Academy careers

Positions available:

Senior Policy Officer

Senior Policy Officer

  • Salary package $80,618 – $87,112 including 17% superannuation. The package is dependent on qualifications and experience
  • A 4.5% pay increment is due on 1 July 2012
  • Flexible working hours can be negotiated
  • This is 2 year fixed term position with a view of possible further extension and subject to a probationary period
  • Free parking - Canberra CBD
  • Independent non-profit organisation

Position Description

We are looking for a policy professional to join our team in the Science Policy Section within the Secretariat of the Australian Academy of Science. You will be able to demonstrate how you have contributed to the advancement of public policy positions in consultation with internal and external stakeholders.

You will be familiar with federal government policy and budgetary cycles and have managed stakeholder engagement processes. This position will enable you to shape science orientated policies by providing timely, accurate information and advice for governments, industry and the general public via the Council of the Academy. The position manages the preparation of discussion and information papers for regular meetings of Council and its Executive Committee, and the preparation and coordination of Academy responses to Government reviews and inquiries. A range of research and policy development tasks is also undertaken for the President of the Academy and other members of the executive. These include the preparation of briefs, discussion papers and presentations.

This position is an opportunity for an experienced policy professional to gain in-depth policy experience working closely with Australia’s pre-eminent scientists. An understanding of the importance of evidence-based policy development is essential and a tertiary science qualification would be favourably regarded. Permanent public servants wishing to transfer to the Academy for a 2 year period would certainly be considered.

The Academy is an independent not-for-profit organisation made up of just under 450 leading Australian researchers. It recognises outstanding contributions to science and research, advises government, promotes science education and public understanding of science, informs evidence-based science policy, and fosters international scientific relations. The Secretariat is located in two heritage-listed buildings close to central Canberra. Free parking is available.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Work closely with the Manager Science Policy Section, the Secretary for Science Policy and other Fellows of the Academy in developing new policy positions, advancing existing policies and identifying relevant and emerging issues for research and analysis and as subjects for workshops, think tanks, public forums and related activities.
  2. Draft, coordinate and submit responses to a range of Government reviews, inquiries and calls for nominations to tight deadlines.
  3. Draft, coordinate and manage discussion and information papers for regular meetings of Academy Council and its Executive Committee.
  4. Provide secretariat and other support for Academy working groups and committees.
  5. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders including the Academy Fellowship, National Committees of the Academy, other Learned Academies, relevant Government agencies, the higher education sector, industry representatives and international organisations.
  6. Prepare briefings, correspondence, discussion papers and presentations on science, education and research issues.
  7. Perform other duties as directed in support of general Science Policy Section efforts.

Selection criteria

The selection criteria reflect the knowledge, experience, core skills and personal qualities required for this position. Assessment of applicants during the selection process is based on these criteria.

  1. Substantial public policy experience in the development of policy in consultation with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
  2. High level administration and organisational skills, including demonstrated experience in setting priorities, meeting deadlines, policy development and managing tasks and/or projects.
  3. Highly developed oral and written communication skills and the ability to prepare and assist with the provision of reports and submissions to senior management.
  4. Well-developed interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to develop effective working relationships, including the ability to consult and negotiate with a variety of stakeholders.
  5. Problem solving skills with a demonstrated ability to seek all relevant information for problem solving, probe for facts, analyse issues from original perspectives, seek peer-review and draw sound inferences from information.
  6. A sound understanding of evidence-based policy development is essential while a tertiary qualification in one of the natural or physical sciences would be favourably regarded.

Applications

Applications must address the selection criteria above as concisely as possible and include a curriculum vitae with the contact details of two referees.

The closing date is close of business, Friday 24 February 2012. Interviews will be conducted during the week of 27 February 2012. It is expected the position start date will be April 2012.

Applications should be forwarded, preferably by email, to:  
hr@science.org.au

or to:          
Human Resources Officer, Australian Academy of Science
GPO Box 783, CANBERRA  ACT  2601

Further information on the position is available from Dr Martin Callinan, Manager Science Policy Section, on (02) 6201 9458 or email martin.callinan@science.org.au