Australia nationals: Senior Policy, Program and Engagement Officers

Identified position – This position is an ‘Identified’ position which signifies that the role has a strong involvement in issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The successful applicant must have an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People.

Who we are
The Water Policy Division provides leadership and strategic policy to ensure the sustainable future of our rivers, wetlands and groundwaters, and the people who depend on them. The Division supports water reform initiatives in the Murray–Darling Basin and leads national water reform – working to future-proof Australia’s water resources and provide support to First Nations in our national water story.

First Nations Water Branch are working to implement the Australian Government’s commitment to increase First Nation Peoples’ ownership of water throughout Australia and to ensuring that First Nations Peoples are better included across all levels of decision-making. We believe that an inclusive and diverse workplace is pivotal to making our department the best place to work. We are committed to creating an environment where you have a sense of belonging and where you can bring your authentic self to work each day. We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, mature age, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people of the LGBTIQA+ community, people living in rural and regional communities, people with disability and caring responsibilities. The branch has four sections which include the: First Nations Strategic Water; First Nations Land and Water; First Nations Holder, Governance, Legal and Delivery; and First Nations Engagement.

The Job
As a senior officer within a section in the First Nations Water Branch your responsibilities will include:

Supporting strategic policy and/or program and legislative reform.
Engagement, research, analysis and providing policy and/or program advice.
Applying critical thinking and to advance First Nations Water Policy reforms and/or program delivery.
Supporting constructive and collaborative relationships across other areas of the department, Commonwealth agencies, with ministers’ offices, other jurisdictions and stakeholders.
Supporting governance and project management systems. exercising influence through preparation of briefings, speeches, correspondence and reports for our ministers and senior executive.
Contributing to a respectful, open, inclusive, high-performing team culture.

What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
An understanding of First Nations policy and/or programs, water policy and/or programs, and/or management, and/or experience in other areas of government reform that water underpins First Nations outcomes.

Skills and capabilities

Cultural competency and an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
An understanding of the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their communities particularly in the context of environmental and water issues.
Well-developed research, analytical, writing and presentation skills.
The ability to manage multiple high-pressure deadlines and tasks.
The ability to collaborate across diverse stakeholders, using exceptional interpersonal skills to engage with stakeholders and senior leaders, valuing their different perspectives, contributions and backgrounds.
The ability to think strategically and open-mindedly, evaluating complex information from a variety of sources, to make connections and sound decisions while exercising good judgement.

Eligibility and other requirements
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.

Please note that the merit pool established through this selection process will be valid for a period of 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Public Service Gazette. The merit pool may be used to fill current and future ongoing vacancies where the duties are of a similar nature.

For additional information, please read the Job Description below.

Candidate Information Pack (Docx)

Candidate Information Pack (PDF)

Job Description