Policy Analyst

Overview

Develops and analyses policies guiding the design, implementation and modification of government or commercial operations and programs.

Skills

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks

• determining organisational and client intelligence requirements
• organising, collecting, collating and analysing data, and developing intelligence information such as electronic surveillance
• compiling and disseminating intelligence information using briefings, maps, charts, reports and other methods
• ascertaining the accuracy of data collected and reliability of sources
• conducting threat and risk assessments and developing responses
• liaising and consulting with program administrators and other interested parties to identify policy needs
• reviewing existing policies and legislation to identify anomalies and out-of-date provisions
• researching social, economic and industrial trends, and client expectations of programs and services provided
• formulating and analysing policy options, preparing briefing papers and recommendations for policy changes, and advising on preferred options
• assessing impacts, financial implications, interactions with other programs and political and administrative feasibility of policies

Alternative Titles

• Policy Adviser

Specialisations

• Foreign Policy Officer

Related Occupations

• Intelligence Officer