Join us to shape the future of one of Australia’s greatest natural assets and protect it for future generations.

We are seeking people who want to contribute to a significant water reform program that aims to respond to the impacts of climate change, support community and industry needs, and improve access to water for First Nations people.

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is an independent government agency which, in partnership with Basin governments, manages the Murray–Darling Basin’s water resources in the national interest. With the enactment of the Water Act 2007, the MDBA was established as an independent expertise-based statutory agency.

The MDBA aims to achieve a healthy working Basin for the benefit of all Australians. The Murray–Darling Basin contains a rich diversity of natural environments that are unique in Australia and the world. The Basin is also crucial to Australia’s economy and home to 2.3 million Australians, including people from over 50 First Nations. How we manage the Basin as a whole connected system, manage our water carefully, and protect it for future generations is set out in the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

The Position

The Assistant Director Northern Basin Policy Team supports the Basin Plan Review by providing policy expertise, operational knowledge and subject matter expertise focussed on the northern Basin, working with multiple BPR projects to help ensure current and emerging risks and opportunities for the northern Basin are effectively considered and integrated into broader existing BPR activities, and into Authority advice. This is carried out via (mainly) the Regulatory Design project through specifically tailored policy analysis for the northern Basin and using existing internal collaborations and external professional networks.

The team also takes a leading role in helping progress (with relevant key BPR project teams) key issues of relevance to the northern Basin, including connectivity, critical human water needs and water quality. The team also plays a role providing subject matter expertise and on-ground operational experience to current and future northern Basin engagement. The role works closely with other parts of the Basin Plan Division, various BPR projects, and across the MDBA, other agencies of the Australian Government, the Basin States and Territories and wider stakeholders.

Your key responsibilities in this role are to

• Contribute Northern Basin focussed technical expertise, on-ground knowledge, and leading complex policy analysis to inform possible changes to the Basin Plan regulatory framework, including inclusion of input from internal and external subject matter areas and existing BPR project teams Also perform co-leadership duties for the Northern-Basin Community of Practice.
• Liaise and foster effective and collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to leverage opportunities to develop and build support for innovative policy options of relevance to the northern Basin.
• Help manage preparation and coordination of policy documents, briefing materials and correspondence including reporting to internal program, strategy and governance forums including within the northern Basin Community of Practice.
• Support project management of the BPR Regulatory Design Project and other key BPR project teams within the Basin Plan Review where interests with the northern Basin overlap, in accordance with MDBA policies and procedures.

What we offer you

• You will have the opportunity to work on projects where you contribute to shaping the future of one of Australia’s greatest natural assets and protect it for future generations.
• At the MDBA you will undertake a variety of interesting and challenging work. You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and expertise, and work with the Australian community to support a critical resource management initiative.
• Competitive remuneration packages, including up to 15.4% superannuation, and recognition of prior APS government service.
• Generous leave provisions (four weeks annual leave) and additional Non-attendance days between Christmas and New Year provided.
• Being part of a smaller agency with a strong focus on its connection with people.
• Being part of a professional, committed, and friendly team of people.
• Being part of an organisation that recognises and values First Nations people, and their contribution to our work. We have an innovative Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) aimed at improving relationships, showing respect, and increasing opportunities to deliver outcome for First Nations peoples as part of our business-as-usual activities.
• Competitive Flexible Working Arrangements which allow greater flexibility and balance between work and personal needs with a baseline attendance in the office to be 40% of your time.
• A range of healthy lifestyle provisions, including access to a health and wellbeing program.
• Opportunities for professional development, and career progression across a variety of roles and work locations.