Local recruitment: Policy Officer

Position Details

The Policy Officer is part of the Entitlement Framework Reform team who support development of reform options of the water entitlement framework to address emerging demands and challenges, including to address barriers to water access for Traditional Owners and other Waer and Catchment Group priorities. This will include support in assessment and development of legislative and regulatory reforms, in partnership with relevant policy teams across Water and Catchments Group.

• The position will support the provision of strategic policy advice relating to:
• the implementation of the Water Act 1989 (Vic) and other relevant legislation such as the Basin Plan, Water Act 2007 (Cth)
• policy proposals to reform the entitlement or water management framework under the Water Act 1989 to support improved water access for Traditional Owners, changing water needs and improved administrative frameworks

A key deliverable for this position is finalisation of new licensing regulations and revised licensing guidelines.

An ability to quickly develop strong working relationships with colleagues across the Water & Catchments Group, Traditional Owners, rural water corporations, catchment management authorities and key stakeholders will be key to the success of this role. This role also requires strong written communication and project management skills.

The successful applicant will be supported by a Senior Policy Advisor with extensive experience in this area. The role is an excellent opportunity to gain an understanding of the water sector, Victorian water law and experience in strategic policy development.

Experience in water law, natural resource management or experience in legislative and regulatory reform is desirable for this position.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A degree qualification or higher, preferably in law, natural resource management, or experience in legislative and regulatory reform is desirable.
• An understanding of the Victorian water entitlement framework and water resource management framework and the Basin Plan would be an advantage
• Policy development experience would be an advantage

This is a fixed term position available until 19 December 2025. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria if applicable with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

For further information please refer to the attached position description.

Applications close at midnight on Wednesday, 05 February 2025.

Other relevant information:

For this particular vacancy, priority consideration applies to Victorian Public Service (VPS) and select employees of the Victorian Public Sector who apply through the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs board platform.

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check.  

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.  

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave.