Turn evidence into better decisions for Australian rail.

Why ARISO – why now

ARISO brings industry and governments together around a national ambition: rail standards that are practical, trusted and increasingly harmonised across jurisdictions. By strengthening consistency and interoperability, our work can reduce unnecessary complexity, support safer operations and help unlock productivity across the Australian rail system. We are building the capability, systems and partnerships needed to turn that ambition into lasting industry outcomes.

ARISO is collaborative and connected, with clear decision pathways and meaningful access to senior leaders and industry decision-makers. You will have visible ownership of your contribution, with flexible working arrangements that support participation from across Australia. We also welcome relevant transferable capability from other regulated and safety-critical sectors.

Your opportunity to make an impact

Harmonisation is most powerful when it is directed by evidence. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, Insights, Impact and Adoption, as Head of Rail Economics and Insights you will be ARISO’s senior economics and evidence specialist, with no direct reports at this stage. You will build the economic, research and data capability that helps ARISO and industry understand where change matters most and whether it is delivering value. You will frame the questions, build the evidence and translate complex analysis into decisions about standards, adoption and reform. Your work will help demonstrate how greater consistency can improve safety, interoperability, productivity and commercial outcomes across the national rail system.

What you will shape and deliver

Define ARISO’s approach to economic analysis, impact assessment and evaluation.

Develop and deliver a prioritised applied research and insight agenda.

Undertake or commission literature reviews, benchmarking, surveys and case studies.

Establish proportionate CBA, regulatory and implementation assessment methodologies.

Lead business cases, options analysis and benefits realisation design.

Build data partnerships; collect, integrate and analyse operational and financial datasets.

Publish clear reports, dashboards and briefings that support standards, harmonisation and adoption.

What you’ll bring

You are an accomplished economist or applied research leader who wants evidence to change decisions, not sit on a shelf. You combine analytical rigour with commercial and policy judgement, know how to work with imperfect data and are transparent about assumptions and uncertainty. You can make a complex business case understandable, challenge weak claims constructively and communicate with both technical and non-technical audiences. Rail experience is advantageous, but strong experience in transport, infrastructure, utilities, government or another complex sector can translate well.

Extensive experience leading economic analysis, CBA, impact assessment or evaluation in complex sectors.

Ability to frame useful research questions, select proportionate methods and translate findings into decisions.

Advanced data sourcing, integration, modelling, statistical interpretation and visualisation skills with transparent assumptions.

Strong record developing, challenging and defending business cases, research conclusions or reform proposals for senior audiences.

Experience managing confidential/commercially sensitive data and applying research ethics, licensing and evidence-quality controls.

Also valued: Experience in rail, transport or nationally significant infrastructure and familiarity with standards, harmonisation or regulatory reform.

Also valued: Relevant postgraduate qualifications.

Role at a glance

Reports to: Executive Director, Insights, Impact and Adoption

Location: Flexible / remote working arrangements across Australia

Employment: Full-time

Inclusion and accessibility

ARISO welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and values diverse perspectives. If you require reasonable adjustments to participate in the application or interview process, please let us know.

How to apply

Please apply with your CV and a maximum two-page statement outlining your motivation, the most relevant evidence you bring and the unique contribution you would make.