Adviser - Senator Murray Watt

Applications are invited for the ongoing full-time position of Adviser in the office of Senator Murray Watt.

If based outside of the ACT, travel to Canberra for parliamentary sittings and other purposes will be required. Regular travel beyond Canberra will also be a feature of the role.

**The position**
The Adviser works closely with other Ministers’ offices, the public service and key stakeholders to align and inform the Government’s political, policy and legislative agendas. The Adviser will have a proven ability to understand policy linkages, including First Nations policy considerations and will work to ensure the Minister is appropriately briefed, prepared and supported for their parliamentary, legislative and portfolio business.

**Key responsibilities include, but may not be limited to**:

- Provide expert and timely advice on priority, complex and sensitive policy, public administration and political issues, especially in relation to sustainable and climate-smart agriculture and forestry.
- Under the direction of the Chief of Staff, maintain effective and collaborative relationships with the Prime Minister’s Office, other Ministerial Offices and the Australian Public Service on all priority, complex and sensitive issues.
- Ensure that the resources of the relevant portfolio agencies are effectively utilised to provide high level and appropriate advice and support to the Minister.
- Liaise with a diverse range of stakeholders as directed to identify key issues and solutions in relation to policy requirements.
- Provide advice and support on parliamentary matters including Question Time, legislative processes and parliamentary business.
- Monitor and advise on legislative and policy developments in Australia and overseas and support the Minister in a wide variety of negotiations, meetings and consultations.
- Liaise with the Australian Public Service in relation to the preparation of policy and legislative documents.
- Analyse and prepare reports, papers, policy statements, briefing notes and statistical information on policy and related matters and significant portfolio initiatives.
- Provide input into media, communications and political advice as required.
- Perform other duties as required by the Minister.

**Applicants should possess the following capabilities and experience**:

- Proven knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas: agriculture policy, sustainable and climate-smart agriculture and/or forestry, with an ability to acquire knowledge of the others.
- Demonstrated experience in providing advice on a wide range of policy, public administration and political matters in a public, non-profit or private sector organisation, including an ability to problem solve, as well as anticipate and mitigate risk.
- Demonstrated ability to form positive relationships and negotiate with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders with diverse positions.
- Ability to communicate persuasively in a written or verbal form and to liaise effectively with other Ministerial Offices, the Australian Public Service and the community, including varied constituencies.
- An understanding of the Government’s agenda and the Australian political landscape, with the ability to anticipate and mitigate administrative and political issues to ensure alignment with the Government’s long-term priorities.
- Demonstrated high-level professional integrity, discretion and judgement, including the ability to maintain strict confidentiality with extremely sensitive information and materials.

**Employment conditions**
The position is offered under the _Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984_ and conditions are outlined in the _Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2020-2023_.
- A commencing salary between $98,739 and $145,715 will be negotiated depending on relevant skills and experience.
- An additional allowance of $30,779 is payable in recognition of, and as compensation for reasonable additional hours of work.
- An employer contribution of 15.4% superannuation will be payable.

All ministerial staff must have the ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance (NV2). Employment is conditional on the granting of a security clearance at the required level (NV2).

**To apply**
Applications close on **28 February 2023** at 11:59pm.

For further information, please contact Natasha Nikolevski, Office Manager to the Minister, on 02 6277 7190.

**Salary**: $98,739.00 - $145,715.00 per year

Schedule:

- Shift work

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Brisbane, QLD: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Authorisation:

- Australia (required)

Work Location: One location

Application Deadline: 28/02/2023