Policy Adviser, Economics Program

• Sydney or Melbourne based
• 3-5 years of experience in policy development

McKinnon is seeking a Policy Adviser, Economics Program to support the development and delivery of McKinnon’s tax reform program and contributes to the broader economics program, through research, analysis, program coordination and stakeholder engagement.

Working closely with the Program Manager, Program Coordinator and broader team, the role contributes to building an evidence base, preparing high-quality written materials, and supporting the planning and delivery of stakeholder engagement activities, including participant coordination and follow-up.

The role plays an important part in translating complex policy and economic issues into clear and accessible outputs, and maintaining strong working relationships with partners across the program. Through this work, the Policy Adviser contributes to the development of well-informed, evidence-based insights that support discussions on tax reform and helps ensure the effective delivery and momentum of key program initiatives.

What You’ll Do

Research & Analysis

• Undertake research and analysis on quantitative data, tax policy, economic issues and reform proposals to inform program design, stakeholder discussions and evidence-based recommendations.
• Synthesise complex information into clear briefs, summaries and background materials
• Contribute to drafting reports, discussion papers and internal documents
• Review and provide feedback on research and analysis undertaken by other organisations, including partners and consulting organisations
• Monitor developments in tax policy and economic conditions and provide updates to the team
• Prepare high quality written outputs tailored to different audiences, including internal leadership and external stakeholders.

Program Delivery

• Plan and deliver research and policy projects, anticipating risks and ensuring timely, high-quality outputs.
• Develop reporting for internal leadership and boards on project delivery, risks, budgets, outcomes, and impact.
• Support the management of contracts and suppliers.
• Support the Program Manager in progressing elements of the tax reform workplan, including driving specific workstreams as required.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of program activities, including research projects and consultations
• Support tracking of program milestones and deliverables
• Assist in coordinating with external partners, consultants and researchers
• Contribute to coordination tasks that support program delivery

Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordination of stakeholder engagement activities, including roundtables, workshops and meetings
• Prepare briefing materials and summaries to support stakeholder discussions
• Engage with sector stakeholders, public sector organisations and other ecosystem actors, alongside the Program Manager, to progress shared objectives
• Develop high-quality materials that communicate McKinnon’s tax strategy and policy positions.
• Maintain awareness of stakeholder perspectives and emerging issues and feed insights back into program design and delivery

What you’ll bring

Tertiary qualification in economics, public policy, public administration or a related field

Professional Experience

• Experience in policy, research or analytical roles, or strong relevant academic experience
• Exposure to public policy, government or research environments is desirable
• Experience contributing to written outputs such as briefs, reports or research papers
• Experience supporting stakeholder engagement activities, such as consultations, workshops or roundtables
• Exposure to working with or alongside external stakeholders (e.g. government, industry, research organisations or civil society) is desirable

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong research and analytical capability
• Ability to write clearly and structure information effectively
• Good attention to detail and organisational skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Understands tax policy and economic issues

Why Work with Us

At McKinnon, we provide:

• Meaningful Impact: McKinnon is purpose-driven: working with us means you can contribute to shaping the future direction of governments and policy in Australia.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a team driven by curiosity and a desire to foster meaningful debate and diverse perspectives. Our team is energetic and supportive and our work is fast-paced, intellectually stimulating and deeply fulfilling.
• Professional Growth: Engage in challenging projects that offer personal and professional development opportunities. This role is for a highly motivated individual who is searching for their next opportunity to make real impact.

If you enjoy challenging and fulfilling work that contributes to advancing the lives of Australians and thrive on working with inspirational and influential stakeholders, if you’re driven by the same vision and ready to make a difference, you’ll thrive here.

McKinnon is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit organisation which exists to empower better governments for a stronger Australia. Our work focuses on four core areas where we believe meaningful, measurable impact matters most: political leadership, the public sector, democracy, and policy innovation. We are driven by curiosity and a desire to bring diverse perspectives together to create meaningful debate. We have the courage to make bold decisions and are driven by the urgency that meaningful work creates. We exist to make impact that matters.

How to apply

If you are passionate about economic policy and ready to step into a role with real ownership and impact, we’d love to hear from you. Click Apply Now

For any enquiries about the role, please contact ***email_hidden***

McKinnon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.