Who we are

The Water Division helps communities, irrigators and businesses, particularly in the Murray-Darling Basin, use water resources sustainably and efficiently by progressing national water reforms. The division drives implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and promotes sustainable water development nationally under the principles of the National Water Initiative.

Strategic Water Policy and Engagement Branch

The Strategic Water Policy and Engagement Branch provides strategic policy advice to the Commonwealth Water Minister on international, national, urban and Murray-Darling Basin water resource management matters. The branch also develops and implements engagement and communication strategies and leads the department’s international engagement on water issues.

Policy Reform Branch

The Policy Reform Branch provides policy advice to the Commonwealth Water Minister on legislation, including the Water Act 2007, Basin Plan and water resource plans. The branch also works with Commonwealth and state water agencies, and other stakeholders to identify and drive water market reforms, primarily in the Murray-Darling Basin, to support efficient and effective water markets.

Basins Policy, Science and Indigenous Branch

The Basins Policy, Science and Indigenous Branch provides policy advice to the Commonwealth Water Minister on Indigenous, science and research, water quality, Lake Eyre Basin and Great Artesian Basin water resource management matters. The branch also leads coordination and collaboration with Commonwealth and state water agencies, and other stakeholders in these areas.

Regional Program Delivery Branch

The Regional Program Delivery Branch oversees programs, projects and initiatives that deliver billions of dollars of investment across Australia, with a focus on the Murray Darling Basin. The branch works with states and territories to administer the programs that contribute to targets in the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, improve the health of rivers and wetlands, and support regional and Indigenous communities.

Regulation and Governance Branch

The Regulation and Governance Branch administers the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards regulatory scheme and delivers grant programs for healthy rivers, wetlands and communities. The Branch also provides operational support, strategic oversight and governance for the division, as well as guidance on improving program delivery and performance.

The Job

The successful candidates will undertake work that is complex in nature, work under limited direction with reasonable autonomy and accountability. You will assist in strategic planning, policy and project management and development.

What we are looking for

The successful candidates will have the following:

• An ability to contribute to policy design and development, including the ability to investigate and source key information to support decision-making.
• An ability to research and analyse policy and legislative issues and prepare advice for clearance and presentation to Senior Executive and key stakeholders.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to communicate clearly and with confidence.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute to building and sustaining positive relationships with a wide range of both internal and external stakeholders, as part of a team.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, working in new ways and a demonstrated ability to lead, implement and respond positively to change.

For additional information, please read the Job Description below.