Water Policy Analyst

Background:

Established in 2002, the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists is an independent group of Australian scientists, economists and business people with a long-standing interest in the conservation of Australia’s land, water and biodiversity. The Wentworth Group has built a national reputation as a trusted source of scientific advice to policy makers, business and the community on reforms for the long-term conservation and sustainable use of Australia’s natural resources.

The Wentworth Group is recognised as the leading independent voice on water management in Australia. Over the past 20 years, we have put forward national policy reforms to protect and restore the health and productive capacity of Australia's river basins and turn around systemic failures in water management.

Over the coming years, we are committed to continuing to champion efforts for national water reform in a changing climate. The key priority for our Water Program is to secure river health and support communities and industries to adapt to a more extreme climate, by:

1. Ensuring the Murray-Darling Basin Plan is on track to being implemented in full and delivering long-term outcomes for river health;
2. Synthesizing scientific evidence and briefing governments to ensure best available evidence is used to inform the upcoming review of the National Water Act 2007, National Water Initiative and the Murray Darling Basin Plan; and
3. Undertaking original research to help align Australia’s policies and laws with the Global Biodiversity Framework targets for the protection and restoration of freshwater ecosystems.

Overview of the Water Policy Analyst role:

We are seeking a Water Policy Analyst to work within our Water Program to synthesize evidence, advise on policy and strategy, engage with governments, business and community representatives and deliver program objectives. The Water Policy Analyst will collaborate closely with Wentworth Group Members and other experts, the Director and CEO to develop practical evidence-based solutions to complex problems, persuade decision-makers to take the actions needed and catalyse reforms to improve water management in the Murray-Darling Basin and nationally.

Primary duties:

This role would suit a driven and self-motivated individual who is passionate about Australia’s environment and has practical experience in water science, policy or management. Duties include:

1. Developing practical, evidence-based policy recommendations in consultation with Members and other experts, including drafting Wentworth Group reports, blueprints and submissions;
2. Identifying strategic opportunities to progress program objectives and enhance the Wentworth Group’s role as a trusted voice in water management;
3. Analysing information and data and distilling complex scientific information into effective, compelling communications materials for diverse audiences and purposes, working closely with the Strategic Communications Adviser;
4. Engaging or supporting Members to engage with and empower leaders across government, business and community to advance policy objectives; and
5. Management of new or established projects in the Water Program, including meeting deliverables, tracking stakeholder engagement, reporting requirements and preparing meetings.

Selection criteria:

1. Post-graduate qualifications and/or demonstrated practical experience in environmental science, policy or natural resource management or a related discipline;
2. Sound understanding of water management and policy in Australia. Knowledge of the Murray-Darling Basin highly desirable;
3. Competence in adapting and communicating complex scientific, economic and social information for a range of audiences and purposes;
4. Self-driven and highly motivated with the ability to prioritise competing demands;
5. Ability to produce high quality output in a timely manner, without compromising on attention to detail or accuracy;
6. Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills;
7. Basic computer literacy (e.g., capacity to use or learn to use file management, project management and communication tools such as Dropbox, Trello and Slack).
8. Ability to work collegiately within a small team and in a hybrid work environment.
9. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia (i.e., citizen or permanent resident).

Above all, the successful applicant will be committed to helping the Wentworth Group achieve its objectives in securing the long-term health of Australia’s land, water, and biodiversity.