Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
- Be a part of a unique opportunity to support NSW’s Net Zero Commission
- Permanent and temporary (up to 3 years) opportunities available
- Full-time (35 hours per week) - Part-time / job-share arrangements considered
- Office location: Parramatta; with hybrid working supported
- Environment Officer Class 14 – Salary ranges from $168,079 - $186,401 plus super
About the Opportunity
Shape the strategic direction of NSW’s journey to net zero and climate resilience as a Principal Advisor with the NSW Net Zero Commission. This is your opportunity to lead high-impact policy and analytical work at the forefront of climate action. Join a dynamic, collaborative team influencing decision-makers across government and industry. Be part of a purpose-driven organisation delivering trusted, independent advice to secure a fair, science-based and economically sound transition for NSW.
About the Team
The Net Zero Commission is an independent statutory body established to monitor, advise, and report on NSW’s progress towards net zero emissions. Our multidisciplinary team spans climate policy, data analytics, economics, and community engagement. We operate at the intersection of science, policy, and public accountability—ensuring transparency, integrity, and long-term planning are central to NSW’s climate response.
The Net Zero Commission is looking for three Principal Advisors to lead its teams on climate change i) adaptation, ii) mitigation, and iii) data modelling, economics and other cross cutting topics.
About the Role
As a Principal Advisor, you will lead complex policy and technical projects that shape the Commission’s advice on climate change mitigation, adaptation, data and economic modelling, and transition planning. You will work closely with the Executive Director and external experts to ensure the Commission’s advice is bold, rigorous and solutions-focused. You will play a critical role in developing strategic insights, overseeing high-quality analysis, and mentoring senior advisors and analysts to build capability across the team.
About You
You are an accomplished policy or technical expert with deep experience in climate, energy, economics, or government reform. You think systemically, act strategically, and communicate with clarity. You are adept at navigating complexity and uncertainty, and confident influencing at senior levels across government and industry. You are excited by the opportunity to lead transformative work and deliver independent advice that matters—backed by evidence, engagement, and a commitment to climate science.
Essential Requirements
- Demonstrated senior experience in designing and delivering complex policy, regulatory or analytical projects in a government or advisory context
- High-level conceptual and analytical skills, including the ability to synthesise technical material into strategic advice
- Proven ability to lead and influence across diverse stakeholder groups, including senior executives, experts and government partners
- Deep knowledge of government processes, strategic policy development and/or climate, energy, or economic systems
For more information read the full Role Description: Principal Advisor – Net Zero Commission
Who we are
The Net Zero Commission (the Commission) was established as an independent advisory body under Part 3 of the Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 in December 2023. The Net Zero Commission builds on successful models from other jurisdictions such as the UK Climate Change Committee, assessing progress, providing recommendations and promoting action.
The commission’s role is to:
- monitor, review and provide advice and recommendations on progress towards NSW’s emissions reduction targets and adaptation objective
- monitor and review action currently being taken in NSW to address climate change. This includes the environmental, social and economic impacts as well as action related to the NSW Government’s strategies, policies and programs
- identify and recommend action that should be taken by the NSW Government to address climate change
- educate and inform the NSW Government, business, organisations and individuals to promote action to address climate change.
The commission operates independently and is accountable to the NSW Parliament through the Joint Standing Committee on Net Zero Future which was established to monitor and review the commission’s functions under the Act.
The Net Zero Commission comprises 20-25 Staff and 5-7 Commissioners, including experts across emissions reduction, adaptation, economics, engagement, communications and modelling.
We are seeking individuals who wish to be part of a high-performing collaborative team and deliver highly impactful work.
We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the First Nations peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with First Nations peoples in the management of the environment.
To Apply
If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume (no more than 4 pages) and cover letter (no more than 2 pages) expressing your interest and suitability for the role. Please indicate in your cover letter if you have a specific interest in mitigation or adaptation work, or both.
Applications close Sunday 18th May at 11:55PM.
Should you require further information about the role please contact Bec Watson for a confidential discussion, via bec.watson@netzerocommission.nsw.gov.au
A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.
Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Looking for more information or assistance in applying?
If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting Cassie Dryburgh on 0439 207 553 (please mention reference number 542476).
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn
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Role Description
