Policy Economist - Climate Change and Water

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is seeking a Policy Economist for Climate Change and Water in Brisbane, Australia. This role involves conducting research to inform policy on net zero emissions and water management. Key responsibilities include economic analysis, project management, report writing, and stakeholder engagement. The position offers flexible working arrangements and is open to applicants with a strong grasp of economics and good communication skills.
The Job

This is an opportunity to contribute to ambitious and challenging research projects. By providing crucial evidence to inform policy decisions, you'll be helping to address some of Australia's most urgent policy challenges, including the transition to net zero emissions and the management of environmental water in the Murray-Darling Basin. You'll also develop your skills within a collaborative and supportive team, where ideas matter more than job titles.

The duties of the role will involve applying economics to:
• understand the problem, including any market failures and government distortions
• develop options to address the problem, considering property rights, market-based instruments and regulation
• analyse the consequences of these options for the welfare of Australians, drawing on frameworks such as cost-benefit analysis.

In addition to the technical aspects of the role, the position requires:
• Collaboration. Working with our economic modellers, who are building innovative models to estimate the consequences of climate change and water policies.
• Project management. Planning and managing project timelines and allocating resources to meet deadlines. Coordinating team efforts, ensuring effective communication and collaboration. Monitoring project progress and making adjustments as needed to stay on track.
• Report writing. Drafting research reports and related material, such as non-technical summaries for decision makers. Reviewing and editing reports to ensure clarity and accuracy.
• Stakeholder engagement. Liaising with colleagues in DAFF and across government, industry bodies, and other stakeholders to share research findings and related advice.

Please note that this recruitment process will initially be used to one vacancy in the branch and that the role may be able to be performed from any of the locations listed above. The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the division where the duties are of a similar nature.

Flexible working arrangements

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements. To seek further information please speak with the contact officer prior to submitting your application.

What we are looking for

We're looking for someone with a broad skillset who shares our enthusiasm for economics and improving public policy. Our ideal applicant has a strong grasp of fundamental economic principles and the ability to apply these to generate policy advice that makes a positive difference. They also have good communication skills. Formal degrees are not mandatory. At an EL 1 level, we’re after people with expertise who can contribute significantly to the team, often on complex tasks with limited assistance from more experienced team members.

PLEASE DO NOT USE THE APPLY BUTTON LISTED IN THIS ADVERTISEMENT AS IT WILL REQUIRE YOU TO LOG IN TO SEEK. Please use https://www.agriculture.gov.au/about/jobs/apply instead and select Job Reference 2024/5153 from the list of vacancies.