Senior Program/Policy Officers

The Australian Government's Department of Climate Change is hiring Senior Program/Policy Officers for the Energy Performance & Security Division across multiple locations in Australia. The roles involve designing and delivering programs to enhance energy ratings for homes, contributing to Australia's Net Zero goals. The positions offer flexible work and location options, aiming to make a significant impact on energy use and sustainability for Australians.
• APS 6 - $91,944 - $104,393
• Energy Performance & Security
• Adelaide - SA, Brisbane - QLD, Canberra - ACT, Darwin - NT, Hobart - TAS, Melbourne - VIC, Perth - WA, Sydney - NSW
• Meet the challenge of designing, building and delivering a new program that will make a real difference for Australians.
• Work in a motivated and professional team with a wide range of skill sets and backgrounds.
• Flexible work and location options.

Who we are
The Energy Performance and Security Division is part of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. The Division aims to have a positive impact on Australian households, businesses and communities, and work at the forefront of energy policy, supporting Australia’s transition to Net Zero and ensuring Australia has access to reliable, affordable and secure energy.

The Home Ratings and Disclosure Branch is delivering energy ratings for homes, to help Australians reduce their energy use, save emissions and make sustainable choices that create comfortable homes — all supporting the way to Net Zero. To do this, we are expanding the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) from offering ratings for new homes only to offering ratings for all homes, which will include advice on how the energy performance of the home could be upgraded. We are also working with states and territories to progress the Home Energy Ratings Disclosure Framework, to enable home energy ratings to be disclosed at point of sale or lease.

The NatHERS Program Design section leads the design of the expansion of NatHERS to existing homes. This includes development of the delivery model and implementation plan for the expansion, and the design of assessments and upgrade advice, energy performance certificates, the skills and training requirements, and data architecture. The NatHERS Program Delivery section manages the day-to-day operations of the NatHERS program which will expand as NatHERS extends its reach to all Australian homes. The section works closely with key internal and external stakeholders to deliver on operational obligations and respond to queries and resolve issues expediently so that NatHERS remains trusted and reliable. This includes planning and developing processes, tools and mechanisms that will support streamlined practice into the future. The Disclosure and Finance Sector Initiatives section is responsible for delivering the Home Energy Ratings Disclosure Framework and associated activities. This includes working closely with state and territory governments to implement the Disclosure Framework. The section is also responsible for overseeing the Home Energy Upgrades Fund (HEUF) and working with the finance sector to support sustainable finance initiatives, which accelerate the transition to a net zero carbon future and improve the well-being of Australians.

The Job
We have multiple positions available in the Branch to help coordinate and oversee the expansion of the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme for existing homes in this critical period as it progresses to launch.

Depending on your skills, background and preferences, you will help:

NatHERS Program Design
• Manage the work plan for the expansion of the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme to existing homes, including the design of energy ratings certificates, advice on how homes could be upgraded and the integration of energy ratings tools.
• Design the policies and strategies that will guide the Australian Government’s approach to home energy ratings for the future.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the department and external stakeholders to advance the expansion of the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme to existing homes.
• Write briefings for senior leaders and governance committees about the status of the program.

NatHERS Program Delivery
• Lead the design and development of accreditation services for assessors of existing homes.
• Contribute to and implement administrative policy, procedures and other operational resources.
• Manage stakeholder and public enquiries through the NatHERS email inbox.
• Collate and analyse data to monitor program effectiveness.
• Engage with external program partners to address emerging issues and complaints.
• Proactively identify, prioritise and act on opportunities for system improvements.

Disclosure and Finance Sector Initiatives
• Support the roll out of disclosure pilots in states and territories.
• Develop communication and engagement products to underpin disclosure schemes and aspects of the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme.
• Work closely with stakeholders, including state and territory government officials, industry and peak bodies.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the department and external stakeholders to advance the disclosure of home energy ratings and finance sector initiatives.
• Write briefings for senior leaders and governance committees about the status of the programs.

Knowledge and Experience
Depending on the role, we are looking for candidates with knowledge or experience in one or more of the following areas.
• Program design, delivery and administration.
• Policy and strategy development.
• Behavioural science, behavioural economics, or consumer decision-making and behavioural research.
• Experience in relevant fields such as home energy assessments, engineering, energy systems, architecture or the construction industry.
• Experience in working collaboratively with external partners and stakeholders.
• Experience in data analysis and reporting.

Skills and Capabilities
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to plan and prioritise across a complex set of tasks to achieve deadlines.
• A proven ability to work effectively with colleagues across multiple teams and external stakeholders, such as industry groups, state and territory governments, and other Commonwealth agencies.
• Highly collaborative and skilled in nurturing positive relationships with internal and external parties.
• Strong research, problem-solving and analytical skills that will allow you to understand complex issues, identify opportunities and implement effective solutions.
• Well-developed communication skills, with the ability to convey complex issues to non-expert audiences.

Eligibility

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.

Pre-employment Check - Your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period of 6 months.

For additional information, please read the Job Description below.

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