Occupation
Policy analyst
Policy analysts research a public problem, set out the options a government or agency could choose between, and write up the trade-offs so decision-makers can choose with their eyes open. Much of the work is reading, interviewing, and drafting, and the output is usually a briefing note, an options paper, or a submission that has to survive scrutiny.
Also known as: Public policy analyst · Policy officer · Policy researcher
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Occupation content
Part of Government, policy and administration
A visual day in the work
What the work involves
Read legislation, regulations, and prior decisions that constrain the options available.
Gather evidence from published research, administrative data, and subject-matter experts.
Set out policy options side by side with the trade-offs and risks attached to each.
Draft briefing notes and decision documents in the house style, to a fixed length.
Consult affected departments, regulators, and stakeholder groups on a draft position.
Revise advice as ministers, councils, or executives ask follow-up questions.
Entry-route stepper
How people commonly enter
A bachelor's degree in public policy, economics, political science, law, or a related field.
A graduate policy or public administration qualification for specialist and advisory streams.
A government graduate, internship, or fast-stream program that rotates through policy teams.
Movement across from a program, research, or regulatory role in the same organization.
Typical training: Bachelor's degree
Licensing: Not typically licensed
Pathways: Common in public service
Work-context map
Typical work context
- Desk based
- Team based
- Quiet focus
- High responsibility
- Hybrid office
Desk based · Team based · Quiet focus · High responsibility · Hybrid office
Related interests
- Investigative (analytical)
- Conventional (organizing)
- Social (helping)
Investigative (analytical) · Conventional (organizing) · Social (helping)
Related aptitude preparation
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