Senior Policy Advisor

Exciting opportunity to join the Australian Public Policy Institute (APPI) as a Senior Policy Advisor on a 12-month fixed-term contract with the possibility for renewal, working in close partnership with government and research experts to transform public policy outcomes. This Sydney-based role offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact policy projects in a fast-paced and evolving organisation.
ABOUT USAPPI is a unique joint-venture between government and leading Australian universities to transform public policy. Launched in 2021, we work closely with government ministers, departments, and other decision-makers to help address their most pressing policy priorities, harnessing a wide range of expert advice and building strategic policy capabilities. Join our growing team in a high-performing, positive and welcoming organisational culture as we build an enduring Institute for Australia. THE ROLEThe Senior Policy Advisor will play a central role in developing and delivering policy projects and engagements in response to government priorities. Working across a wide range of policy areas, the role will harness the expertise of leading university-based researchers to provide timely, practical and independent advice to senior decision-makers. Reporting to the Executive Director, Policy and Projects, this is a wide-ranging role involving structured problem-solving, evidence synthesis and stakeholder engagement. The Senior Policy Advisor will lead components of complex projects, contribute to the Institute’s project pipeline and support the delivery of high-quality, influential policy outputs. The role will also contribute to broader organisational priorities, including the Grants and Fellows programs, and help build APPI’s systems, approaches and internal capability.
ABOUT YOUAPPI is seeking an outstanding policy professional with a strong track record of delivering high-quality analysis and advice for senior decision-makers. You are an excellent communicator, capable of producing concise, highly structured and persuasive deliverables and confident in engaging with diverse stakeholders. You thrive in a collaborative, high-performing environment.With strong analytical and problem-solving skills, you have demonstrated experience in synthesising evidence and framing clear policy narratives. You enjoy working across a range of policy areas and may bring specialist expertise in energy and environmental policy, economic policy, or social policy. You may also bring technical expertise in data analysis and/or artificial intelligence. With a strong commitment to the public good, you are motivated to contribute to innovative, impactful public policy and to support the professional development of colleagues within the Institute.
For further details please see: https://appi.org.au/about-appi/vacancies/
How to ApplyAPPI will consider applications on a rolling basis and may appoint before the application deadline. If you are motivated by this role and believe you could make a valuable contribution, but may not meet all the requirements listed below, we encourage you to apply. We encourage you to send the following documents to info@appi.org.au by Sunday 13 September 2026:· your CV;· a short cover letter expressing your motivation for applying and a response to the Key Selection Criteria (max 2 pages). The Australian Public Policy Institute is committed to meaningful equity and diversity and strongly encourages people from a diverse range of backgrounds to apply.