Manager, Policy & Strategy

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC – Melbourne, VIC, seeks a Manager – Policy and Strategy in the Office of the Secretary to guide a small team in delivering high-impact policy work. You will craft strategic policy products, influence ministerial decisions, and engage stakeholders to optimise outcomes across DEECA portfolios.

The role demands excellent relationship management, government-process insight, and the ability to motivate teams while exercising sound judgement and

Qualifications

• Experience delivering high-quality strategic policy products in a range of styles and formats (including PowerPoint).
• Excellent relationship management and influencing skills.
• Deep understanding of government decision-making processes.
• Experience motivating teams to deliver; sound judgement and discretion.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of priority strategic policy advice and projects within the Office of the Secretary.
• Support the Secretary’s engagement with ministers and stakeholders to deliver optimal outcomes for DEECA’s portfolios.
• Build a culture of collaboration and strategic thinking within the Office of the Secretary.

Skills

Strategic policy

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Influencing

PowerPoint

Team motivation

Education

Public policy / science / economics / law

Job description

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC – Melbourne VIC

The Manager – Policy and Strategy, Office of the Secretary will lead a small team to provide advice and support to the Secretary on policy and strategy issues within, and affecting, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

This role includes the core functions of: (i) leading the delivery of priority strategic policy advice and projects within the Office of the Secretary; (ii) supporting the Secretary’s engagement with ministers and stakeholders to deliver optimal outcomes for DEECA’s portfolios; and (iii) building a strong culture of collaboration and strategic thinking within the Office of the Secretary.

The applicant will have experience in delivering compelling and high-quality strategic policy products in a range of styles and formats to suit the audience (including in Powerpoint), excellent relationship management and influencing skills, a deep understanding of government decision-making processes, experience in motivating teams to deliver, and excellent judgement and discretion.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• An appropriate qualification in public policy, science, economics, law or equivalent is desirable.
• Knowledge of, and experience in delivering policy advice in relation to, the Energy portfolio would be an advantage.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

Applications close 11.59pm on Monday, 9 November 2026.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace. If you need support to participate, please contact ***************@deeca.vic.gov.au.

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing. For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.