How to become a policy analyst

Analyse policies and their effects to direct government and organisation programs and operations.

What does policy analyst do?

Policy analysts analyse policies and their effects to direct government and organisation programs and operations. They offer strategic policy and planning advice for organisations and should have excellent analytical abilities and an understanding of organisational policies and objectives.

Duties and tasks

  • Analyse anticipated impact and financial circumstances, effect on other programs and political and administrative achievability of policies.
  • Evaluate existing policies and legislation to ascertain inconsistencies and out-dated requirements.
  • Implement and oversee research and analysis projects to evaluate socio-economic and commercial trends with organisations expectations of programs and services.
  • Prepare analyses of policy options for organisations as well as recommendations for policy development and modifications.
  • Serve as a reference and expert in the field on policy, program and legislative matters, working with government officials and stakeholders.
  • Work with other Managers and Board Members to outline goals and objectives and develop strategic policies to meet those objectives.

Industry bodies

Related jobs

  • Education officer
  • Foreign affairs and trade officer
  • Parliamentarian
  • Policy advisor
  • Policy and planning manager
  • Project and program administrator
  • Research officer
  • Research and development manager
  • Resource economist
  • University lecturer

Discover related degrees

Discover related subjects

Postgraduate MAQ-SOCX8020

Evaluating Social Policy

Undergraduate MUR-POL133

Politics, Power and Policy

Undergraduate UNE-SOCY313

Australian Social and Public Policy

Related degrees

Step up your career with these resources

10 fascinating uni subjects that are open to everyone in 2025

Want to understand the psychology behind Trumpism? Push for better climate action? Or improve your cultural sensitivity in healthcare? These online subjects—and more!—are now accepting 2025 enrolments.

5 small business courses for self-starters

Whether you’re a small business owner or plotting away at a side hustle, there are many online business courses to choose from to help you get in touch with your entrepreneurial side and launch your ideas off the ground.

Humans of Open Universities Australia: Meet our Content Lead, Cat

A ‘braided river’ career path, a crystal ball moment from Bill Gates, and a heartfelt letter with complete disregard for the third wall—here's Cat.

How to negotiate a higher salary

Not sure what to say when negotiating your salary? Follow these tips from career strategist Kelly Magowan next time you need to make your case with an employer.

We're here to guide you there

Our student advisors can assist you with enrolment, help you plan your studies, and answer questions about how studying through Open Universities Australia can get you from where you are today, to where you want to be tomorrow.

13 OPEN (13 67 36)

Message, chat or SMS

Talk to a student advisor

We'll be in touch to answer your questions.

Student advisor Jason Student advisor Maria Student advisor Peter

Usually replies in 30 mins