Senior Advisor Government Affairs - 6 Month

Ignite; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Part time

Job summary

Ignite in Sydney seeks a seasoned Government Affairs professional for a 6-month engagement to shape Australia’s science and innovation agenda. You will build relationships across federal, state, and local government, develop policy proposals, and support advocacy initiatives for nationally significant research activities.

You will work with senior leaders, prepare briefing papers and submissions, identify funding opportunities, and translate complex technical policy into clear messages for

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Public Policy or a related discipline.
• Experience preparing briefing papers, submissions, speeches and policy proposals.
• Ability to engage with ministers, agencies and parliamentary processes.

Responsibilities

• Engage with Ministers, Parliamentarians, and government departments.
• Prepare briefing papers, submissions, speeches and policy proposals.
• Coordinate responses to enquiries and contribute to parliamentary processes.
• Identify funding opportunities and support business case development.
• Communicate complex policy issues to diverse audiences.

Skills

Government relations

Stakeholder engagement

Policy communication

Strategic writing

Project management

Education

Public Policy or related discipline

Job description

Help Shape Australia's Science and Innovation Agenda:

An exciting 6 month opportunity exists for an experienced Government Affairs professional to play a key role in building and strengthening relationships across Federal, State and Local Government. Working closely with senior leaders, you will contribute to strategic engagement, policy development, stakeholder management and advocacy initiatives that support nationally significant scientific and research activities.

This role requires strong government relations expertise, outstanding communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Government Affairs, you will:

• Manage engagement with Ministers, Parliamentarians, Government Departments and Agencies.
• Prepare high-quality briefing papers, submissions, speeches, reports and policy proposals.
• Coordinate responses to Parliamentary, Ministerial and departmental enquiries.
• Contribute to Senate Estimates and Parliamentary Committee processes.
• Identify funding opportunities and support the development of business cases and policy proposals.
• Build and maintain productive relationships across government and key external stakeholders.
• Monitor political, policy and legislative developments and provide strategic advice.
• Partner with subject matter experts to communicate complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Support stakeholder engagement initiatives that enhance organisational reputation and influence.
• Engage stakeholders - map case studies as part of clients impact research report to tailor, letters, briefings and invitations to bring clients contribution to life.

What We're Looking For You will be a proactive, solutions-focused professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Essential Experience & Skills:

• Tertiary qualifications in Public Policy, Political Science, Communications, Law, Engineering, Science or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in Government Affairs, Public Policy, Political Advisory, Stakeholder Engagement, Corporate Affairs, Communications or a related field.
• Exceptional written communication skills with experience preparing submissions, briefs and executive correspondence.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capability.
• Experience working with government agencies, political offices or public sector organisations.
• Ability to understand and communicate complex technical or policy matters.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Is

• Positive, adaptable and proactive.
• Curious and politically aware.
• Collaborative and relationship-focused.
• Commercially minded and outcomes driven.
• Comfortable bringing new ideas and challenging thinking in a constructive manner.
• Passionate about making a meaningful contribution through science, innovation and public policy.

Mandatory Requirement

Applicants must be Australian Citizens to be considered for this position.

The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain the appropriate Australian Government security clearance and satisfy.

Applicants with current Baseline or NV1 clearance highly desirable.

Why Apply?

• Work on nationally significant projects and initiatives.
• Engage directly with senior government stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Join a collaborative, high-performing team with a positive and forward-thinking culture.
• Influence policy, funding and strategic outcomes that deliver real-world benefits.