September 20, 2024

Australian Government - Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Canberra

Assistant Director (EL1)

EL 1 - $120,290 - $129,379
International Climate and Energy
Canberra - ACT

Do you want to be at the forefront of international climate change action and support cooperation on the global energy transition?
Do you want to use your skills in policy, analysis, program management, communications or negotiations to make a meaningful difference?
The International Climate and Energy Division is seeking to fill multiple vacancies at the EL1 level across our three branches. More information about each branch can be found in the below. We will work to match applicants to a role that suits their abilities and interests. Applicants are encouraged to indicate their preference, and outline how their skills and experience complement the advertised roles and responsibilities, for specific branches and divisions in their pitch or curriculum vitae.

Who we are
The International Climate and Energy Division (ICED) leads Australia’s international engagement on climate change and energy transition cooperation. The division, located within the DCCEEW Climate Group, delivers strategic international engagement on energy transition and climate action through multilateral architecture, including the UNFCCC, G20, IEA, IRENA, and the Quad, with strategic bilateral partners, and a range of other fora. The division also plays a key role in supporting realisation of Australia’s opportunity to become a renewable energy superpower and has a leadership role within DCCEEW in supporting policy and implementation of the Government’s Future Made in Australia plan.

The division supports and provides advice to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, and the Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, on the suite of issues in international climate and energy engagement, including participation in international meetings on global decarbonisation and clean energy trends, supporting collaboration with key international partners to progress global energy transition and climate action goals, and representing Australia in international climate negotiations across a range of multilateral platforms. The division also plays a strategic role in supporting Australia’s bid to host the UNFCCC’s COP31 in 2026.

There are three branches within the division for which we are seeking to fill vacancies. Renewable Superpower Strategy The branch is responsible for providing strategic advice and policy to support the Government’s ambitions for Australia to become a renewable energy superpower, as part of the Future Made in Australia Plan. The branch undertakes analysis of the global net zero transformation and provides advice to Government on opportunities, and policy implications resulting from the intensifying global competition for clean energy industries.

The branch works across agencies to provide advice and develop policies relating to global decarbonisation trends, global clean energy technology and investment trends, clean energy supply chains, and Australia’s net zero comparative advantages. The branch consults closely with stakeholders across civil society, academia and industry. International Net Zero (INZ) Branch is advancing Australia’s climate leadership internationally and stepping-up collaboration across Southeast Asia and the Pacific. INZ also leads on global energy security issues and drives engagement with key international clean energy partnerships. We do this through the development of strategic policy, design and delivery of international climate and energy programs, active engagement in multilateral and regional forums, and by building stronger relationships across government, academic, innovation and business sectors.

Strategic Partnerships Australia’s international partnerships are central to our efforts to deliver climate leadership, ensure a reliable and affordable energy supply, decarbonise to achieve our climate targets, including net-zero by 2050, and realise our renewable energy superpower ambitions. The Strategic Partnerships Branch works to build secure and diversified clean energy supply chains, including through the Quad Statement of Principles on Clean Energy Supply Chains in the Indo-Pacific, and underpinned by our energy security, decarbonisation and renewable energy superpower objectives. This branch also develops specialist analytical products to inform strategic engagement and policy development work, which is used across the Division.

The Job
Are you interested in international relations, climate change and the energy transition? These roles in the International Climate and Energy Division have it all! Key activities as an Assistant Director (EL1) may include, but are not limited to:

Providing timely policy and program advice to Ministers and senior officials on international climate change and energy issues, including multilateral and bilateral relationships and global decarbonisation efforts.
Lead specialist research and analysis, including collecting, analysing and interpreting evidence to provide accurate and relevant policy advice.
In support of others, represent Australia and the Department in multilateral fora and engagements with key bilateral partners.
Provide leadership and supervision to team members, identifying professional development opportunities and promoting an inclusive and collaborative team dynamic.
Design and manage projects in alignment with relevant Commonwealth policies, undertaking evaluation and reporting requirements.
Contribute to the strategic capabilities of the International Climate and Energy Division, providing direction for future policy and program design.
Contribute to the planning, drafting, editing, and communication of papers, reports and reviews.
Provide direction for the drafting of meeting papers, executive and ministerial briefings and preparing responses to public queries.
Foster and maintain a positive work environment through enduring relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Plan and undertake consultation with industry and government stakeholders.
Negotiate with stakeholders and communicate confidently to achieve desired outcomes.

What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate experience across a range of relevant areas, including but not limited to:

experience working in a policy, program or administrative function
experience preparing policy advice and briefing material (e.g. developing new policy proposals), or project management (e.g. stakeholder engagement and procurement capabilities)
Some experience delivering business, administrative and operations functions
experience working with climate change and/or energy policy or sectors is desirable
experience in international relations, and in supporting international delegations, negotiations, and high-level meetings
A degree or qualification in one of the following areas will be looked upon highly:
- Public Policy and/or International Relations
- Law
- Science or Engineering
- Economics
- Data analytics or statistics

Skills and capabilities

A high level of personal drive, initiative and integrity, taking personal responsibility and initiative for meeting objectives and progressing work.
Demonstrable stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills.
Strong analytical abilities, including quantitative analysis for some roles.
Proven understanding and experience of contemporary energy and climate policy issues, including domestic or global issues.
A well-developed ability to think strategically, harness information and opportunities and align work to organisational goals.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment to deliver outcomes.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to deliver quality briefings and advice to Ministers and senior management.
Established interpersonal skills to build and cultivate productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, to deliver shared outcomes, including negotiation skills.
A commitment to the APS Values and building a positive work culture, including to create a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Eligibility and other requirements
Citizenship - To be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.

Security Clearance - This position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

For additional information, please read the Job Description below.
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