Job Description
Overview
The British High Commission is seeking an experienced Senior Policy Advisor to support the UK government’s priorities on climate change, clean growth, and renewable energy. This role will focus on fostering collaboration between the UK and Australia through the Australia–UK Climate and Energy Partnership, advancing shared objectives in the global transition to net zero emissions.
Based in Canberra, the successful candidate will collaborate across the Australia network, including Consulates-General in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane, as well as UK missions in the Pacific Islands and HQ in London.
Key Responsibilities
- Policy Support and Analysis:
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- Support implementation of the UK–Australia Climate and Energy Partnership across Australia.
- Provide analysis and reporting on developments in Australian climate and clean energy policies, including UNFCCC matters, to advise UK government departments.
- Identify opportunities and risks for UK engagement in Australia’s renewable energy transition.
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Cultivate and maintain strategic networks with Australian federal and State government departments, industry, and civil society.
- Advise the High Commissioner and UK teams on key meetings with Australian federal ministers and senior officials.
- Support visits by UK ministers and senior officials, including logistics, briefings, and stakeholder engagement.
- UK Growth and Trade Support:
- Support Department of Business and Trade (DBT) priorities to increase UK investment and presence in Australia’s renewable energy sector, including offshore wind, grids, EVs, batteries, storage, onshore wind, solar, and decommissioning.
- Analyze policy and market access issues, providing recommendations to overcome barriers.
- International Climate Collaboration:
- Support the Head of Political and Climate on international climate and clean energy collaboration, including COP preparation and delivery.
- Advise London departments on opportunities and risks arising from Australia’s engagement in global climate initiatives.
- Project and Communications:
- Develop and manage small-scale climate diplomacy projects (£10-20,000) to support UK climate and clean growth objectives.
- Prepare briefs, speaking notes, and background materials for the High Commissioner and other UK representatives.
- Identify and pursue communications opportunities to advance climate and clean growth objectives.
- Team and Network Support:
- Provide resilience and support across the wider Political and Climate Team.
- Contribute to team culture, learning and development, mentoring, and cross-government knowledge sharing.
- Engage in the Australia Network’s broader activities, including federal political engagement, First Nations engagement, bilateral issues, inward/outward visits, and soft power campaigns.
- Other Duties:
- Stand in for the Head of Team in meetings with UK and Australian counterparts when required.
- Perform additional tasks as assigned to support the High Commission’s climate and clean growth objectives.
Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
- Extensive experience in climate and clean energy policy, with strong understanding of the Australian policy and political landscape.
- Proven track record advising senior executives, government officials, or stakeholders and influencing policy outcomes.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strategic networks and partnerships.
- Exceptional analytical and 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
Additional Information
- Interviews are expected to be held mid to late January 2026.
- Application deadline: 25 January 2026
