Principal Public Policy Advisor

Drive Strategic Public Policy at this local port

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Principal Public Policy Advisor to join our client’s team in a 7-month maternity cover role.

In this pivotal role, you will support the Government Relations Manager in managing day-to-day interactions with government and ministerial offices, while also shaping long-term public policy and strategic initiatives for the port.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated professional with a strong background in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and policy development. Your ability to navigate complex government environments and provide clear, insightful advice will help steer the port through a dynamic policy and planning landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide expert advice on public policy and strategy, ensuring alignment with objectives
• Analyse and prepare submissions on state, federal and local government policies that affect port operations
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with key government stakeholders and agencies
• Represent the port on working groups, committees and industry forums
• Review business cases and provide strategic input to port planning processes
• Support senior leadership with consultative advice and ensure internal coordination on policy matters

• Tertiary qualifications in public policy, political science, economics, planning, or a related field
• Extensive experience in public policy and strategic planning
• Demonstrated experience working with government agencies, Ministers’ offices, and local authorities
• Strong project management and communication skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively
• High-level conceptual, analytical, and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to lead or coordinate consultants, teams or external stakeholders in policy projects