About ACOLA

The Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) is an independent registered charity that conducts evidence-based interdisciplinary research. ACOLA is the forum through which Australia's five Learned Academies- the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia, the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, the Australian Academy of the Humanities, the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering- come together to deliver independent, evidence-informed, interdisciplinary advice to support and guide policy decision-making.

ACOLA’s values are built on openness and transparency in our work, intellectual rigour, independence, and genuine commitment to evidence-based policy. We are a small, collaborative team that works at the intersection of research and public policy, engaging with some of Australia’s leading thinkers and most senior decision-makers across government, industry and community sectors.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Director, Policy and Programs, the Policy Manager is a senior role in the ACOLA team, offered as a 12-month fixed-term contract (with possibility for extension). The position is responsible for leading the delivery of complex, multi-stakeholder policy and research programs, driving the translation of research evidence into high-quality policy advice for government, and contributing to ACOLA’s broader strategic agenda.

The role has two primary areas of focus:

• Energy transition (approximately 65% of role): The Policy Manager will lead ACOLA’s Australia Energy Transition Research Program (AETRP), the central focus of ACOLA’s current work program. This includes driving the development and launch of Australia’s Energy Transition Research Roadmap, leading the governance and coordination of the multidisciplinary Steering Committee, and managing a complex and high-profile stakeholder landscape across government, industry, research institutions, and international partners. The Policy Manager will draw on ACOLA’s body of work since 2021 – including the Accelerate 2035 research summit and associated reports – to advance the next phase of this program with impact and visibility.
• Broader ACOLA research portfolio (approximately 35% of role): The Policy Manager will contribute to ACOLA’s other priority programs, including conducting desktop research, developing policy outputs, and engaging with stakeholders on science, research, and technology policy issues of national significance.

The successful candidate will bring a demonstrated track record of policy influence – not just producing outputs, but shaping decisions and outcomes. They will be intellectually curious, adept at synthesising complex research, confident engaging with senior stakeholders, and skilled at managing programs from strategy through to delivery. A well-developed understanding of energy transition policy or clean energy systems will be a strong advantage.

Roles and responsibilities

As the Policy Manager you will:

Australia Energy Transition Research Program (AETRP):

• Lead the delivery of ACOLA’s AETRP, serving as the primary program manager and key point of contact for the program across all stakeholder groups.
• Drive the development, consultation, and public launch of Australia’s Energy Transition Research Roadmap, including managing associated workplans, milestones, and interdependencies.
• Undertake desktop research and targeted literature reviews to synthesise existing evidence, identify research gaps, and inform program priorities and policy recommendations.
• Lead all aspects of Steering Committee governance: preparing agendas, papers, and briefings; facilitating meetings; recording and actioning decisions; and managing ongoing member engagement.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with senior stakeholders across government, industry, research institutions, and international organisations relevant to Australia’s energy transition.
• Translate complex research findings into high-quality, accessible policy outputs – including reports, briefing notes, discussion papers, ministerial-style submissions, and presentations – for government and public audiences.
• Monitor developments in domestic and international energy transition policy, identify emerging issues, and provide strategic advice to the Director and CEO.

Broader research and policy portfolio:

• Contribute to ACOLA’s broader suite of science and research policy programs, including desktop research, evidence synthesis, stakeholder consultation, and development of policy outputs.
• Plan and coordinate meetings, workshops, roundtables, and report launches across ACOLA’s programs.
• Represent ACOLA at relevant events, forums, and convenings as directed.
• Contribute to the development of project proposals, tenders, and partnership opportunities as required.
• Support the Director and CEO with briefings, strategic advice, and other tasks as required.

Benefits of working for ACOLA

• Competitive salary – $109,000 – $125,000 per annum, plus 12% superannuation, commensurate with skills and experience.
• Flexible working arrangements – Hybrid working model with flexibility in hours. ACOLA supports work-life balance and is open to discussing arrangements that suit the right candidate.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Confidential support for personal and professional wellbeing, available to all staff and their immediate families.
• Professional development – Access to sector events, learning and development opportunities, and engagement with Australia’s leading research community through the five Learned Academies.
• Purpose-driven work – A unique opportunity to sit at the intersection of research and national policy, influencing decisions that matter for Australia’s future.

