About the Company 

SA Water is a successful, modern water utility wholly owned by the Government of South Australia. We employ more than 1,700 people across a broad range of disciplines who operate more than $14 billion worth of infrastructure to deliver essential water and sewerage services to more than 1.8 million South Australians.

We operate in a geographically and climatically diverse service area, with sites and locations from Ceduna through to Port Augusta, the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, across to the Riverland, down to Mount Gambier, and most places in between.

Our strength and expertise have been shaped by our history. For more than 165 years, South Australians have depended on us to innovate and deliver efficient and sustainable water services. With nationally and internationally recognised industry expertise, we’re focused on understanding and meeting our customers’ expectations.

As well as safely delivering smart and reliable services for our customers of today, we innovate to shape the water solutions of the future that will support thriving economies and healthy communities.

We are driven by our values; we value our people, we do work that matters, we keep it real, we know that our work has impact, and we are future focussed. Staying true to our values ensures that we consistently deliver positive outcomes for all South Australians.

About the job  

You will be responsible for coordinating and synthesising policy positions, briefings and summaries in areas relevant to the corporation such as public and environmental policy, infrastructure, legislative reform and regulatory affairs, including cross-government activity. These functions will involve working autonomously with key subject matter experts across our business, and through external engagements, in supporting our people to communicate outside of our business. This role will report directly to the Senior Manager and will form part of a small team focused on delivering SA Water’s strategic policy work.

About the Person

As our Principal Policy Advisor, you will lead with both an operative and strategic mindset while maintaining discretion and upholding a standard of excellence.

You’re seen as guiding star and mentor to Senior Policy Advisors as you’re an expert within your field with a demonstrated history of delivering strategic policy papers and submissions. Understanding the South Australian systems of government, and legislative principals is not a foreign concept to you, this is area comfort and at best, where you knowledge share to your peers and colleagues.

You’re not just an Author; you’re a conductor of leading and influencing outcomes in our work with government and our customers, as your communication and written skills are unrivalled and adaptable to any audience. Seamlessly you’re capable of translating technical terminology to lay interpretation, respectfully.

With ease, you will cultivate strong relationships with government officials and internal stakeholders, ensuring alignment with policy objectives and fostering effective collaboration to drive successful outcomes.

Your qualifications in Business, Public Policy, Economics or Law are the pillar to your success as this enables you to navigate complex regulations, craft impactful policies and influence decision making. 

In addition, your responsibilities will include:

• Deliver strategic policy positions and papers of a high standard as required for the business, including reports, Cabinet papers or public documents to tight deadlines, including sole or lead authorship.
• Work with our people to develop robust policy documents such as Cabinet papers, Board reports, responses or summaries written to a very high standard.
• Utilise internal and external written sources of evidence and available research to independently develop accurate and comprehensive policy positions on key areas of strategic policy.
• Build and proactively support relationships with government stakeholders, while maintaining confidentiality and exercising diplomacy in dealings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop strong and cohesive positions for the consideration of the business on matters of policy significance.

Your success in this role will come from: 

• Excellent written skills, including a demonstrated ability to rapidly develop policy artifacts including briefings, executive summaries and position papers based on research and subject matter expert input.
• Outstanding oral communication and inter-personal skills, including a demonstrated ability to deliver detailed policy concepts to various audiences and to positively influence stakeholder relationships.
• A practical understanding of South Australian systems of government and their application to the work of SA Water.
• Sound working knowledge of financial, legislative, regulatory and governance principles.

Further information can be found in the attached PD –  Principal Policy Adviser.docx

To apply, click 'Apply'. Please submit and complete the application form, upload a cover letter and current resume. For enquiries, please contact Steph Haines from the Talent Acquisition team steph.haines@sawater.com.au 

Applications close 11:55pm, Monday 28 April 2025. 

A great customer experience is best achieved by having a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the community we serve. Applications are encouraged from everyone, including people living with disability, job seekers of all ages, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. 

Our Industry is like no other. Dive into the wonderful world of water and explore the boundless opportunities. Learn more about the water industry at careersinwater.com.au.

Please note: We request that recruitment agencies do not submit candidates for this position, as they will not be accepted.