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.
- 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.
- Coordinates engagement with other Commonwealth agencies (ABARES and MDBA) on socio-economic analysis.

The key duties of the position include:

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.
- Analysing the economic evidence base to solve complex policy problems.
- Commissioning and managing economic analysis and research projects and contracts.




- Engaging and collaborating with partner agencies, governments and other stakeholders to synthesise lines of evidence.
- Influencing stakeholders through effective written and verbal communication.
- 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.

For detailed information about the job-specific capabilities for this role, please view the Job Description which can be downloaded from our website - the Apply Now link will take you there.

Eligibility

Citizenship - to be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Workplace 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.

Notes

Attendance at Divisional and Branch planning days, and Economics team workshops in Canberra will be required.

📌 Economist (Australian Capital Territory)
🏢 Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
📍 Australian Capital Territory