Public Affairs Officer

Public Affairs Officer 3 (EL 1) - $115,663 - $145,856 per annum plus superannuation
- Water Infrastructure & Investment Division
- Adelaide, SA,Brisbane, QLD,Canberra, ACT,Darwin, NT,Melbourne, VIC,Perth, WA,Sydney, NSW,Other
- The Division is focussed on delivery and making a difference, but in a collaborative, fun and supportive team environment, with opportunities for professional development and to work flexibly._

**Who we are**
The Water Investment and Infrastructure Division is responsible for overseeing billions of dollars of investment in rural and regionally focused projects, programs and initiatives that increase climate resilience, deliver secure, affordable and reliable water and contribute to a functioning, healthy and resilient environment. The Division works in partnership with state and territory governments and leading science organisations to identify, plan and deliver Australia’s next generation of water infrastructure through robust planning and responsible investment decisions that contribute to nature positive outcomes. The Division also works with states and territories to contribute to water recovery targets in the Murray-Darling Basin and improve the health of rivers and wetlands in the basin. The work of the Division is underpinned by a collaborative approach across all levels of government and First Nations communities.

The Water Recovery Branch implements water recovery mechanisms to achieve government priorities where the focus is on acquisition of water entitlements. These mechanisms include water recovery targets that strive to restore and maintain a sustainable level of environmental health while supporting agriculture and securing the future of communities who reside in and use these water systems. Strategic water purchasing plays a significant role to bridge the gap to achieve sustainable diversion limits. The work of the Branch is diverse, including but not limited to procurement activities, negotiations and funding arrangements, strategic communication and engagement, and implementation of programs - like the Strategic Water Purchase Program.

The Strategic Engagement team provides high quality strategic communication and media services to:

- develop and deliver national and basin-specific communication and engagement strategies,
- increase awareness of our vital water infrastructure, science and water recovery projects,
- build trust with stakeholders, at the local, regional and national level,
- support our executive team, the Minister and broader Australian Government’s role in delivering long term water security across Australia.

The work of the team contributes to divisional and departmental priorities, as well as supporting the Australian Government’s nature positive agenda, and priorities in regard to providing water infrastructure for the regions, delivering the Murray-Darling Basin Plan in full, and supporting First Nations peoples to access safe and reliable water.

**The Job**
Working in a fast-paced environment, the Public Affairs Officer is part of dynamic team managing media and communication for the Water Infrastructure and Investment Division. You will be highly organised and have input into strategic planning, while also being able to pivot and manage day-to-day communication activities. This role may involve the following:

- opportunity for staff management responsibilities, including the setting of priorities and managing workflows,
- a level of public contact in relation to sensitive issues,
- opportunities to liaise with a range of stakeholders in a representational capacity,
- some ad hoc after-hours support,
- some travel.

Responsibilities may include:

- Provide or assist with providing strategic advice and technical support on communication issues, including strategic communication, media and issues management, content development, website development, project management and stakeholder engagement activities.
- Develop and deliver or support the development and delivery of communication projects and media content that contributes to the divisional, departmental and Australian Government priorities and monitor and evaluate the outcomes.
- Engage and collaborate with various internal and external stakeholders and bring your innovative ideas and creative approach to the work we do.
- Plan and support the delivery of events (online and/or in person).
- Assist in the development, review and analysis of program, projects and contract management documentation.
- Prepare or assist with preparing communication products and briefing materials for the minister, senior executives and internal and external stakeholders and/or committees.

**What we are looking for**

**Knowledge and experience**
- leading and/or coordinating contemporary communication and media projects and/or stakeholder management activities,
- communicating in an engaging way across different social, traditional and digital platforms and channels, and tailoring messaging for div