Policy and Government Lead

Job reference number 60019361

Information for applicants

The role is ongoing and located in Brisbane, Melbourne or Canberra. Other capital city office locations may be considered. Information about the position, including eligibility, selection criteria, and details on how to apply, is available on the Bureau of Meteorology's website Careers page at https://bomcareers.nga.net.au/cp/

Applications close at 11:30pm AEST Wednesday 24 September 2025

Enquiries about the position can be directed to Ross Henry

Program Manager Services and Engagement – Australian Climate Service

Email: [email protected]

About the Australian Climate Service

Across the Australian Government we hold world-leading expertise, data and information that can be used to support better planning, preparedness and response to climate challenges and natural hazards.

The Australian Climate Service seeks to support a safer, adaptive and prosperous Australia, prepared for and resilient to climate challenges and natural disasters. It aims to deliver this through:

• Improving access to authoritative and trusted data, intelligence and expert advice, and
• Building and enhancing Australia's climate and natural hazard intelligence capability.

The Australian Climate Service aims to connect and leverage the Commonwealth’s extensive climate and natural hazard information into a single national view. The Australian Climate Service works with partners and information users to provide data and intelligence to support each phase of the natural disaster continuum: prevention, preparedness, response, relief, recovery, and resilience.

The Australian Climate Service is building a national capability that improves Australia’s ability to understand climate and natural hazard challenges and how they are or could impact Australia. This understanding aims to improve planning, preparedness and response. It draws on Australian Government expertise from the Bureau of Meteorology, CSIRO, the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Geoscience Australia. Over the coming years it will also collaborate with state and territory governments, private sector, community, and other actors to become a truly national capability.

About the Bureau

We are Australia’s weather, climate, water, oceans and space weather agency. Our work touches the lives of all Australians every day.

Our products and services include observations, forecasts, warnings, analysis and advice. They cover Australia’s atmosphere, water, oceans and space environments.

The Bureau operates under the authority of the Meteorology Act 1955 and the Water Act 2007. We also fulfill Australia’s international obligations under the Convention of the World Meteorological Organization and related international meteorological treaties and agreements.

Read the Bureau of Meteorology Strategy 2022–27 to find out more about our organisation and the work we do for all Australians.

Position overview

The Policy and Government Lead supports strategic engagement across government and contributes to business development by mapping and interpreting relevant policy across all levels of government. Reporting into the Program Manager Services and Engagement, the role helps identify opportunities aligned with government priorities, supports the development of project proposals and strategic initiatives and helps to ensure that ACS knowledge and insights are useful and useable by government.

This ideal candidate has strong analytical and communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and a deep understanding of how government policy and programs influence strategic planning. The successful candidate will help bridge policy insights with climate risk and adaptation insights, contributing to the ACS service delivery, research and impact.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Experience working across or with government agencies, with a strong understanding of public sector structures and policy processes.
• Ability to map, interpret, and communicate government policy and program information to a science-based agency to inform strategic planning and business development.
• Strong analytical and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and contribute to the development of project proposals and business cases.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to engage with stakeholders across government, industry, and community sectors.
• Experience supporting business development activities, including identifying opportunities and assisting in the preparation of funding proposals.
• A collaborative and proactive approach to working in multidisciplinary teams.
• Attention to detail, with a focus on delivering high-quality outputs that align with strategic goals.
• Pro-active, with sound judgment and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently and under limited direction. Demonstrated ability to work in a highly dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Role responsibilities

The responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:

• Monitor and map relevant government policies, programs, and strategic priorities to inform internal planning.
• Support the development of project proposals, business cases, and strategic documents to guide the strategic direction of the Australian Climate Service. Translate policy and program information into actionable insights for internal science-based teams and vice versa.
• Collaborate with internal teams to support integrated service delivery.
• Maintain project documentation, track deliverables, and support reporting and communication activities.
• Contribute to stakeholder engagement activities, and ACS service activities, including preparing briefings and coordinating meetings.
• Apply sound judgment and initiative to resolve issues and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Commitment to APS Values, Employment Principles and Code of Conduct and understanding of the Bureau's diversity and inclusion statement of commitment and the Bureau way.
• Complying with all Bureau work, health and safety policies and procedures, and taking reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of employees, contractors and visitors who may be affected by your conduct.

Merit pool

The selection process will establish a merit pool that may be used to fill similar positions within 18 months.

How to apply

Applications can be lodged through the Bureau of Meteorology Careers.

Your application will consist of resume, contact details for two referees and an ‘800-word pitch’ that considers:

• position overview
• job responsibilities
• selection criteria
• relevant sections of the Integrated Leadership System (ILS) and APS work level standards.