Assistant Director, Policy - Sos Recruitment

Sos Recruitment; Canberra; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

SOS Recruitment in Canberra is seeking an experienced EL1 Assistant Director – Policy to lead the development and delivery of high-priority green economy policy initiatives. The role focuses on energy transition, research, standards, and skills policy, coordinating with Australian Government and international partners.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strategic thinking, strong policy development and excellent written communication, with experience in trade policy and green economy

Qualifications

• Experience developing and implementing complex policy.
• Strong strategic thinking, initiative and sound judgement.
• Excellent written communication and policy briefing skills.
• Ability to work across government and with international partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of priority green economy policy initiatives and international cooperation.
• Build and manage relationships with Australian Government, international and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate cross-portfolio Australian Government engagement on green economy priorities.
• Support the implementation of relevant programs and grant initiatives.
• Prepare high-quality policy advice, briefs, Cabinet materials and ministerial correspondence.
• Identify and assess emerging risks, opportunities and trends relevant to green economy policy.
• Work collaboratively across government to develop opportunities for regional cooperation.
• Manage competing priorities and contribute effectively within a high-performing team environment.

Skills

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Strategic thinking

Job description

Job Description

Position: EL1 Assistant Director - Policy
Location: Canberra, ACT
Start date: ASAP
Duration: Approx. 24 months with potential to extend
Pay rate: Rates negotiable dependent on skills and experience
Security requirements: Current NV1 security clearance at time of application

Overview

Our Federal Government client is seeking an experienced EL1 Assistant Director – Policy to lead the development and implementation of high-priority green economy policy initiatives.

This role will drive whole-of-government coordination across areas including energy transition, research and innovation, standards, and skills policy. You will work closely with Australian Government stakeholders, international counterparts and external partners to progress bilateral priorities and translate policy objectives into practical outcomes.

The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker with strong policy development, stakeholder engagement and written communication skills. Experience in Australian trade policy and/or green economy sectors will be highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of priority green economy policy initiatives and international cooperation activities.
• Build and manage effective relationships with Australian Government, international and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate cross-portfolio Australian Government engagement on green economy priorities.
• Support the implementation of relevant programs and grant initiatives.
• Prepare high-quality policy advice, briefs, Cabinet materials and ministerial correspondence.
• Identify and assess emerging risks, opportunities and trends relevant to green economy policy.
• Work collaboratively across government to develop opportunities for regional cooperation.
• Manage competing priorities and contribute effectively within a high-performing team environment.

Experience / Requirements

• A current NV1 security clearance is essential.
• Must be an Australian citizen at time of application.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing complex policy.
• Strong strategic thinking, initiative and sound judgement.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain productive stakeholder relationships.
• Excellent written communication skills, including experience preparing high-level briefs and policy advice.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a government environment.
• Experience in Australian trade policy and/or green economy, energy transition or related policy areas will be highly regarded.
• A high standard of integrity and professionalism.

PLEASE NOTE

Applications for this role will close on 2 September 2026. If your application is received after this date, we’ll be happy to keep your CV on file for similar opportunities that may come up.

SOS Recruitment is committed to workplace diversity and equity in employment. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, women, people with family responsibilities, and individuals from diverse cultural, linguistic, religious and LGBTIQ backgrounds.