• Influence the future of Australia’s economic policy. 
  
• Be part of a collaborative, curious and supportive culture. 
  
• Permanent ongoing role, flexible.

Join a think tank that is making a difference

Grattan Institute is a think tank founded in 2008 to provide independent, rigorous, and practical solutions to some of Australia's most pressing policy problems. With independent funding, an eminent Board of Directors, and a dynamic CEO, we are shaping the policy debate on many of the important challenges and opportunities facing Australia.

Grattan’s unique culture provides an opportunity to add significant value. You will be working with a small, curious, driven, and supportive team motivated to make a difference.

Working with our Economic Policy Program Team

Based in Melbourne and reporting to the Economic Policy Program Director, Brendan Coates, this role is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the Economic Policy Program aiming to shape the debate on important policy challenges facing Australia’s economy and how to solve them.

What this role will offer you

Grattan Institute is seeking a Deputy Program Director (Migration and Labour Markets) for the Economic Policy program. Interested candidates who have fewer of the relevant skills for the role may instead be offered the role as a Senior Associate level with the prospect of further advancement.

Reporting to the Economic Policy Program Director, the Deputy Program Director (Migration and Labour Markets) leads Grattan’s work program on migration policy, bringing an economic lens to how Australia’s migration program can best maximise the well being of the Australian community.

This is an ideal career step for a passionate and motivated individual looking to influence public policy in a meaningful organisation. This role offers a platform to influence the debate on some of Australia’s most pressing economic policy priorities.

You will be joining a great group of people who are intellectually curious, love their work, and are passionate about what they do. We foster a work culture where people are valued and appreciated. We enjoy each other’s company and come together often, almost daily in a virtual setting. Before COVID, we enjoyed a Monday soup lunch weekly as well as daily coffee catch-ups, which we’ve enthusiastically resumed. Our competitive spirit finds an outlet in table tennis tournaments, board game, and trivia nights.

This is a permanent, ongoing position. As part of our commitment to flexible working, we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant to fill the role. All options can be discussed at the interview stage.

An attractive and flexible remuneration package will be offered to secure the right person for this role. The currently salary bands for the role are:

• Deputy Program Director: $146,000 to $203,000 inclusive of super
• Senior Associate: $107,000 to $158,000 inclusive of super.

The successful applicant will also have the opportunity to invest in further developing their quantitative and analytical skills, supported by some of Australia’s leading data and policy analysts.

What we are looking for

You will have a minimum of seven years of work experience in the public sector, industry, academia, and/or consulting to be considered for the Deputy Program Director role. However, those with at least four years of experience can be considered for a Senior Associate role instead.

You will ideally have a background in migration and / or labour markets economics working in policy and with policy makers. However, candidates without a deep background in migration policy that possess a strong background in broader economic policy domains and strong data skills will also be considered.

You will have excellent quantitative research and analytical skills including familiarity with tools such as R or be willing to learn these tools. You have strong people and project management skills, and you write and present information well for a broad audience. The ideal candidate will also be able to speak confidently and reliably with stakeholders.

next steps

For more information or if you have any questions, please email Simone Baker, Head of People & Development, at [email protected], using the subject line: Deputy Program Director/ Senior Associate - Migration & Labour Markets enquiry via EthicalJobs.

To submit your application, click Apply Now.