Principal Policy Officer, Energy Infrastructure Regulation

As a leader within the Energy Infrastructure Regulation team, you will be responsible for the efficient and effective statutory decision making for energy infrastructure under Victoria’s Pipelines Act 2005 and the Emergency Management Act 2013, and associated Victorian and Commonwealth legislation, as well as Australian and international standards.

The Principal Policy Officer will also be responsible for the provision of high-level advice and high-stake statutory decisions, the technical assessment of risk and emergency preparedness, and management planning for constructing, operating, and decommissioning energy infrastructure and the operational resilience of designated gas, liquid fuel and electricity infrastructure.

To undertake this position, ideally you have proven ability to interpret and apply a wide range of legislation, guidelines, and policies, relevant to state significant energy infrastructure, and the provision of persuasive and authoritative written and verbal advice to affected landowners, consultants, community stakeholders, and senior government and private sector executives. 

The Principal Policy Officer ideally will have experience in areas such as infrastructure resilience and  regulation, and developing and presenting accurate, concise, timely and relevant advice for a range of audiences including Ministers, departmental executives and stakeholders, and the provision of expert, strategic and authoritative advice to the Department's Executives, other State Government departments and agencies, and the Minister.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Senior experience in a project delivery role within government or private sector is highly desirable.
• Experience in management and leading teams in complex situations and working in ambiguity is highly desired.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in science, engineering, law, economics, public policy or similar (desirable).

This is a fixed term position available until 13 November 2026. The work location for this position is 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers. 

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Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday, 31 May 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave. For more information visit applying for a role with us.