Senior Policy Officer

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Job summary

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) in Melbourne is seeking a Senior Policy Officer to join the Entitlement Framework Reform team and drive policy reform.

The role will shape Victoria's water entitlement framework, translate complex policy, legal and technical issues into practical solutions, and improve Traditional Owner access and influence over water while collaborating with government, Traditional Owners and the water sector.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of water resource management and Victoria's entitlements framework.
• Experience delivering culturally informed government policies with Aboriginal communities.
• Ability to interpret legislation and policy instruments for reform.
• Desirable tertiary qualification in science, law or engineering.

Responsibilities

• Shape Victoria's water entitlement framework for future generations.
• Translate complex policy, legal and technical issues into practical solutions.
• Improve Traditional Owner access to, ownership of and influence over water.
• Collaborate with Traditional Owners, government and the water sector.

Skills

Water policy

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Relationship building

Education

Tertiary qualification in science, law or engineering

Job description

Company Description

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action leads Victoria’s ambitious climate agenda, focusing on renewable energy, emissions reduction, and climate resilience across key sectors. The department brings together energy, environment, climate action, water, agriculture, resources, and emergency management portfolios to deliver integrated policy and programs.

Role Description

Want to help reshape how Victoria shares water?

We’re looking for a Senior Policy Officer to join DEECA’s Entitlement Framework Reform team and help deliver meaningful change.

This is an opportunity to:

• help shape Victoria’s water entitlement framework for future generations
• turn complex policy, legal and technical issues into practical solutions
• improve Traditional Owner access to, ownership of and influence over water
• work alongside Traditional Owners, government and the water sector

You’ll join a supportive, collaborative team and job-share with an experienced colleague—giving you flexibility while contributing to work that matters.

If you’re a thoughtful problem-solver who can communicate clearly, build strong relationships and navigate complex policy challenges, we’d love to hear from you.

Key selection criteria

• A strong understanding of water resource management and Victoria’s water entitlements and allocation framework is required.
• Demonstrated skills, experience and knowledge of Aboriginal culture and contemporary issues affecting Aboriginal Victorians today to deliver culturally informed government policies and services is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of relevant legislation, regulatory frameworks and policy instruments, and the ability to interpret and apply these to inform legislative and regulatory reform is desirable.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in science, law or engineering is desirable.

This is a fixed term, part time position (0.6 FTE) available for a period of 12 months. The work location for this position is primarily at 8 Nicholson St, Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

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

Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday, 25 October 2026.