Application Guide

How to Apply for Assistant Directors, Office of Energy Economics

at Australia Government, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)

🏢 About Australia Government, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is Australia's lead agency for climate policy, energy transition, and environmental protection, directly shaping national and international sustainability agendas. Working here offers the unique opportunity to influence critical energy economics decisions that affect Australia's net-zero transition and energy security, with the public service mission of creating lasting environmental and economic benefits for all Australians.

About This Role

As an Assistant Director in the Office of Energy Economics, you will lead economic analysis and modeling to inform Australia's energy policy, including pricing, market design, and investment in renewables and infrastructure. This role is impactful because your work will directly support evidence-based decisions on Australia's energy transition, affecting household costs, industry competitiveness, and national climate targets.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves analyzing energy market data or economic models to assess policy impacts, collaborating with team members via virtual meetings to refine reports, and preparing briefs for senior directors on findings. You might engage with stakeholders from other agencies, review draft legislation for economic implications, and contribute to long-term strategy sessions on Australia's energy transition goals.

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🎯 Who Australia Government, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) Is Looking For

  • Has advanced expertise in energy economics, with experience in quantitative analysis, cost-benefit modeling, or energy market forecasting, ideally within a government or research context.
  • Demonstrates a strong understanding of Australia's energy landscape, including the National Electricity Market, renewable energy policies, and emissions reduction frameworks.
  • Possesses excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with experience briefing senior officials, collaborating across agencies like the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), and translating complex economic insights into actionable policy advice.
  • Shows alignment with DCCEEW's public service values, including integrity, accountability, and a commitment to advancing Australia's climate and energy goals.

📝 Tips for Applying to Australia Government, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)

1

Highlight specific experience with energy economic tools (e.g., modeling software like PLEXOS, TIMES, or GIS applications) and mention any work related to Australian energy datasets or policies.

2

Tailor your resume to emphasize projects where you analyzed energy costs, market reforms, or decarbonization pathways, quantifying impacts where possible (e.g., 'modeled $X in consumer savings').

3

Reference DCCEEW's strategic priorities, such as the 'Powering Australia' plan or National Energy Transformation Partnership, to show you understand the department's current focus.

4

If remote, detail your experience with virtual collaboration tools and self-management in a distributed team, as DCCEEW supports flexible work arrangements.

5

Use the Australian Public Service (APS) application framework: address selection criteria explicitly, provide STAR-method examples, and ensure your application aligns with APS Values and Code of Conduct.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Explain your motivation for contributing to Australia's energy economics specifically, linking it to DCCEEW's mission of affordable, reliable, and clean energy transition.", 'Provide a concise example of past economic analysis that influenced policy or business decisions, emphasizing outcomes relevant to energy markets.', 'Demonstrate knowledge of key Australian energy challenges, such as grid integration of renewables, energy affordability, or regional energy disparities.', 'Express your ability to work in a public service context, highlighting collaboration, ethical advisory, and commitment to evidence-based policy.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review DCCEEW's recent publications and initiatives, such as the 'Australia's Energy Future' reports, National Energy Performance Strategy, or involvement in international forums like COP.
  • → Study the structure and priorities of the Office of Energy Economics within DCCEEW, including its role in advising on budgets, legislation, and intergovernmental energy agreements.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key Australian energy policies and bodies, e.g., the Renewable Energy Target, Australian Energy Regulator (AER), and state-level energy transition plans.
  • → Explore APS employment frameworks, including the APS Values, and understand how economic roles in government differ from private sector or academic positions.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience with energy economic modeling and how you've used it to advise on policy options, including any work with Australian energy data or scenarios.
2 How would you approach analyzing the economic impacts of a new renewable energy incentive or carbon pricing mechanism for Australia?
3 Discuss a time you had to communicate complex economic findings to non-experts, such as policymakers or community stakeholders, in a previous role.
4 What do you see as the biggest economic challenges in Australia's energy transition over the next 5 years, and how could this role address them?
5 How do you ensure your economic analysis remains objective and aligned with public interest, especially in a high-stakes area like energy policy?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without mentioning Australian energy contexts or DCCEEW's specific goals—this suggests lack of tailored interest.
  • Overemphasizing private sector profit motives instead of public service outcomes, as the role focuses on societal benefit and policy impact.
  • Failing to address remote work readiness, such as not highlighting experience with digital collaboration or self-directed project management in a distributed team.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Australia Government, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)!

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