Senior Policy Officer (Multiple Positions)

Job Description

Senior Policy Officer (Multiple Positions) at The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water The Heritage Division works to conserve, protect and sustainably manage Australia’s biodiversity, heritage, oceans and First Nations heritage. We work to make the environment and our heritage better for current and future generations. We contribute to improving the extent, condition and connectivity of Australia’s and the region’s unique environment, consistent with national and international obligations. Working with others, we help identify, protect, conserve and celebrate Australia’s significant natural, First Nations and historic heritage. The Heritage Policy and Strategy Section works across the Heritage Division and is responsible for developing a new Heritage Strategy for Australia, leading on Nature Positive heritage reforms and policy development and advising on cross-cutting issues such as climate change and other threats to heritage. The Section works across the Heritage Division connecting heritage line areas to facilitate a strategic approach to meet the Government’s Nature Positive agenda and ensure Australia’s environment and heritage is improved for future generations. The Heritage Legislative Policy Section is responsible for reforming Australia’s cultural heritage legislation, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984. The reform work is done in partnership with the First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance to co-design policies to strengthen protections for First Nations Cultural Heritage. The section also has responsibility for the development of the National Environmental Standard for First Nations Engagement under the Nature Positive and cultural heritage reforms. The section is responsible for coordinating legislative drafting, policy design, and developing relevant guidance material to support First Nations cultural heritage reforms. The Job We are seeking to fill several Senior Policy Officer roles. Key responsibilities include: Developing strategic cross-cutting policy and advising on national and cultural heritage matters, including drafting briefings and well-informed policy positions. Developing policy positions on national and cultural heritage laws, including investigating, sourcing and communicating key information to support decision-making. Identify policy solutions as part of legislative reform work, conduct research and analysis to present an evidence-based rationale. Make recommendations on policy instruments, frameworks and implementation processes. Building and sustaining positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders including with First Nations peoples and industry and government representatives to resolve issues and manage sensitivities. Coordinating research projects and procurement as needed. Working productively in small teams or leading projects and workstreams as needed to deliver timely and accurate advice. Engaging with internal and external stakeholders to support the development of strong evidence-based policy and strategic advice. Drafting ministerial correspondence and responding to information requests as needed. Knowledge and Experience We are looking for candidates: Who are flexible and reliable team players. Who can collaborate within the division and across the department to meet deliverables and deadlines and support team members to meet agreed goals. Who communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing. Who take a strategic approach to difficult problems, including the identification, management and mitigation of risk. Who are committed to continuous improvement and demonstrated ability to implement and respond positively to change. Who thrive in a fast paced, energetic environment and in a high performing team. We are looking for people who can demonstrate transferable skills and experience. Our ideal candidate will demonstrate one or more of the following knowledge and experience, and have an ability to quickly gain understanding of the others: Experience in policy or legislation development. Experience working with subject matter experts and the broader community. A demonstrated ability to engage effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including a knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledges and perspectives; and matters impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Skills and Capabilities Our ideal candidate will also have: The ability to work independently and as part of a team, with excellent interpersonal skills to develop productive working relationships with government and non-government stakeholders. Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex information in a clear, concise and accessible manner to a broad range of stakeholders, including the Minister, Executive, industry and First Nations audiences. Demonstrated initiative, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with an ability to innovate, think laterally and form sound judgements on complex issues. The ability to manage competing priorities and analyse complex information to inform decision making. A willingness to learn, innovate and contribute to implementing and promoting a collegiate culture of adaptability, responsiveness and continuous improvement. Citizenship - To be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen. Security Clearance - This position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level. Pre-employment Check - Your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period of 6 months. Start your application by clicking the "begin" button. #J-18808-Ljbffr