Our client is a federal government department at the forefront of some of the most important issues facing Australia today - from climate resilience and energy transformation to environmental protection and sustainable water management. As the national policy leader on these interconnected challenges, the department plays a pivotal role in shaping long-term outcomes for the nation, the environment, and future generations.

This team sits within a dynamic, forward-facing branch that brings policy strategy and budget planning together in one of the department’s most visible and impactful portfolios. With a culture that supports flexibility, mentorship, and growth, this is a workplace where good people stay, and great people rise.

The Opportunity

This is the role that will put you at the centre of strategic decision-making in one of the most vital portfolios in government.

If you’re passionate about policy, thrive on complexity, and want to contribute at the point where ideas turn into action, this is a unique opportunity to grow your career. You’ll gain exposure to high-level budget and policy processes, working closely with senior executives, the Minister’s Office, and central agencies. Your work will shape funding proposals, influence national priorities, and support the direction of major reforms across climate, water, and the environment.

You’ll develop high-impact briefs, advise on Cabinet submissions, and influence how multi-million-dollar initiatives are shaped and resourced. You’ll work with and learn from experienced leaders who value curiosity and clarity of thinking - and you’ll be trusted to operate with autonomy and ownership from day one.

The Role

As Assistant Director, you’ll lead Budget and Cabinet work across a defined area of the portfolio - particularly environment and water. This includes working with line areas to shape funding proposals, ensuring they’re aligned, strategic, and compliant.

Key duties include:

• Lead development of Budget and Cabinet submissions, briefs, and strategic funding advice
• Strengthen new policy proposals (NPPs) with clear insights into policy, operational, and fiscal impacts
• Provide advice to SES and Ministers’ Offices on complex budget/policy matters
• Represent the department in interagency forums and meetings
• Coach and support junior staff, contributing to team capability and culture
• Ensure products meet deadlines and comply with Budget rules (BPORs)

This is a permanent EL1 opportunity (Section 26 transfer), with an option for a 12-month non-ongoing contract. Ideally based in Canberra, but remote work could be supported with fortnightly attendance at a local office.

Please note, this role may offer periodic short-term opportunities to act as an EL2.

The Ideal Person

You’re someone who enjoys working on difficult policy problems and brings clarity to complexity. You have experience in strategic budget work, Cabinet processes, or high-level policy development - ideally in areas such as environment, water, energy, or another complex portfolio.

You love an opportunity to influence the bigger picture, to help government make better, more strategic decisions about where to invest and why. You know how to spot the gaps in a business case, how to make a proposal stronger, and how to cut through when timelines are tight.

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Have strong experience in environment/water policy, strategic budget work, or Cabinet-related processes
• Can think systemically about policy, funding and outcomes
• Know how to write high-quality briefs and NPPs that hold up under scrutiny
• Communicate confidently with SES, various senior staff, and central agencies
• Bring energy, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset to your work

Please note: An Australian citizenship and a Baseline clearance are mandatory requirements for this role.

Salary / Rate

• $125k- $134k + 15.4% Super or salary match
• This role is available as a permanent or temporary S26 transfer or as a 12-month non-ongoing contract with extensions available
• This role is available for an experienced APS6 looking to step up or for a strong EL1 performer looking for a change
• Canberra-based but remote arrangements could be considered
• Flexible arrangements and WFH available

How to Apply

To apply online, please click on the appropriate link.

Alternatively, for a confidential discussion, please contact Lisa Shakhovskaya on 02 6108 4878 quoting ref no. 20606

HorizonOne is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and we encourage applications from people of all cultures, capabilities and backgrounds.