Policy Officer

APS 5 - $78,548 - $86,168 per annum plus superannuation
- Heritage, Reef & Ocean Division
- Canberra, ACT

This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in international engagement in relation to Australia’s World Heritage sites, and support delivery of longer-term reforms including enhancing the recognition and participation of First Nations people and their culture in World Heritage.

**Identified position** - This position is an ‘Identified’ position which signifies that the role has a strong involvement in issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The successful applicant must have an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People.

**Who we are**
The Heritage, Reef and Ocean Division works to conserve, protect and sustainably manage Australia’s biodiversity, heritage and oceans. We work to make the environment and our heritage better for current and future generations. We contribute to improving the extent, condition and connectivity of Australia’s and the region’s unique environment, consistent with national and international obligations. Working with others, we help identify, protect, conserve and celebrate Australia’s significant natural, Indigenous and historic heritage.

The Reef Policy and International Heritage Branch is a focal point for World Heritage matters. The Branch provides policy support and coordination for Australia’s engagement with the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

The International Heritage Section in the Reef Policy and International Heritage Branch leads on international engagement in relation to Australia’s 20 World Heritage Sites, including the Great Barrier Reef. The section also leads on international engagement relating to the impacts of climate change on World Heritage, enhancing participation of First Nations people in the World Heritage system, and administers an Official Development Assistance program.

**The Job**
The International Heritage section has a vacancy at the APS 5 level. This is an Identified position that has a strong involvement in issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The range of duties for the role includes:

- assisting on policy development and implementation related to enhancing the participation of First Nations people in the World Heritage system
- preparing briefing, correspondence and reports for the Minister and executive
- preparing briefings and supporting information for international meetings and delegations under the World Heritage Convention, e.g. World Heritage Committee meetings, General Assembly of States Parties and various working groups
- building constructive and collaborative relationships with other areas of the department, Commonwealth agencies, state and territory agencies, industry representatives, community groups, and Heritage property owners or managers.

**Work Location**

**Please note **that a merit pool will be established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette. The merit pool may be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the Heritage, Reef and Ocean Division where the duties are of a similar nature.

**What we are looking for**

**Knowledge and experience**
Experience working in either of the following would be an advantage:

- a policy role including undertaking research and preparing policy advice, briefing material and analytical reporting and/or
- a role delivering policies, programs and/or management outcomes for Australia’s environment and heritage.

**Skills and capabilities**
- An understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- An ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
- Ability to deliver high quality policy advice and programs.
- Ability to manage competing priorities while achieving team outcomes.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Ability to collaborate with stakeholders to achieve outcomes and facilitate cooperation.
- Sound judgement.

**Desirable qualifications**
Qualifications, experience and/or skills applicable to the conservation, protection and sustainable management of Australia’s heritage are desirable.

**For additional information, please read the Job Description below.