- Analyse existing economic evidence base; and provide advice on developing and implementing water policy reform and programs.
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Design and commission economic analysis, advice requests and modelling projects from external economic service providers; and manage associated contracts.
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Engage with partner agencies and other stakeholders to collaborate on developing new lines of economic evidence.
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.
The Economics Section:
- Leads on developing, interpreting and communicating economic analysis to support Basin Plan implementation.
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Scopes and commissions economic research, modelling and analysis to:
- meet legislative requirements; inform water policy development; and support program implementation.
- Provides advice on economic considerations for Commonwealth water policy.
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Coordinates engagement with other Commonwealth agencies (ABARES and MDBA) on socio-economic analysis.
The job
The Economics Section is expanding its economics capabilities to inform economic considerations of water policy including implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan; and support future water policy development activities. We are a seeking a new Assistant Director with strong technical, analytical, project management and collaboration skills to play a central role in developing and implementing the Section’s approach to economic policy advice.
Responsibilities will include:
- Economic and socio-economic advice on Murray-Darling Basin implementation and policy reforms.
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Analysing the economic evidence base to solve complex policy problems.
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Commissioning and managing economic analysis and research projects and contracts.
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Engaging and collaborating with partner agencies, governments and other stakeholders to synthesise lines of evidence.
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Influencing stakeholders through effective written and verbal communication.
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Liaising across the department to provide expert advice and support on priority policy matters.
We currently have one non-ongoing vacancy available for immediate filling. A merit pool for filling the same or similar position in a non-ongoing or ongoing capacity may be established at the conclusion of this selection process.
What you'll gain from the experience
You will be working on the economic policy foundation of one of the biggest environmental policy reform agendas in Australia's history. This is an exciting and unique opportunity to help provide the economic evidence and advice required to support the next major phase of that policy reform journey.
What we are looking for
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:
Knowledge and experience
- An understanding of fundamental economic principles.
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Experience undertaking economic analysis.
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Providing economic advice (e.g. experience as an analyst in a water, agricultural, resource or environmental economics area).
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Experience working in a policy area would also be an advantage but not essential.
Skills and capabilities
To be successful in this role you will have the following:
- Demonstrated ability to undertake complex economic analysis.
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Demonstrated ability to commission and manage economic research projects, including procurement and contract management.
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High level writing and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex economic issues succinctly through various communication products including briefs, reports, economic advice etc.
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Demonstrated ability to anticipate, identify and analyse current and emerging issues and the ability to translate this into advice and solutions.
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An ability to work independently, identify priorities, goals and objectives, and manage risks to deliver consistently high-quality outputs to meet targets and deadlines.
Eligibility
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.
Mandatory Qualifications – your suitability for employment will be dependent on you holding relevant mandatory qualifications.
- Tertiary qualifications in economics (post grad preferred).
Pre-employment Checks - 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.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment
You may use AI tools to support your participation in this recruitment process, unless advised otherwise. If you use AI, you must ensure your use is transparent, authentic and truthful, and that all information reflects your own skills and experience.
The department may use AI in a limited, transparent and responsible way to support parts of this recruitment process. AI does not make decisions - all assessments and selection outcomes are made by people.
For more information, see:
- Artificial Intelligence Transparency Statement
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AI in recruitment | Australian Public Service Commission
