Please read the full APSJobs ad and 'how to apply' instructions below.

The Climate Change Authority is an independent statutory agency of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water established by the Climate Change Authority Act 2011. The Authority’s purpose is to provide independent, evidence-based advice on Australia’s response to climate change, to:

- accelerate emissions reductions and position Australia as a leader in the global effort to limit temperature increases;
- guide Australia to new opportunities and new ways of doing things, to sustain Australia’s prosperity as the world transitions to net zero emissions; and
- help Australia prepare for and adapt to the current and increasing impacts of climate change, which have already begun and will continue to increase.

The Authority plays an important role in the governance of Australia's climate change policies including by providing independent advice on preparation of Australia’s annual climate progress statement to Parliament and Australia’s emissions reduction targets.

About this role The Special Advisor, Media and Public Affairs supports the Chair and CEO of the Climate Change Authority to strengthen the organisation’s influence through public engagement and strategic communications.

The Special

Advisor works closely with the Chair on speeches and media engagement, and provides strategic communications advice to support the Authority’s technical reports. This role is critical to delivering on the Authority’s role in improving the quality of public conversation on climate policy.

The role combines strategic communications, media engagement, high-level writing, and internal coordination to help ensure the Authority’s advice and reports are accessible and influential. The Special Advisor operates as a connector across teams, contributing to key publications, and ensuring high-quality support for the Chair’s external engagements.

The Special Advisor exercises sound judgement and a high degree of initiative and discretion in dealing with sensitive business matters, and works collaboratively with others to achieve results in a busy, fast-paced environment.

The Special Advisor, Media and Public Affairs works with and reports to the General Manager, Outreach and Enabling. The duties of the position are as follows:

Speechwriting and External Representation

- Draft speeches, opinion pieces, event talking points and public commentary for the Chair and CEO.
- Ensure messaging is accurate, strategic,



audience-appropriate and aligned with organisational objectives.
- Liaise with senior staff and project teams to gather content, context and insights for speeches and public remarks.

Media Engagement

- Support media engagement on behalf of the Chair and CEO.
- Draft media releases, backgrounders, quotes and briefings for proactive and reactive media opportunities.
- Monitor media coverage, provide timely updates to leadership, and support the management of media relationships.

Chair Support and Strategic Engagements

- Accompany the Chair to select external meetings and events, providing briefing material, note-taking, and follow-up.
- Synthesise insights from these engagements and share with the executive and relevant teams.
- Strategic planning for Chair and CEO engagements

Publications and Communications

- Assist with shaping the narrative for major publications, including drafting or reviewing forewords, summaries and key messages for major reports and publications.
- Review reports for readability, public engagement and accessibility, working collaboratively with project teams.
- Contribute written content, including case studies and insights, to enhance communication and uptake of key reports.

Key capabilities and experience

Our ideal candidate will have:

- Well-developed interpersonal skills that foster trust and cooperation, and a proven ability to work effectively, collaboratively and with integrity within a politically sensitive environment.
- Strong familiarity with the topic of climate change.
- Demonstrated experience in speechwriting, media or strategic communications within government or the public sector.
- Strong writing and editorial skills, with the ability to translate complex material into clear and compelling public messages.
- Experience working closely with senior executives or office holders on public engagement.
- Sound understanding of the media and political landscape, and how to navigate it effectively and sensitively.
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams and manage competing deadlines in a dynamic workplace.

Desirable qualifications/skills





- Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field (e.g. communications, media, public relations, journalism, marketing and research, public policy, environment).
- Familiarity with government communications protocols.
- Exposure to policy or research settings, and the ability to interpret and communicate policy analysis or findings.

- Citizenship: to be eligible for employment with the Authority you must be an Australian citizen.
- Security clearance: this position requires an Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) Baseline security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
- 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, identity checks and referee checks.

Office Arrangements The Authority’s primary office is located in Canberra, ACT. However, due to the requirements of the role and location of the Chair, the Special Advisor position is based in Sydney, NSW only. Applicants should be aware that, if successful, they will be engaged as a remote staff member. Whilst shared office facilities are available in Sydney, there may be limited availability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence In preparing your application, please ensure you follow the Australian Public Service Commission’s ‘Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment’.

Please refer to the Australian Public Service Commission’s ‘Principles for agency use of AI in recruitment’ for the principles the Authority follows in its recruitment processes.

In your covering email please ensure you answer:

- Has AI been used in the preparation of any part of your application? Yes or no.

If you answered yes, please provide a brief description of the AI tools or technologies used and specify which parts of your application were assisted by AI.

How to apply

You are required to submit a 500-word pitch explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to the role and why you are the best candidate for the position.

Your application should include your current CV, including the names and contact details for two referees (CVs must be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format).

Applications close Sunday, 27 September, 11:59pm AEST and must submitted to [email protected]. Late applications after this closing date will not be accepted.

📌 Special Advisor, Media and Public Affairs (Australia)
🏢 Climate Change Authority
📍 Australia