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Policy Adviser

Research, analyse and provide strategic advice on complex legal policy issues and support their implementation.

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Jobs on SEEK right now

Job growth

10.8%*

Projected job growth in 5 years

What's it like to be a Policy Adviser?

Policy Advisers are responsible for providing advice on regulatory and policy issues. They often work closely with Policy Analysts and spend their time gathering information to develop, support and implement policies. Policy Advisers conduct extensive analysis into history and alternative solutions for a variety of issues to form new policies and ensure these policies comply with regulations and law.

Tasks and duties

Building and maintaining strong relationship with stakeholders.
Preparing written reports, briefing notes and responding to government requests.
Monitoring and evaluating the development of reforms and identifying issues.
Providing recommendations on briefings and correspondence.
Analysing, sourcing and reviewing information to formulate policy.
Keeping up to date with legislation and regulatory reviews or reforms.
Reporting on the implementation of policies and checking the desired outcomes have been achieved.

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Policy Advisers may need to consult with external stakeholders such as local authorities or members of state and national government. As a part of the role, they may need to create briefings, presentations and reports to contribute to discussions on policy and strategic issues.

What can I earn as a Policy Adviser?

All

NSW

VIC

QLD

TAS

ACT

The most common annual salary in AUS for a Policy Adviser is between $100k and $120k

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Policy Manager

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Close salary comparison

Source: SEEK job ads. Salaries include superannuation.

How to become a Policy Adviser

There are several ways to become a Policy Adviser, but most organisations require a Bachelor degree as a minimum. These are usually 3-year courses covering topics in the political system and policy making.

Complete a Bachelor degree in policy studies, such as a Bachelor of Social Research and Policy.
Explore opportunities to further your career and skills by undertaking post graduate study, such as a Master of Politics and Policy. This is usually a 2-year course.

Explore related qualifications

SEEK users who have worked as a Policy Adviser have studied these qualifications.

All

NSW

VIC

QLD

TAS

ACT

Bachelor of Arts

This qualification gives you broad skills and knowledge in your chosen area of specialisation to get you started in your career.

Compare institutions

See 33 institutions that offer this course in Australia and Online.

Skills and experience employers are looking for

Hi there, have any of these? Add your skills directly to your SEEK Profile.

Public Policy

Policy Development

Policy Advice

Economics

Stakeholder Management

Law

Strategic Planning

Analytical Thinking

Commerce

Financial Services

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Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data

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How do Policy Advisers rate their role?

Latest reviews from 5 Policy Advisers surveyed on SEEK

Work-life balance

5.0

Job satisfaction

4.2

Career progression opportunities

4.0

Job security

4.8

Pay / Salary

4.6

Variety of work

4.4

Latest reviews

All

Positive

Negative

Oct 2018

Being a policy adviser gives you a good combination of research and practical application.

Reviewer's Qualification

Doctor of Philosophy

Experience

1 – 4 years

Organisation size

Medium (20-199 employees)

Specialisation

Tourism Accommodation

The good things

A policy adviser is able to cover a broad range of areas - you develop skills in research, writing, stakeholder relations, and leadership.

The challenges

As you often deal with government and politics, sometimes issues can be hard to get moving or to change and this can be a frustrating aspect in the role. Other times people change their minds about su...

Aug 2019

Challenging but highly rewarding job

Reviewer's Qualification

Master of Business Administration

Experience

1 – 4 years

Organisation size

Large (200+ employees)

Specialisation

Transport policy

The good things

Good: Variety and diversity of work. Opportunity to work on city shaping projects. Excellent work environment. Great work-life balance. Organisation embraces work flexibility. Bad: Only high level in...

The challenges

Need to prioritise urgent and competing tasks. Ability to quickly learn and develop a position on highly complex issues in a short time.

Source: SEEK Role Reviews