Senior Policy Officer

The Senior Policy Officer, Energy Consumer Policy, is responsible for leading the delivery of high-quality policy research and advice on issues to support transparency, consumer protections and affordability in Victoria’s energy retail market. The successful candidate will have strong policy development and implementation skills. The candidate will have the capacity to identify and respond to current and emerging issues in a planned and strategic manner, independently undertake complex research and analysis, and deliver clear policy advice.

The Energy Consumer Policy team works at the centre of Victoria’s energy transition, developing and delivering reforms that make the energy retail market fairer, more affordable and better able to protect consumers. The team’s current work spans major reforms including the Midday Power Saver, a new regulated offer giving eligible Victorian households access to three hours of no-cost electricity each day; consumer protection reforms to strengthen Victoria’s energy retail framework and help consumers access better offers; and policy relating to the Victorian Default Offer, which provides an important safeguard for consumers who are unable or choose not to engage in the retail market.

The team works across complex policy, regulatory and implementation issues, translating emerging challenges in the energy market into practical reforms that deliver tangible benefits for Victorian households. Excellent written communication and organisational skills, proven ability to prioritise and deliver within tight timeframes, demonstrated experience with government processes and strong critical thinking ability are also required. A background in energy policy, law or economics is highly desirable.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification/s in economics, law or an energy-related field is highly desirable.
• Experience with government processes and operations in policy development and delivery is desirable.
• Knowledge of, and experience with electricity and gas retail markets and energy retail pricing is highly desirable OR consumer energy frameworks and protections.

This is a fixed term position available for a period of 36 Months. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria 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.

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.