El1, Assistant Director, Climate Policy

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 uses their policy leadership, strategic thinking skills and influence to help develop and deliver on the Sustainable Water Management program needs including the Climate Change theme of the 2026 review of the Basin Plan to answer the question “How can the Basin Plan be improved to respond to climate change?”

The Assistant Director role requires exceptional policy analysis, communication and interpersonal skills.

This position works collaboratively with all portfolios within the Murray–Darling Basin Authority, and with other agencies of the Australian Government, Basin states and territories and wider stakeholders. The Assistant Director may have a staff supervision role.

Who we are

The Basin Plan Sustainable Water Management Program was created within the Basin Plan Portfolio to lead the sustainable water management and climate change themes of the 2026 Basin Plan Review, consistent with the Roadmap to the Basin Plan Review.

The BPR Climate policy team will lead the strategic direction and policy for the Climate Change theme. It will provide the framework for considering climate change impacts, risks and responses in the Basin Plan Review, and co-ordinate with other teams to deliver effective policy options.

Who we are looking for

Your key responsibilities in this role are to: 

• Lead research and analysis on a range of water management and climate change policy issues and provide recommendations on pathways to solve complex problems as required.
• Coordinate and contribute to multidisciplinary work across the agency’s portfolios and use a working knowledge of other Government departments and key Basin stakeholders to leverage the MDBA’s strategic position.
• Develop impactful, well-written policy briefings, position papers and reports on macro and micro policy issues across a range of scales from the global context through to local issues.
• Identify risks and challenges to water reform implementation and use your creativity and experience to assist development of innovative solutions.

Successful candidates will also possess the following capabilities and attributes:

• Well-developed leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• The ability to maximise your potential to deliver quality individual and team outcomes.
• Uphold the Australian Public Service (APS) Employment Principles, Values, and Code of Conduct.
• Foster MDBA values.
• Fulfil your duty of care to yourself and others, promoting and upholding principles and practices related to equity, diversity, and health and safety.
• Uphold the MDBA’s respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their heritage, knowledge, and cultural authority in the Murray–Darling Basin.

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.
• 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. 

Tell me more

It is easy to apply for a job at the MDBA. Go to www.mdba.gov.au/careers and tell us what makes you the ideal candidate. Take the opportunity to work with the MDBA as we continue to make a difference through the protection and enhancement of the environment.

For more information regarding this opportunity please contact Joanne Halliday - ***************@mdba.gov.au.