Overview Our client is responsible for advancing Australia’s international interests through trade, diplomacy and global engagement. Their work supports economic growth by strengthening international partnerships, negotiating trade outcomes and delivering policies that benefit Australian businesses.

The Opportunity An opportunity exists for an experienced EL1 Assistant Director to join a high-performing policy team. This 12 plus 12-month labour hire contract offers the chance to lead strategic projects that will influence Australia’s trade policy and strengthen economic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific. Working closely with senior executives and stakeholders across government, industry and international organisations, you will play an important role in progressing key Government trade priorities and delivering evidence-based policy outcomes.

The Role

As an Assistant Director, you will lead complex policy and project work supporting Australia’s bilateral free trade agreement agenda. You will provide strategic advice, coordinate stakeholder engagement and oversee project delivery to support government decision-making.

Your responsibilities will include

- Leading feasibility studies assessing the economic and social benefits of potential bilateral trade agreements
- Developing project scopes, governance arrangements, work plans and delivery schedules
- Conducting and overseeing trade, economic and policy analysis to inform strategic decisions
- Preparing ministerial briefs, submissions, reports and advice for senior executives
- Building strong relationships with government agencies, industry, academic institutions and international stakeholders




- Coordinating stakeholder engagement activities and consultations to support policy development
- Monitoring project performance, risks and governance requirements to ensure successful delivery The Ideal Person You are a strategic policy leader with experience delivering complex government projects and providing high-quality advice in a fast-paced environment. You are comfortable leading multidisciplinary work, engaging senior stakeholders and managing competing priorities while maintaining a strong focus on outcomes.

You will bring

- Demonstrated experience leading policy or strategic projects within government or a related environment
- Strong knowledge of public policy, trade, economics, international relations or a related field
- Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to develop evidence-based advice
- Exceptional written communication skills, including experience preparing ministerial and executive briefing material
- Proven stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills across government and external organisations
- Experience leading project governance, reporting and risk management activities
- An understanding of Australia’s trade policy and free trade agreements will be highly regarded
- An NV1 Security Clearance (minimum) Salary / Rate - $90/hr – $110/hr + Super
- Full time, 12 plus 12-month contract
- Canberra-based
- NV1 Security Clearance required How to Apply To apply online, please click on the appropriate link. Alternatively, for a confidential discussion, please contact Lisa Shakhovskaya on 02 6108 4878 quoting ref no. 21741 HorizonOne is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and we encourage applications from people of all cultures, capabilities and backgrounds.

📌 Policy Officer (Canberra)
🏢 HorizonOne Recruitment
📍 Canberra