POSITION DESCRIPTION SENIOR RESEARCH AND POLICY OFFICER

Transcription

1 Team Strategy and Planning Classification Western Water Band 8 Position Objective Support Western Water s strategic goals through key policy and research development, focused on environmental outcomes, financial sustainability, business efficiency, liveability and improved customer experience. Key Responsibilities Identify emerging strategic, industry, technical, political, customer and regulator trends. Advance Western Water s role and standing as an active industry contributor and thought leader. Leverage value through collaboration in research and policy development: engage with representatives from government agencies, universities, specialists and practitioners across the local, Australian and international water sector Provide expert advice and research-based support to the Board and Leadership team in the development of high quality briefing papers and Policy documents. Identify strategic and policy issues, challenges and choices and provide high level advice through briefing papers, on all matters affecting the future business operations, capacity and sustainability of the services provided by WW. Collaborate in the water and utility sectors so that the investment in research and development can be leveraged, ensuring that the research effort globally is not duplicated. Maintain effective networks, enhance relationships, and advocate on behalf of WW with key stakeholders including relevant government departments, regulators, major commercial clients, other utility providers and community interest groups to deliver enhanced value to customers and community. Lead the development, resourcing and completion of a range of research and evaluation projects. Interpret published literature and findings, and provide practical recommendations that benefit customer and organisational outcomes. Research, report, and participate in appropriate benchmarking studies, undertake analysis and provide advice on initiatives to improve business performance. Conduct cost-benefit analyses of existing policies to assess whether a program's outcomes outweigh the expenses and optimise customer value. Actively seek grant opportunities and prepare relevant documentation, business cases and funding applications. Ref: HR-FORM Page 1 of 5 Uncontrolled when Printed

2 Key Relationships Accountability and Extent of Authority Reports to: Supervises: Internal: External: GM Strategy and Planning N/A Managing Director and General Managers Senior Management Team All WW Staff Water Industry and Other Water Businesses Regulatory Bodies including EPA, DHS, ESC, EWOV Industry associations including IWA, WSAA, AWA, NWC Other Government Agencies including DELWP, MW, Councils, MPA, DHHS, EPA Key liaison with the funding bodies Provide specialist advice for Western Water, regulators, policy makers and other government agencies. Development of policies in a variety of areas in areas such levels of service, liveability and wellbeing, the role of water in sustainable urban design, ecological and environmental impacts. Judgement and Decision Making The position is expected to make recommendations to Executive Management on policy areas identified. Development and recommendation of actions based on empirical evidence, scenario planning, high level assumptions, and financial feasibility. Strong problem solving skills in complex economic models and scenario analysis. Act with integrity, resilience and courage. Specialist Knowledge and Skills Sound working knowledge of relevant acts and regulations relevant to Government Business Enterprises including the Water Industry Act 1994 and Environment Protection Act 1970, Statement of Obligations. Competent in environmental scanning monitoring external sources and identifying underlying trends. Experience in facilitating workshops and groups to achieve objectives. Ability to produce high quality, accurate, complex documents Ref: HR-FORM Page 2 of 5 Uncontrolled when Printed

3 and briefing papers for regulators and stakeholders. Knowledge of application of Triple Bottom Line business performance principles. Ability to prepare a wide range of documentation, including detailed study reports, quick technical summaries and draft Board papers. Interpersonal Skills Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including written, oral and presentation skills. Adept at negotiations and advocacy with stakeholders and external regulators to influence improved outcomes. Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to obtain enabling data including regulators and land developers. Collaborative team player. Management Skills Coordination of internal multi-functional task forces and external expert advice, to develop well considered policy positions that support future business models and servicing arrangements. Manage the development of appropriate research methodologies according to need and context. Manage competing priorities while planning and delivering multiple projects on time and budget. Qualifications and Experience Relevant tertiary qualifications eg. Science, Public Policy, Environmental Management, Economics, Engineering etc. Post Graduate research qualifications desirable Knowledge of the Australian water industry and the research environment is desirable but not mandatory. Strong strategic and commercial acumen supported by sound commercial judgement with well-developed conceptual, analytical and problem solving skills. Extensive achievement, at a senior level, in a utilities environment with emphasis on strategic planning, business modelling, corporate governance and government relations. Key Attributes Strong leadership qualities and ability to form and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders. Multi-skilled, with an adaptable approach to work. Highly developed written and oral communication skills. Highly developed collaboration skills. Ref: HR-FORM Page 3 of 5 Uncontrolled when Printed

4 Demonstrated ability to work in groups and with stakeholders and achieve cooperation as a team player. A high level of personal energy and initiative, to achieve agreed outcomes with a minimum of supervision. Focus on delivery of outcomes Core Competencies Excellent knowledge of key strategic issues facing the urban water industry and the ability to continually review and prioritise issues across all areas. Extensive experience in developing collaborative initiatives, particularly through geographically and institutional diversity. A demonstrated ability to prepare concise, robust and wellargued papers on any range of issues of importance to the urban water industry in urban and regional Victoria. A solid understanding of the technical issues and regulatory frameworks as they relate to important areas for the urban water industry such as drinking water, recycled water, sewage and environmental sustainability. Demonstrated ability to develop business plans and strong project management skills A thorough understanding of relevant research and development, both nationally and internationally as it applies to the Australian urban water industry. An ability to recognise issues of strategic importance to the Board and management and communicate these effectively both internally and externally. Performance Criteria As agreed in Personal Performance Plan Additional Ensure that your work meets all OH&S, Environmental and Quality requirements. In doing so you will give due attention to minimizing risk to the health and safety of others in the workplace and the general public. Although the employee has been appointed to perform the duties described in this document, other duties may be required to be undertaken that are within the range of skills, competence and training of the employee. Ref: HR-FORM Page 4 of 5 Uncontrolled when Printed

5 Position Title Team Classification Senior Research and Policy Officer Strategy and Planning Western Water Enterprise Agreement Band 8 Update and evaluation of Position Description Signed... / / 20 General Manager Signed... / / 20 General Manager People & Culture Signed... / / 20 Employee Ref: HR-FORM Page 5 of 5 Uncontrolled when Printed