What you’ll need to be successful (selection criteria)

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria. All criteria are essential unless otherwise noted. Please address each criterion in your application pitch.

1. Research, analysis, and policy influence

Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality research, exercise strong analytical judgement, synthesise evidence from diverse and complex sources, and translate findings into clear, compelling policy advice and outputs for government and public audiences. Applicants must demonstrate a track record of policy work that has produced measurable impact – influencing decisions, shaping government priorities, or contributing to tangible policy outcomes – beyond the production of reports or other outputs alone.

2. Energy transition and science policy knowledge

Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in science and technology policy domains, including energy transition policy, clean energy systems, or closely related. The ability to engage credibly with technical experts, government officials, and industry stakeholders on the challenges and opportunities of Australia’s energy transition is essential. Familiarity with the national and international energy policy landscape, including key actors, policy levers, and research priorities, is expected.

3. Program and stakeholder management

Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs or projects in a research, government, or policy context, including accountability for delivering against workplans, milestones, and budgets. Experience coordinating the governance processes of a Steering Committee, expert advisory group, or equivalent body – including preparing papers, facilitating meetings, managing members, and driving follow-through – is highly regarded.

4. Communication and writing for policy audiences

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to frame research and policy advice clearly, persuasively and concisely for high-quality reports, ministerial-style briefings, submissions, and presentations for senior government and non-specialist audiences. Applicants should provide evidence of specific outputs (reports, briefings, presentations, or similar) that have been used by decision-makers, and describe the policy impact those outputs achieved.

5. Strategic stakeholder engagement

Demonstrated experience building and sustaining effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including senior government officials, researchers, industry leaders, and international partners. The ability to consult, negotiate, and find common ground across competing interests and levels of seniority is essential. Experience engaging with or across government departments at a senior level is well regarded.

6. Independent judgment and initiative

Demonstrated capacity to operate at a senior level: working with significant autonomy, applying sound and independent judgment in complex and ambiguous situations, proactively identifying risks and opportunities, and consistently delivering high-quality work under pressure and to tight deadlines. Experience in a small-team environment where breadth, adaptability, and self-direction are essential will be viewed favourably.

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification is essential (e.g. in public policy, science, engineering, environmental studies, economics, or a related field).
• Postgraduate qualifications (e.g. Master of Public Policy, Energy Systems, Science Policy, or a related field) are well regarded but not essential.
• Equivalent experience will be considered.

Desirable attributes

• Experience working with or within interdisciplinary research environments, Learned Academies, peak scientific bodies, or research funders.
• Familiarity with Australia’s national research and innovation policy landscape, including the role of the Learned Academies.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement or governance roles related to Australia’s energy transition, decarbonisation, or net-zero research agenda.

Eligibility

• Australian citizenship – our successful candidate must be an Australian citizen.

Our culture and values

ACOLA is a small, collaborative team that values intellectual curiosity, open and transparent communication, and a genuine commitment to evidence-based policy. We work across disciplinary boundaries, engage directly with government, and connect with some of Australia’s leading researchers and thinkers through the five Learned Academies.

We are looking for someone who brings not just technical capability, but genuine enthusiasm for the intersection of research and public policy, a collegial working style, and a commitment to making a tangible difference in Australia’s policy landscape. We work in a fast-paced, high-trust environment where initiative, clear thinking, and good judgement matter as much as formal credentials.

Diversity, inclusion, and equity

ACOLA is committed to gender equality, disability, social inclusion, and the principles of equal employment opportunity (GEDSI). We recognise that diverse perspectives strengthen our work and enrich the evidence-based advice we provide to government. ACOLA strongly encourages applications from people of all backgrounds, including:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• People with disability
• Women and gender-diverse people
• People from all career stages and professional pathways

We are committed to providing a workplace that is safe, inclusive, and respectful for all, and to embedding GEDSI principles throughout our work and organisational culture.

Contact

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Lauren Palmer [email protected] using the subject line: Policy Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs.