Principal Advisor, Priority Projects

The Principal Advisor, Priority Projects provides high-level advice and support to the Executive Director on the delivery of priority regulatory projects. With a focus on coordination of regulatory priorities for the declared mines and implementing reforms to the rehabilitation bond system, the Principal Advisor delivers strategic guidance and plays a critical coordination role across teams to support the delivery of Divisional priorities and other priority projects as required.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience and acumen in providing high-level authoritative advice on complex and sensitive regulatory and/or policy issues to executives, senior management and key stakeholders, ideally within a natural resources context.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to negotiate, influence and achieve positive outcomes, and the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, with diverse and sometimes competing interests.
• Demonstrated experience with government, departmental and Ministerial processes, with an understanding of policy issues relating to water, energy, climate change or resources is desired.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with high expectations, tight deadlines, and a culture that values feedback, continuous improvement, and shared accountability.
• Advanced conceptual and analytical skills, including an ability to structure and analyse problems, develop innovative solutions, and clearly communicate advice to decision-makers. This includes excellent written and verbal communication skills to develop reports, briefings and submissions that are concise and engaging.
• A tertiary qualification in public policy, science, economics, law or another relevant field would be advantageous.

This is a fixed term position available until 30 June 2027. The work location for this position is Melbourne CBD 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, 10 May 2026.

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

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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.