Background:

Established in 2002, the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists is an independent group of Australian scientists, economists and business-people with a long-standing interest in the conservation of Australia’s land, water and biodiversity. The Wentworth Group has built a national reputation as a trusted source of scientific advice to policy makers, business and the community on reforms for the long-term conservation and sustainable use of Australia’s natural resources.

Over the past 20 years, the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists has put forward national policy reforms to restore and maintain the health and productive capacity of Australia's landscapes and turn around systemic failures in biodiversity conservation.

Purpose of the position:

We are seeking a motivated Policy Analyst with a background or experience in environmental policy, legislation or management to lead a project seeking to provide recommendations on potential reforms to the NSW land management framework that could help address the systematic decline of biodiversity in NSW and achieve nature positive outcomes.

The objective of this project is for the Wentworth Group to:

1. Provide trusted independent scientific advice to key decision makers through 2024 and 2025, to ensure NSW land sector reforms achieve the Government’s longer-term ambitions for a nature positive, net zero emissions economy;
2. Publish a high-level agenda-setting expert report that outlines key elements of a successful land sector reform package that are needed for a nature positive outcome, and the benefits of such reform for NSW including for nature, carbon and regional economic prosperity;
3. Publish an analysis of the effectiveness of existing native vegetation policies in NSW to help build the public case and provide evidence to enable a strategic approach to reform; and
4. Help NSW to design a new land management framework that will work for regional communities and businesses. This work will be informed by original social science undertaken in partnership with Macquarie University to investigate barriers to and opportunities for positive land reforms

Primary duties:

1. Developing a high-level agenda setting paper that outlines the key elements needed in a successful land management reform package, based on the outcomes of a workshop convened by the Wentworth Group in February 2024 that brought together experts in law, science, Indigenous knowledge, business and agriculture, and significant subsequent engagement with numerous Government agencies and peak bodies;
2. Undertaking an analysis of native vegetation policies in NSW, based on available records, and providing a breakdown of past native vegetation clearing by ecological value, land use type and the regulatory approval framework, and developing a report highlighting key findings;
3. Providing trusted advice to Government and Members of Parliament in NSW, and the Commonwealth where relevant, on practical evidence-based policy solutions; and
4. Managing the project including working closely with the Wentworth Group Secretariat, Members and other experts, and the funding partner to achieve project objectives.

Selection Criteria:

1. Tertiary qualifications, or graduate qualifications and demonstrated practical experience, in environmental science, natural resource management, sustainable agriculture, or a related discipline;
2. Experience in or sound understanding of environmental or natural resource management policy and legislation in Australia, preferably in NSW;
3. Experience in GIS or equivalent mapping and spatial analysis programs;
4. Demonstrated ability to prepare written advice, reports and other written communications for diverse audiences, including competency in adapting and communicating complex scientific information;
5. Articulate verbal communicator with the ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders;
6. Self-driven and highly motivated with strong organisational skills and the flexibility to prioritise a range of potentially conflicting demands;
7. Ability to work in a small, fast-paced team environment; and
8. Applicants must be in Australia with rights to work in Australia (i.e., as a citizen or permanent resident).

Above all, the successful applicant will be committed to helping the Wentworth Group achieve its objectives in securing the long-term health of Australia’s land, water, and biodiversity.

This role is for 4-5 days per week for 12 months with possible extension. The Policy Analyst will work closely with the Program Manager, Members, and the Secretariat. The successful applicant will work from home with occasional domestic travel required. Sydney is preferred but other locations are negotiable.

Ideally, this role would be filled by one individual with the skills required to complete all tasks. However, we encourage applicants that may have strong experience in a subset of the selection criteria, or that may be looking for a part-time rather than full-time role, to still apply.