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’s role is improving the health of rivers and wetlands and enhance the sustainable, efficient, and productive use of Australia’s water resources, by ensuring Australia’s water resources are sustainable for the future by leading and supporting national and multi-jurisdictional water policy, programs, and regulation. We believe that an inclusive and diverse workplace is pivotal to making our department the best place for people to work. We are committed to creating an environment with a sense of belonging, where you can bring your authentic self to work each day. We welcome people of all ages, abilities, nationalities, and backgrounds including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples, mature age, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people of the LGBTIQA+ community and people with disability.
First Nations Water Branch We 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
Key responsibilities for these positions include:
- Leading and managing a high-performing team, empowering staff and building capability.
- Engaging with policy areas, central agencies, the Executive and ministerial offices to provide a strategic, whole-of-portfolio approach to the Budget.
- Applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills to engage with whole-of-government priorities and support delivery of the portfolio’s policy agenda.
- Shaping the narrative of foundational cross-portfolio products, such as the Strategic Direction Statement, and other briefing products for Ministers and the Executive.
- Supporting constructive and collaborative relationships with ministers’ offices, other areas of the department, Commonwealth agencies and other key external stakeholders.
- Contributing to a respectful, inclusive, branch 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. An understanding of the Budget process is preferred but not essential.
Skills and capabilities
To be successful in these roles, you will need to demonstrate, or have the potential to develop, the following:
- 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 water and environmental issues.
- The ability to lead, manage and develop staff and contribute to a respectful, inclusive, high performing culture.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to engage and collaborate with stakeholders to identify opportunities, facilitate cooperation and achieve outcomes.
- A strong understanding of the broader strategic environment the department operates in and the department’s key policy priorities.
- The ability to work flexibly, professionally and use sound judgement to meet objectives and produce consistently high-quality products, often in an environment of competing priorities and tight deadlines.
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.
For additional information, please read the Job Description below.
Candidate Information Pack (Docx)
