Senior Adviser (Portfolio)

CSIRO; Canberra; On-site; AUD 118,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

CSIRO is seeking a Senior Adviser (Portfolio) to strengthen CSIRO’s engagement with government, coordinating priorities across Cabinet, Parliament and Federal Budget processes. The role focuses on delivering high-quality advice, building networks, and guiding policy opportunities with government partners in a dynamic environment.

Location in Canberra or Melbourne preferred, with flexible arrangements. Salary AU$118k–AU$127k plus 15.4% superannuation; indefinite, full-time appointment.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in science, political science, public policy, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse government priorities and coordinate strategic engagement activities.
• Experience building collaborative relationships with stakeholders to achieve outcomes.
• Strong understanding of Australia’s federal government environment and budget processes.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills with ability to present complex ideas clearly.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-moving environment.

Responsibilities

• Support Budget Strategy implementation and input into policy proposals.
• Coordinate Cabinet, parliamentary questions, inquiries and ministerial correspondence.
• Advise CSIRO staff on government protocols and obligations as Commonwealth affiliates.
• Implement Government Engagement Unit priorities in a coordinated, strategic manner.
• Prepare briefings for CSIRO’s Executive to support cross-government engagement.
• Lead and coordinate submissions to government consultations and policy processes.
• Build strong networks across government and CSIRO to deliver outcomes.

Skills

Policy analysis

Stakeholder management

Government affairs

Policy liaison

Communication skills

Deadline management

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation .

Role highlights

• Connect government priorities with CSIRO science, capability and strategic opportunities
• Support high-profile parliamentary, policy and Federal Budget processes
• Provide trusted advice to strengthen CSIRO’s engagement with government

About CSIRO

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.

Visit CSIRO.au for more information.

The opportunity

The Government Engagement Unit supports CSIRO’s strategic objectives by working in close partnership with government and across CSIRO’s Research Units.

Senior Adviser (Portfolio)

You will help ensure CSIRO’s engagement with government is consistent, coordinated and strategic, strengthening our reputation as a trusted adviser and partner for scientific input to policy.

You will connect government priorities with CSIRO stakeholders, analyse emerging issues and advise on opportunities to engage decision makers across government. You will also support parliamentary, policy and Federal Budget processes, prepare high-quality advice and briefings, and coordinate responses to priority and emerging matters.

This role suits an experienced adviser who can build strong networks, integrate information from multiple sources and deliver quality outcomes in a complex, fast-moving environment.

Your high-level duties will include:

• Support implementation of CSIRO’s Budget Strategy, including advice on Cabinet and related processes and input into the development of new policy proposals for consideration through the Federal Budget process.
• Coordinate CSIRO’s legislative, parliamentary and administrative responsibilities, including ministerial briefs, parliamentary questions on notice, Senate Estimates, inquiries, consultations and ministerial correspondence.
• Advise CSIRO staff on relevant government protocols, processes, responsibilities and obligations as employees and affiliates of a Commonwealth entity.
• Implement Government Engagement Unit priorities in a consistent, coordinated and strategic manner, promoting CSIRO’s strategic priorities and opportunities.
• Prepare concise briefings and information for CSIRO’s Executive to support strategic engagement across government and the research system.
• Support CSIRO’s role in convening Publicly Funded Research Agency meetings and associated working groups.
• Lead and coordinate submissions to government consultations, including matters relating to innovation systems and research policy.

Role particulars

Location : Canberra or Melbourne preferred, other CSIRO locations negotiable.

Flexible work arrangements available.

Salary: AU$118k - AU$127k pa + 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Indefinite, Full-time

Reference: 104345

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in science, political science, public policy, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse government priorities, coordinate strategic engagement activities, and support the delivery of parliamentary, policy and budget processes.
• Demonstrated experience building excellent, collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, with evidence of achieving positive outcomes through your management of key stakeholders and partners.
• A well-developed understanding of Australia’s federal government environment and its operations; a deep understanding of public policy development; and a fundamental knowledge of the government’s annual budget process.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills which reflect a strong sense of intended audience, an ability to identify and prioritise relevant issues contained within materials which may be prepared by external parties, and to present complex ideas concisely.
• The ability to manage multiple deadlines whilst maintaining excellent attention to quality and detail, in an often complex, ambiguous and fast-moving environment.

For full details about this role, and other criteria, please review the Position Description .

Support and workplace adjustments

We offer a range of reasonable supports and workplace adjustments. Please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description if we can help you to equitably participate in our recruitment process or the role itself.

Not sure if you meet all the criteria?

While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate this. Don’t let the list discourage you. If you are unsure about applying, please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description.

Setting you up for success

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please reach out to the contact on page 1 of the position description, to let us know how we can support you.

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

W e work flexibly at CSIRO , offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO .

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Platinum Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens only.

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the Baseline level.

Child safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy .

Applications close

21st October 2026, 11pm (AEDT)