Senior Advisor - Policy

Aestra PTY LTD; Canberra; Remote; AUD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Aestra PTY LTD in Canberra seeks a Senior Advisor - Policy to shape environmental and regulatory policy for government and industry. You will work with the Director of Policy and Leadership Team to deliver polished policy advice across environmental issues and regulatory reform.

The role requires Australian citizenship and ability to hold a Baseline Security Clearance, with 5–10 years experience and relevant tertiary qualifications.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years experience in policy, environment or law.
• Applied knowledge of Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) and state/territory laws.
• Proven ability to develop policy advice in regulatory settings and tight timelines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to synthesise research into practical recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare strategic policy advice for government and industry.
• Develop policy papers, regulatory options papers, and briefings.
• Synthesize reports and consultation feedback into practical recommendations.
• Assist with environmental and strategic impact assessment under the EPBC Act 1999 (Cth).
• Support business development activities and prepare responses to quotes.
• Contribute to development of promotional material and policy research.
• Provide project management support for delivery of policy work.

Skills

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Critical thinking

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in environment/policy/law

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Full-time or part-time considered. Canberra preferred; other locations subject to negotiation.

This role requires Australian Citizenship and ability to hold a Baseline Security Clearance.

About Us

Why We Exist

Aestra are specialists in designing and implementing enduring environmental and social impact policy solutions for government and industry.

Our purpose is to facilitate instrumental shifts that allow our clients to make positive, lasting change.

What We Do

Aestra is a female founded Australian-owned leader in environmental and social impact advisory services.

Our actions safeguard Australia’s most special places and enact change to address the most pressing environmental and social challenges of our time.

Our clients include Australian, State and Territory governments, and private industry. We also support not-for-profit and charity organisations through our low- and pro-bono work. Our business is growing with new clients and projects, providing a diverse and agile work environment.

Joining our growing highly skilled team, you will have the opportunity to apply your skills in a team environment to support the delivery of polished products that support client advice across environmental issues, regulatory reform and associated topics.

About You

We are seeking a Senior Advisor - Policy.

This role requires Australian Citizenship and ability to hold a Baseline Security Clearance.

We are looking for a Senior Advisor with 5 – 10 years experience and tertiary qualifications in a field related to our work (e.g., environment, policy, law). Applied knowledge of the Environment, Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) and other State and Territory environment and heritage laws will be highly regarded.

You will have the aptitude and curiosity to learn quickly, think critically, communicate effectively, solve problems and build strong relationships. You will also be driven to work across a diverse range of projects, with a passion for shaping policy solutions that respond to some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges of our time. You will demonstrate initiative to anticipate emerging issues and opportunities, and bring a collaborative approach to deliver policy research, analysis and advice. Success in this role will draw on your previous experience in developing policy advice in regulatory settings, often within tight timelines.

As a small-medium enterprise, we are also looking for the person who is the right fit for our team. We want people who share our company values. We value respect, diversity and inclusivity; we are a LGBTIQ+ and disability inclusive workplace; we value science-based decision making; and are committed to promoting work-life balance. We are looking for people who share and promote these values.

• Are you a team player who enjoys working collaboratively?
• Are you organised and have a willingness to learn?
• Do you take pride in your work, have an eye for detail, have excellent communication skills?
• Are you committed to fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity?

You will work closely with the Director of Policy and the Executive Leadership Team to support development of policy and projects and support the day-to-day administration of the organisation. The following responsibilities provide an indication of the types of responsibilities that this role may include, however, exact responsibilities and tasks may vary based on business need:

• Support the Director of Policy and the Executive Leadership Team to prepare strategic advice to clients, including government and industry sectors.
• Utilise critical thinking, judgement and problem-solving skills to develop polished, accurate strategic policy for clients, including but not limited to, preparation of background research, policy papers, regulatory options papers, and government briefings.
• Apply strong written and verbal communication skills to develop evidence-based policy advice by synthesising reports, analysing consultation feedback and translating complex information into practical recommendations.
• Assist with the preparation and coordination of advice to support environmental and strategic impact assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth).
• Undertake and support business development activities and completion of administrative tasks as required including the preparation of responses to requests for quotation.
• Support the Executive Leadership Team in the development of business material, including promotional material, social media content or policy research as required.
• Undertake project management support activities as required to assist with the delivery of project work.

Working arrangements

While based in Canberra, we primarily work remotely, so it is essential that you have a dedicated office space where you can comfortably work from home.

Travel (to and from Canberra or other locations) may be required as part of this role.