Description:
Who we are
The Inspector-General of Water Compliance (Inspector-General) is an independent statutory role and an identified integrity agency, supported by staff provided by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (the Department).
- Inspector-General’s vision: Water management and use within the Murray-Darling Basin (the Basin) is lawful, transparent, and accountable, and the Australian public is confident in the integrity of Basin Plan delivery.
- Inspector-General’s purpose: The Inspector-General ensures various government bodies, water managers and users in the Basin comply with their obligations under the Water Act 2007 (Cth) (Water Act) and the Basin Plan 2012 (Cth) (Basin Plan) and drives governments and water managers to uphold high standards of integrity and performance.
The Inspector-General’s role includes overseeing the performance of government agencies in the management of Basin water resources, as well as ensuring compliance with various obligations under legislation. The Inspector-General currently has offices located in Albury, Mildura, Dubbo, Goondiwindi, Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, and Adelaide and supports regional staff and staff based in Melbourne. The Inspector-General currently supports flexible working arrangements.
The Inquiry team is part of the Oversight Branch, which is focused on ensuring a high standard of accountability for all involved in Basin management. The Branch supports the Inspector-General by overseeing Basin government performance of duties, obligations and commitments. We also provide advice to the Inspector-General on risks to integrity in the management of water resources within the Basin.
The Oversight Branch is comprised of the following teams:
- Inquiry.
- Performance Assurance.
- Strategic Relations.
Our responsibilities include:
- Assisting the Inspector-General in carrying out their Inquiry functions under the Water Act.
- Monitoring and oversight of relevant government agencies under legislation and intergovernmental agreements, including performance assurance reporting.
- Establishing and maintaining Basin-wide networks and knowledge.
- Leveraging intergovernmental relations to support strategic outcomes.
- Gathering intelligence to provide insights, information and situational awareness to the Inspector-General and broader office.
The Inquiry team undertakes inquiries as directed by the Inspector-General. Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting thorough analyses of issues prior to the commencement of an inquiry.
- Leading the collection of evidence, including documentary materials and information obtained through interviews with key stakeholders.
- Leading the production of public documents, including the development of terms of reference, calls for submissions, issues papers, and inquiry reports.
The job
The roles will involve:
- Preparing high quality analytical and influential written documents on highly complex and nationally significant matters, often of a sensitive nature, under broad direction.
- Exercising sound judgement and analytical skills in supporting a regulator with transparency, accountability and integrity responsibilities, through the provision of high-quality advice and application of risk and harm management practice.
- Engaging in complex problem solving and issues management in the coordination and execution of detailed and sensitive inquiries.
- Actively managing key stakeholder relationships within and outside the agency, across a geographically dispersed area and with diverse interests.
What you’ll gain from the experience
Working with the Inspector-General Water Compliance you can expect to gain valuable experience in government oversight, monitoring, and regulation, along with bolstering your project management skills all while completing impactful work that directly affects Australians. We offer opportunities to develop transferable skills like communication, strategic thinking and stakeholder engagement, and a supportive environment for professional growth with learning and development prospects. This Australian Public Service position provides the opportunity to contribute to the future of Australia while building your professional capabilities as part of a small collaborative team.
What we are looking for
Knowledge and Experience
The successful applicant should be able to demonstrate the following:
- Proven ability to support the development of analytical, influential and data-rich written material.
- Well established skills in analysing and evaluating data and evidence to form robust, defensible conclusions on matters of public policy.
- Experience in applying analytical frameworks for evaluating outcomes and influencing decision-makers.
- Ability to clearly articulate justifiable findings, conclusions, and recommendations to policy and other decision-makers.
- Experience working in an agile agency environment, with the capacity to manage high priority work programs and navigate change effectively.
Skills and Capabilities
The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to:
- Well established research and analytical skills, including the ability to apply analytical capabilities to identify information needs whilst analysing data to form a justifiable conclusion.
- Proven ability to translate complex information, present findings, and recommendations to a non-technical audience.
- Employ strong writing skills to produce tailored written products for various purposes and audiences.
Mandatory qualifications
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in areas related to law, compliance, audit or economics.