The Assistant Director, Government Relations works closely with the Director to deliver ARENA’s government relations strategy by coordinating high-quality engagement, briefing and intelligence products. The role works across ARENA and the Australian Government to provide practical advice, maintain effective stakeholder relationships, monitor parliamentary and policy developments, and ensure government engagement is timely, coordinated and aligned with ARENA’s statutory role and strategic objectives.

The key duties of the position include:

The Assistant Director, Government Relations will:

- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders so ARENA is recognised as a trusted delivery agency for the Australian Government’s energy transition priorities.
- Help deliver the government relations strategy across:
- Ministerial and Executive liaison,
- Engagement with Commonwealth Parliamentarians
- Engagement with the Portfolio Department and other key agencies
- Engagement with State and Territories Ministers and parliamentarians,
- Participation in and submissions to major Government inquiries and policy processes

- Work with Marketing and Communications, Legal, Strategy, Impact Teams and executives to deliver clear, consistent advice and stakeholder engagement.
- Help Impact Teams engage effectively with ministers, departments and agencies so they can achieve their goals and increase ARENA’s impact.
- Prepare clear correspondence, briefs, reports and submissions for senior leaders and internal or external committees.
- Monitor parliamentary activity, policy developments and energy sector trends,



and identify issues that matter for ARENA.
- Apply sound qualified judgement, discretion and integrity when handling sensitive information and stakeholder relationships.

Eligibility

To be successful in this role you must have:

- Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal).
- Ability to synthesise and articulate complex issues clearly and succinctly.
- Experience in preparing government submissions and briefings.
- Establish clear priorities and triage issues quickly, meet deadlines and deliver under tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with departmental offices, parliamentarians and/or agencies at a federal level.
- Experience in managing government relations strategy and initiatives, ideally in a Federal Government setting.
- Professional experience in a Commonwealth department, government agency or body (e.g. SIV or other commonwealth corporate entity) in government or in a government relations, would be highly regarded.
- Ability to network, build and maintain an intimate understanding of departmental processes as well as the machinery of government using strong stakeholder management and interpersonal skills.




- Political acumen and experience with issues management in a sensitive and high-profile operating environment.
- Strong project and account management skills with the ability to establish clear priorities quickly, meet deadlines and drive projects and initiatives to completion.
- Knowledge and experience working in the energy sector or climate change policy is advantageous but not essential.
- Tertiary qualifications in public policy, political science, international relations, communications, or a related discipline are desirable.

Getting to know the Australian Renewable Energy Agency

ARENA is at the forefront of Australia’s renewable energy transition, funding and supporting innovative solutions that make real impact. By investing in cutting edge technologies, sharing insights with the market and collaborating with industry leaders, we’re accelerating progress towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. Every role here contributes to meaningful change and shapes Australia’s transition to renewable energy. Join our purpose-driven team where innovation thrives and your work matters. With a values driven culture built on knowledge sharing and impact, we offer an advancing environment where you can grow your skills, expand your expertise in the renewable energy sector and make a lasting positive impact. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is a corporate Commonwealth entity. ARENA was established on 1 July 2012 under the Australian Renewable Energy Agency Act 2011 (the ARENA Act). ARENA has offices based in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne and we promote a hybrid flexible working environment where we can.

📌 Assistant Director, Government Relations (Canberra)
🏢 Australian Renewable Energy Agency
📍 Canberra