CPD is looking for a Policy Adviser to join our expanding team. The successful candidate will support research projects across multiple CPD programs.

About CPD

The Centre for Policy Development is one of Australia's leading independent policy institutes. Founded in 2007, we are a mission-driven organisation led by a dynamic CEO and distinguished Board of Directors, and we are seeking exceptional talent to join our growing team.

This role offers the opportunity to make a substantial contribution to policy development in Australia, and is an ideal career move for a motivated individual. You will be joining a smart, energetic, dedicated team at an organisation with a unique culture that will foster your skills, broaden your horizons and engage your passion for ideas.

About the Role

The successful candidate will be based in our Sydney or Melbourne office. Remote work may be possible. The positions are advertised as full-time, but we support flexible work and will consider part-time for the right candidate. Remuneration for the position is competitive and will be determined based on the experience of the selected candidate.

Our team enjoys frequent interaction with policymakers in government, media, and the wider policy world. You'll be joining a close-knit team that delivers real impact at senior levels of policymaking. This is an exciting opportunity to make a genuine contribution to policy development and innovation in Australia.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Deliver rigorous quantitative and qualitative analysis and policy recommendations, communicating where possible in plain and accessible language.
• Undertake original research, develop ideas for new avenues of exploration, manage and deliver research projects, including scoping policy issues, author research notes and publications, working independently under the direction of senior staff.
• Build relationships with stakeholders, identifying and engaging key stakeholders across CPD’s programs.
• Edit and arrange peer review, and liaise with the Company’s Research Committee, Fellowship and other experts and stakeholders on current and future projects within the Company’s policy programs.
• Work collaboratively with the policy and research team, including interns, fellows and contractors.
• Ability to undertake occasional travel (including overnight travel)

Selection criteria

Essential

• Ability write confidently and clearly
• Ability to innovate and take the initiative in developing new projects, methodologies, and ideas
• Strong analytical rigour, with an ability to perform and communicate complex analysis
• Ability to work at pace on several different projects at once, coordinating multiple agendas and delivering to deadlines
• An understanding of the wider economic and social policy context in Australia
• Understanding and enthusiasm for the CPD’s program areas and major initiatives, in particular the Sustainable Economy Program and Early Childhood Development Initiative.

Desirable

• Postgraduate degree, or undergraduate degree combined with relevant work experience
• Experience working directly with policymakers, or in another field that involved making decisions (or advising decision-makers) in a political context
• Experience in applied research aimed at impacting policy and practice
• Experience working in a research-intensive organisation
• Appreciation of the benefits of mixed-methods research

The Centre for Policy Development is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, abilities and experiences to apply.

For more information on CPD please visit www.cpd.org.au.

We aim to hold interviews in early February.