Department for Energy and Mining
Job reference: 839157
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

The Department for Energy and Mining is committed to building a diverse and flexible culture. We encourage and welcome all applications from women diverse community groups and ages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and people with disabilities.

About the opportunity
An exciting opportunity has become available for a Principal Policy Officer ASO8 to join the Strategy and Government Relations team within the Strategic Policy and Delivery Division.

This is an ongoing full time position based in the Adelaide CBD and plays a critical role in delivering whole of portfolio strategic policy advice across energy mining and decarbonisation while ensuring departmental interests are effectively represented across government decision making processes.

About the role
As a Principal Policy Officer you will lead and deliver complex sensitive and high priority strategic policy work that supports government objectives and South Australia’s economic transformation.

Key duties include

• Providing expert high quality strategic policy advice on complex whole of portfolio issues affecting the energy and mining sectors
• Leading and coordinating policy analysis on initiatives led by other agencies to ensure alignment with departmental and government priorities
• Preparing high level Cabinet Ministerial Parliamentary and intergovernmental products including briefings submissions and correspondence
• Maintaining an overarching awareness of emerging issues risks and trends across energy mining decarbonisation and government wide policy
• Representing the department on intra and intergovernment committees working groups and forums
• Establishing and maintaining strategic relationships across state and federal government and with key internal stakeholders
• Supporting department wide policy capability through quality assurance of policy documentation
• Supporting the Manager Strategy and Government Relations and acting in that role during periods of leave when required

About us
The Department for Energy and Mining DEM leads the global transformation economy overseeing the responsible mining and production of the minerals metals and fuels of the future to safely and sustainably generate the energy and low carbon products of the future.

Our low cost power leading regulation system and culture of innovation are driving decarbonisation modern manufacturing opportunities increased employment and long term prosperity for South Australians.

We acknowledge the essential role that Aboriginal people play in the energy and mining sectors as land managers heritage custodians business owners and community leaders.

The Strategic Policy and Delivery Division supports the Chief Executive and Department by delivering impactful whole of government strategic advice and shaping policy development industry growth and project implementation.

What we offer

• Opportunities for professional development training and career growth
• A values driven organisation committed to excellence safety and integrity
• Flexible work arrangements including hybrid working options
• Prime CBD location on Waymouth Street close to public transport and amenities
• An active People and Culture agenda including Employee Assistance Program inclusion initiatives and social activities
• A White Ribbon Accredited workplace with zero tolerance for violence

Key Selection Criteria
Please address the following criteria in your application

• Demonstrated experience providing high level strategic policy advice to Cabinet, Ministers and senior executives on complex and sensitive issues
• Superior written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts succinctly and negotiate successful outcomes
• Strong analytical problem solving and judgement skills with the ability to operate under broad direction
• Proven ability to collaborate, influence and build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Experience in the energy and/or resources sector or policy development is desirable
• Experience in legislative reform is desirable.

Qualifications
Relevant tertiary qualification or significant equivalent experience is highly desirable.

Remuneration
ASO8 Classification
$125,649 - $130,392 per annum + superannuation
Full time position
Worked over 37.5 hours per week

Special Conditions

• Appointment may be subject to a satisfactory screening check
• Out of hours work and intrastate or interstate travel may be required
• A current driver’s licence is desirable

Enquiries
Sarah Dippenaar
Acting Director Strategy
Phone 08 8429 7424
Email sarah.dippenaar@sa.gov.au

Application Instructions
Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae and a written application of no more than two pages addressing the Key Selection Criteria. Applicants must be prepared to provide contact details for three current referees.

All applicants must complete and submit the Employment Declaration.

Applications close: 03/05/2026 11:30 PM

Attachments:
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- Principal Policy Officer ASO8 Role Statement March 2026.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.