Director, Murray-Darling Basin Strategy and Policy

Who we are
The Water Reform Division provides policy advice to implement significant water reforms including delivering the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, efficient and effective water markets, amendments to the Water Act and strategic alignment of water science.

The Murray-Darling Basin Strategy and Policy Branch sits within the Water Reform Division. The branch drives implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan by bringing together and analysing advice, evidence and knowledge from programs, experts and all stakeholders to prepare strategic policy advice to the Minister and government on the Basin.

The Branch is responsible for policy advice on meeting Basin Plan water recovery targets and achieving environmental outcomes in the Basin. The Branch is also responsible for supporting intergovernmental policy and negotiations, preparing submissions and new funding proposals to government, and governance and oversight, for the departments work in the Basin. For more information please visit our website.

The Job
Leading a team in the Strategic Policy and Planning Branch your responsibilities will include:

Building and managing a high performing team to provide accurate, clear and timely advice to SES on a range of topics, anticipate problems, and identify and implement solutions.
Leading Basin Plan water recovery and environmental projects and policy development, with a focus on delivering against government commitments.
Synthesising clear communications and correspondence, drawing on a range of data and evidence, including briefings, reports, submissions and meeting papers.
Negotiating on reform outcomes across the department, Commonwealth government and other jurisdictions on Murray–Darling Basin policy matters, reporting, Cabinet and Budget processes.
Developing and embedding best practice project management within the team and across the Branch, in a dynamic environment with multiple stakeholders.
Leading and managing change, analysing performance, and driving the continuous improvement and capability of a team.
Anticipating and assessing the impact of changes in Government policy and initiating and contributing to appropriate responses.

What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
Our ideal candidate will have:

Demonstrated experience in prioritising and managing a complex program of work.
Demonstrated ability building, maintaining, and utilising effective working relationships with a range of government and non-government stakeholders, including delivery partners.
Proven ability to deliver high-level materials for executives and Ministers in tight timeframes and quickly adapt and respond to changing priorities and environment.
Highly developed ability to solve problems and make evidence-based decisions, provide advice and exercise good judgement.
Strong leadership and people management skills and experience.
Self-motivated, highly organised and with strong attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated experience briefing Senior Executives.

Skills and capabilities

Experience in strategic policy teams and project management is desired.

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)

Candidate Information Pack (PDF)

Job Description