Nicola Johnson
Sydney,NSW
Summary
Skilled and motivated team member working to have an impact through innovative and evidence-based climate change policy. A broad range of interests with experience and knowledge in the environmental, agricultural, international, planning, circular economy, and climate change adaptation spaces. Strong grounding in policy from four years of experience in public sector roles and through working on a variety of organizational, whole of government, and state-level policies through all stages of the policy cycle. Technical science background is complemented with an analytical and strategic mindset and readily takes on and processes new ideas and information. A growing interest in measurement, accountability and communication methods as a way to drive change. In any role tries to contribute to a healthy team environment and improve processes and structures.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Policy Officer and A/Senior Policy Officer
DCCEEW
09.2021 - Current
- Supported development, cabinet approval, and publication of the NSW Climate Change Adaptation Strategy by incorporating technical stakeholder input, undertaking research and analysis on best practice policy for adaptation
- Led on adaptation policy input into the development of the Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 through regular reviews often with same day turn-around, and undertaking research to provide evidence-based policy advice
- Implemented and developed reporting for a departmental performance audit through development of a monitoring and reporting mechanism including PowerBI dashboards to improve accountability and provide executive oversight, requiring frequent stakeholder engagement
- Led on climate policy input into the NSW Government submission to the Commonwealth climate disclosure consultation by reviewing and researching key documents, providing strategic advice to lead responders, and managing engagement and synthesising input from technical and policy colleagues to inform the disclosure
- Improved processes for the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy Committee through updating and regular review of secretariat processes and governance structures
- Manages quick turn-arounds and multiple projects concurrently to ensure climate change policy objectives are achieved, through development of policy documents, ministerial briefs, reviews and analysis of agency, state and Commonwealth level adaptation policy
- Policy lead on governance, coordination, monitoring and reporting of the Adaptation Strategy through analysis of a constantly changing strategic context, development of accountability mechanisms and establishment of a regular reporting for executive to ensure objectives are being met
- Supporting on development of adaptation metrics framework undertaking research, analysis, consolidating and iterating on expert input, and briefing and managing stakeholders
- Project management and procurement experience for Adaptation Strategy and Adaptation metrics project
- Deliver informative presentations on complex topics to inform stakeholders on key project developments.
Graduate Officer
Department of Planning, Industry & Environment
02.2020 - 09.2021
- Contributed to development of policy documents, process guides, ministerial correspondence and briefs for the recently established land management policy
- Informed policy development through research and analysis
- Planned initial stages of the Biodiversity Conservation Investment Strategy review utilising project management systems
- Developed a guide for Aboriginal Engagement in Policy to support improved policy incorporation of indigenous knowledge and stakeholder engagement
- Synthesised and communicated scientific knowledge to inform team briefs and policy development.
Graduate Officer
Department of Planning, Industry & Environment
02.2020 - 09.2021
- Presented to the Department Executive Leadership Team on a cultural initiative to support staff who may be experiencing domestic or family violence to gain buy-in and support for the initiative
- Played a key role in development of the HAP Net Zero Framework by applying existing NSW Government policies, and drafting and reviewing of the framework in consultation with sustainability experts from across the Department
- Maintained cross-agency projects on climate change through facilitating working groups and networks, contributing to projects and managing a cross-agency data sharing agreement
- Research and initial development of programs to create behaviour change for sustainability initiatives as part of the HAP Net Zero framework project.
Graduate Officer
Department of Planning, Industry & Environment
02.2020 - 09.2021
- Support role involving coordination of the State-wide Operations Network that regulates the early childhood sector
- Wrote decision notices for early childcare services in a regulatory capacity and other internal policy documents requiring a broad understanding of the early childhood sector and policy environment
- Developed internal policies and guidelines to improve operations for procurement and finance management
- Progressed self-led projects to improve business continuity and efficiency.
Intern
RePlated
07.2019 - 12.2019
- Assisted with establishment of a sustainable product start-up using research to inform key sustainability documentation for the business, and to develop scientific communication articles for the website
- Engaged potential partners through informal meetings and providing education on sustainability issues and company objectives.
Intern
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
02.2018
- Interned in February 2018 supporting ACIAR consultant Jesmond Sammut, UNSW on the collaborative agricultural research and social projects being undertaken in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
- This project was focused on adaptation of farming systems in response to changing environmental conditions
- Participated and assisted facilitation of project development meetings and other group activities to gain local insight on the project which was then used to inform implementation
- Learned stakeholder engagement approaches, how to manage risks when working in unique and challenging environments, cultural considerations and working with people from diverse backgrounds
- Honed my adaptability to new workplaces and scenarios.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Systems
University of Sydney
Sydney, NSW11.2018
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of New South Wales
Sydney, NSW06.2017
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations, Spanish
University of New South Wales
Sydney, NSW06.2017
Skills
- Policy analysis, research and advice
- Project management and coordination
- Policy Development
- Effective Communication
- Time Management
- Self Motivation
- Interpersonal Skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Excellent Communication
- Critical Thinking
References
- Andrew Kimbell, Acting Principal Policy Officer, Department of Planning, Industry & Environment, 02 9274 6035, Andrew.Kimbell@dpie.nsw.gov.au
- Tharani Yoganathan, Former Principal Project Officer, Cabinet & Partnerships Team, Housing and Property Group, 02 9274 6447, Tharani.Yoganathan@planning.nsw.gov.au
- Tina Wong, Former Principal Policy Officer, Environment Protection and Land Management team, Policy Division EES, 02 9995 5882, Tina.Wong@environment.nsw.gov.au
- Naomi Tarszisz, Founder, RePlated, 0414 449 204, hello@replated.co
Timeline
Policy Officer and A/Senior Policy Officer
DCCEEW
09.2021 - Current
Graduate Officer
Department of Planning, Industry & Environment
02.2020 - 09.2021
Graduate Officer
Department of Planning, Industry & Environment
02.2020 - 09.2021
Graduate Officer
Department of Planning, Industry & Environment
02.2020 - 09.2021
Intern
RePlated
07.2019 - 12.2019
Intern
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
02.2018
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Systems
University of Sydney
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of New South Wales
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations, Spanish
University of New South Wales
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