reach out to recruitment@nesa.nsw.edu.au

Close date: Wednesday 12 November 2025 at 11.59pm AEST

Thank you for your interest, we look forward to receiving your application.

Important information

We particularly welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people of all ages, genders, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans and refugees.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For ongoing roles, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. Australian Temporary Residents may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.

A Talent Pool (valid for 18 months) may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles.