AUS (Canberra) - Senior Policy Advisor - Energy, Clean Growth and Climate, HEO

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require. The British High Commission is seeking an experienced Senior Policy Advisor to work with us to deliver the UK government’s priorities to address climate change and support UK growth, and work with Australia on more clean and sustainable growth and renewable energy. The foundation of our relationship is the Australia–UK Climate and Energy Partnership, reflecting shared priorities and ambitions in the global transition to net zero emissions; our relationships with government at State and Federal level, industry and advocates are the medium for our joint work. This role is based in Canberra, and you’ll collaborate with colleagues across our network of Consulates-General in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane, with our missions in the Pacific Islands and of course HQ in London. Support the implementation of the UK and Australia Climate and Energy Partnership, working across our Australia network. You will bring an understanding of the UNFCCC and Australia’s climate and energy transition. You will engage in policy discussions with Australian federal government departments (e.g. DCCEEW). You will write briefings for the High Commissioner’s meetings with Australian federal ministers and senior officials. You will be used to working flexibly to respond to changing needs and priorities. You will provide advice to UK government departments through your reporting and analysis of developments in the Australian federal government’s climate and clean energy policies to support its renewable energy transition, spotting opportunities and risks for the UK’s engagement. You will do this by cultivating influential networks across key Australian federal government agencies involved in Australia’s energy transition. Support the Department of Business and Trade’s priorities to boost UK growth by increasing the UK’s footprint in Australia’s renewable energy sector (including in offshore wind, grids, EVs, batteries and storage, onshore wind and solar, and decommissioning). This will include analysis of federal government policy to underpin these sectors and supporting DBT and Trade Policy teams resolve market access barriers in these sectors. Your analysis will be drawn from a blend of sources, your contacts, technical expertise and research. Support the Head of Political and Climate on the UK and Australia’s climate and clean energy collaboration internationally including preparing for COP including delivering Australian support for UK initiatives and priorities. To do this, you will bring your technical expertise to advise London departments on the potential for Australian support for, spotting opportunities and highlighting risks. You will stand in for the Head of Team in meetings with Australian and UK counterparts, reporting outcomes and framing next steps. With Australia undertaking the role of President of negotiations for COP31 being hosted in Turkiye, you will play an important role, working with the Australians to support the delivery of a successful COP, including working with Pacific posts on the pre-COP to be hosted in the Pacific in 2026. Prepare briefs, speaking notes, and background materials to support the climate and clean energy related representational work of the Australia Network, including for the British High Commissioner. Proactively seek communications opportunities to support climate and clean growth objectives. Making the most of UK government funding streams, you will develop and run innovative projects in support of UK climate and clean growth objectives – you will have responsibility for drafting project bids to delivering outcomes through small scale funded projects. Support visits by UK ministers and senior officials in both directions relating to climate and clean growth. This role will be required to organise and deliver events, including logistics and stakeholder management. Provide resilience across the wider Political and Climate Team and the broader UK team in Australia, as required. We’d like you to support our wider creative, active and progressive team culture, including supporting Learning and Development, social or team events, which contributes to the wider corporate agenda of the Australia Network. Mentor or coach colleagues and contribute to cross-government knowledge sharing on international climate and energy policy. You will be part of a small team which also leads the delivery of (i) the Australia Network’s federal political engagement (ii) First Nations engagement, (iii) bilateral issues including migration, health and education; (iv) inward / outward visits; and (iv) supporting the Australia Network’s Soft Power Campaign. All this through working closely with the High Commissioner, other policy teams in Canberra, and the British Consulates across Australia. We are looking for someone who can demonstrate policy skills and strategic thinking. The jobholder will have knowledge and work experience in the areas of climate, energy clean growth in Australia. The role offers the opportunity to gain experience in international relations and to understand how a diplomatic mission works. You will be expected to work on your own initiative and to deal directly with senior stakeholders in the High Commission and London departments. The role has been an excellent springboard for previous incumbents to a variety of roles including government, civil society and diplomacy. Some possible management of climate diplomacy funds (approx £10-20,000) We are aiming to conduct the interviews on mid to end of January 2026. Essential qualifications, skills and experience Extensive experience in climate and clean energy policy, with a strong understanding of the Australian policy and political landscape. Track record of advising senior executives, stakeholders or government officials and influencing policy outcomes. Demonstrated ability to build strategic networks and partnerships. Exceptional analytical, communication skills. Experience working in or with Australian federal or State government departments or international policy teams. Desirable qualifications,skills and experience Familiarity with UK climate and energy policy frameworks and international climate diplomacy. Background in public policy, international relations, environmental economics, or energy systems. Required behaviours Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together Application deadline 16 December 2025 Grade Higher Executive Officer (HEO) Type of Position Full-time, Permanent Working hours per week 38 Region Asia Pacific Country / Territory Australia Location (City) Canberra Type of Post British High Commission Number of vacancies 1 Salary Currency AUD Salary AU $131,683 annually + 12% superannuation Type of Salary monthly Start Date 2 February 2026 Other benefits and conditions of employment Salary is at AU$131,683 perannum (paid out monthly), plus 12% superannuation Appointment is subject to an AFP records check and UK security clearance. Open to Australian citizens, and New Zealand, Canada, UK, or US passport holders who hold a valid visa with permission to work and reside in Australia (this also includes dependants of UK based diplomatic officers posted to Australia). Due to the role responsibilities and requirements, the successful applicant must be capable of achieving SC(O) level clearance. Applicants must possess the appropriate passport and visa as part of the pre-employment requirements. Please note that achieving SC(O) clearance may take about 8 weeks. Comprehensive learning and development opportunities The Australia network offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities, including job-specific training as necessary and broader learning linked to the UK Government’s International Academy. Our team members enjoy a large degree of delegated responsibility and personal involvement with senior staff and visitors. They have the chance to develop a wide range of important and marketable skills and networks for their professional advancement. We have a strong record of preparing people for promotion within the organisation and for helping people develop skills and profile to secure advancement externally. We are committed to providing all staff with learning and development (L&D) opportunities and we will work with you to develop your own L&D plan. Working patterns The UK Government network in Australia has a modern and flexible approach to its working culture. The importance of networks, relationship building, learning and collaboration mean that this role is not suitable for exclusive remote working. However, remote working is possible up to, on average, 2 days per week. The overall package includes the standard 14 days of public holidays that the UK in Australia Network works to, as well as 22 days’ annual leave. The salary on offer is not negotiable. #J-18808-Ljbffr