Senior Policy and Program Officer

Lead biodiversity policy reform, provide expert legislative advice, and drive strategic change supporting South Australia's environmental future.

• Lead major biodiversity and environmental law reform.
• Provide trusted advice to senior leaders and decision-makers.
• Drive strategic change with diverse stakeholders.

Native Vegetation & Biodiversity Reform

Help shape South Australia's environmental future.

An exciting opportunity exists to lead the development, implementation and evaluation of policies, programs and strategic initiatives supporting the transition from the Native Vegetation Act 1991 to the Biodiversity Act 2025.

The role provides high-quality policy advice, coordinates stakeholder engagement and governance processes, manages projects and contributes to evidence-based decision-making to deliver organisational and government priorities.

Working closely with senior leaders, you will provide expert policy advice, drive strategic reform, influence decision-making, and lead process improvements that support the successful implementation of significant biodiversity legislation.

You will bring strong policy development and governance skills, experience managing complex and sensitive issues, and the ability to build productive relationships across government, industry and community stakeholders.

Your expertise in preparing high-level ministerial, cabinet and executive correspondence will be highly valued.

The ideal candidate is someone who can:

• Understand legislation and policy at an expert level
• Apply systems and complexity thinking to solve challenging policy problems and manage interconnected issues
• Lead reform and organisational change
• Influence senior decision-makers
• Build strong stakeholder relationships
• Write outstanding ministerial and cabinet documentation
• Navigate political complexity and competing interests
• Turn strategy into practical, operational outcomes

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to landmark environmental reform while working in a collaborative and high-performing policy environment.

Applications are encouraged from professionals with expertise in natural resources management, environmental policy, environmental law, legislative reform, or related fields.

What can we offer you!

• Working in an organisation that is contributing to significant environmental outcomes in the great state of South Australia!
• Be part of a fun, collaborative and supportive team.
• Hybrid working model with flexible working options including work from home available to promote work life balance.
• Free entry into DEW managed Parks in South Australia.
• Salary Sacrifice Benefits.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Access to our Fitness Passport Program.
• Meaningful and rewarding career.

The Department for Environment and Water is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds including all ages and gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTIQA+.

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