Senior Policy Officer

The Senior Policy Officer contributes to the delivery of Offshore Wind Energy Victoria’s (OWEV) legislative and regulatory reforms to support Victoria’s developing offshore wind sector. The position coordinates and works with a diverse range of stakeholders to inform and support the development of a bespoke offshore wind regulatory framework including policy and program elements to expedite the offshore sector development in Victoria.

The Regulatory Frameworks team has a sound understanding of relevant State and Federal legislative, policy and governance frameworks that would apply to OWEV and offshore wind activities spanning Victorian and Commonwealth jurisdictions. The team is required to be familiar with key regulatory frameworks and instruments spanning land, planning and environmental laws and regulations, native title and cultural heritage laws, energy market laws and regulation, and public and administrative laws, frameworks, and processes.

The Senior Policy Officer quickly acquires a well-developed understanding of relevant legislation and policy frameworks, and applies legal, policy and/or economic framework analysis to specific regulatory issues. The role involves monitoring policy and regulatory developments in relation to offshore wind, land, energy and environmental reforms in the state and national sphere, interpreting information from a range of sources, and providing analysis, and reporting on findings.

The position works in close collaboration with the Regulatory Compliance and Regulatory Engagement and Coordination teams within the branch, with other OWEV branches, and with internal and external stakeholders including government departments, energy related agencies and senior external industry, research and community stakeholders. This role requires excellent written and verbal communication skills and an ability to proactively build relationships with stakeholders to secure support for the reforms.

The team culture is dynamic, collaborative, diverse and supportive of allowing team members to work flexibly within a fast-paced environment.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• An appropriate tertiary qualification in any of law, economics, regulatory and public policy is highly desirable.
• Qualifications in or professional experience with energy, environment, biodiversity, land, planning or native title and cultural heritage is desirable.
• Understanding of the technical and policy opportunities for renewable energy in Victoria and Australia, and related energy policy and the Victorian and/or national energy markets is desirable.

This is a fixed term position available until 30 June 2028. The work location for this position is 8 Nicholson Street, 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 Monday, 02 November 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.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply.  We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace.  If you need support to participate, please contact aboriginal.employment@deeca.vic.gov.au. 

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing.  For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.