EL2 Director of the Economics

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 Director of Economics will lead the delivery an economics body of knowledge to support the MDBA’s Basin Plan needs, with an immediate focus on the 2026 Basin Plan Review. The incumbent will lead the MDBA’s economics research investment program; manage the MDBA’s external economics relationships; and ensure that the Economics program can support the policy, planning and engagement needs of the Basin Plan Review. For this purpose, the incumbent will work closely with partners across the Basin Science & Knowledge division, and with the policy/planning and communications/engagement arms of the MDBA. The role also requires collaboration with other agencies of the Australian Government, research partners, the Basin States and Territories, and First Nations and wider stakeholders.

An important aspect of the position is to ensure that the Economics investment has impact for MDBA’s strategic needs. Hence the incumbent must build effective working relationships across the organisation and be able to distil complex economics information into synthesised products that address a variety of policy questions.

Economics information will be a prominent public component of the MDBA’s science base during the Basin Plan Review and will be subject to substantial attention from a range of interest groups. The incumbent will therefore be required to ensure the Economics information is scientifically robust and has been refined through exposure to a broad range of stakeholders such as peak industry groups, Basin governments, and the broader water-aware community through the MDBA’s established engagement channels.

Your key responsibilities in this role are to

• Manage the MDBA’s economics research investment program and the data collection, analysis and interpretation program
• Lead the MDBA’s internal economics relationships, with a focus on partners in the broader science program, policy & planning, and the communications/engagement team
• Lead the MDBA’s external economics relationships with research partners & Basin governments
•  Collate and distil economics information for the MDBA’s purposes, with a focus on supporting the needs of the Basin Plan Review (specifically, the policy/planning and communications/engagement needs)
• In collaboration with the General Manager and Science Acquisition colleagues, provide strategic advice related to science, research and knowledge across the Murray-Darling Basin
• Display high level communication skills including the preparation of agenda papers, presentations, and briefing notes for MDBA Executive, Governing Panels and Steering Committees and high-level Committees as required.

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. 
• Competitive Flexible Working Arrangements which allow greater flexibility and balance between work and personal needs with a baseline attendance in the office to be 40% of your time.
• 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 contact Matt Coleman 02 6279 0*** or ***************@mdba.gov.au