Australia nationals: Senior Policy Officer

Work in a dynamic cross-cutting work environment.
We manage a diverse portfolio spanning international negotiations and domestic policy.
Seeking highly motivated, creative, and agile team members.

Who we are
The Commonwealth Environmental Water Office (the Office) supports the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, who is responsible for managing Commonwealth environmental water to protect and improve the health of rivers, floodplains and wetlands within the Murray-Darling Basin. The Office works with the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder to achieve environmental outcomes under the framework of the Water Act 2007 and the Basin Plan 2012. The Office works closely with other government agencies, non-government organisations, First Nations, community and industry groups, local landholders and scientists to plan and manage the delivery of environmental water. The Office includes a range of roles ranging from water planning, portfolio management, monitoring and evaluation, policy development, statutory reporting and communications. The Office also supports the Australian Government in its international engagement on the Convention of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention).

The Wetlands Section is responsible for coordinating national implementation of the Ramsar Convention in Australia in partnership with state and territory governments, non-government wetland managers, researchers and local communities. The Section works at the interface of domestic and international environmental policy which requires engagement in a wide range of international and domestic wetland activities. The Wetlands Section provides high quality wetlands policy and project advice and provides a conduit between the Ramsar Convention Secretariat and wetland managers on the ground.

The Job

Contribute to the development and implementation of national policies as they relate to wetlands conservation and management, consistent with the requirements of the Ramsar Convention and EPBC Act.
Prepare briefing for domestic and international meetings as needed (e.g., national: Wetlands and Aquatic Ecosystems Subcommittee, international: Ramsar Standing Committee Meetings, Conferences of the Contracting Parties).
Liaise with the Ramsar Secretariat on Australia’s reporting requirements and other Convention-related issues.
Assist in the update of Ramsar site documentation, including Ramsar Information Sheets (RIS) and provide advice on potential change in character.
Provide advice on EPBC Act referrals, assessments and approvals as they relate to Ramsar wetlands.
Liaise with key stakeholders, including Ramsar site managers and jurisdictional representatives on issues relating to Australia’s Ramsar obligations.

What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
The successful applicant will have some or all of the following:

experience in policy, regulation, or project management or roles.
experience liaising with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
knowledge of relevant national policies, international agreements and/or legislative frameworks (e.g. EPBC Act).
knowledge of and/or experience in wetlands conservation, protected area management, threatened species/ threatened ecological communities or other ecosystems-based conservation/ management.

Skills and capabilities

Demonstrated ability to research and analyse complex issues to provide technical and/or policy advice.
Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing, for a range of audiences.
Ability to establish and maintain professional networks and work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to show initiative, work under limited direction, to tight deadlines, and manage competing priorities.

Desirable qualifications
Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or experience in ecosystems-based or natural resource management, and/ or environmental impact assessment is advantageous but is not essential.

For additional information, please read the Job Description below.

Candidate Information Pack (PDF)

Candidate Information Pack (Docx)

Job Description

How to apply: