Job opportunity

About Energy Policy WA

Energy Policy WA was established on 5 September 2019 as a standalone sub-department of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety to provide advice to government to facilitate the delivery of secure, reliable, sustainable and affordable energy services to Western Australian households and businesses.

Energy Policy WA is also responsible for supporting the delivery of Government's Energy Transformation Strategy and the statutory functions of the Coordinator of Energy, as set out in the Energy Coordination Act 1994, the Emergency Management Regulations 2006, the Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM) Rules and the Gas Services Information (GSI) Rules. For more information, go to http://www.energy.wa.gov.au/.

About the Opportunity

The Assistant Coordinator provides strategic direction and leadership to the Strategic and Consumer Policy Group and is responsible for leading the delivery of Energy Policy WA‘s goals in retail policy, consumer protections, consumer advocacy, WA’s contribution to national energy policy, and whole-of-government strategic initiatives.

As part of the Energy Policy WA Executive Leadership Team, this role is expected to:

• drive Energy Policy WA’s vision, values and strategy and take ownership in the development and delivery of EPWA strategic and operational plans, workforce management strategy and key deliverables consistent with government policy and key stakeholder requirements.
• provide support to the Coordinator of Energy, Energy Policy WA in the provision of strategic policy and technical advice relating to financial, economic and energy policy matters.
• advise and consult with stakeholders to influence, develop and implement financial, economic and energy policy initiatives and public sector reforms.
• represent Energy Policy WA on internal and external committees or working groups on matters that may affect the transformation of the State’s electricity sector.
• provide leadership on, and deliver advice and other support to the Minister for Energy, on matters such as the:
• development of fit-for-purpose regulatory and licensing arrangements for emerging models of energy supply including embedded networks, microgrids and solar power purchase agreements
• development of retail policy positions including assessing expanded retail contestability and retailer of last resort arrangements
• delivery of Energy Policy WA’s consumer advocacy program
• design and implementation of the Hardship Energy Efficiency Scheme and Hardship Strategy
• delivery of appropriate regulatory arrangements for the use of disconnected microgrids by Western Power
• engagement, representation and relevant delivery on whole-of-government strategic initiatives including the WA Hydrogen Strategy and WA Climate Policy
• provision of advice to the Coordinator of Energy and the Minister for Energy on Energy National Cabinet Reform Committee matters.

In the role, you will be well supported by a team of highly skilled staff, committed to making a positive difference to the WA energy sector.

About you

To be considered for this role, you will need:

• a track record of successful senior leadership experience in the energy sector, including the effective delivery of energy sector reforms
• strong strategic leadership and engagement skills
• an appreciation of the WA energy sector and related government policy.

For further information, please refer to the attached Job Description Form (JDF) or contact Ms Jan Saggers, Managing Director of The Nexus Network at jan.saggers@nexusnetwork.com.au or 0401 135 990 (not to be contacted for assistance with lodging your application).

An Executive search will be conducted as part of the recruitment process.

Assessment

Applications are made online. In addition to the questions being asked in the online application, you are required to submit:

• A comprehensive CV that clearly showcases your talents and key achievements relevant to the role (max. 5 pages)
• A cover letter (max. 2 pages) outlining:

1. In your view, what challenges and opportunities exist in the provision of secure, reliable, sustainable and affordable energy services to the Western Australian community?
2. How would you lead this role to contribute to meeting those challenges and opportunities – and what experience and achievements can you cite that give you confidence you could do this effectively? (Note: Please cite relevant achievements, complete with measurable outcomes.)

• The name and contact details of two professional referees

Please visit http://www.energy.wa.gov.au/ to find out more about us.

Suitable applicants will be required to provide:

• Proof of identity based on a 100-point identity check.
• A satisfactory National Police Certificate issued by the Western Australian Police (details will be advised after selection).
• You must be an Australian Citizen, hold permanent residency or an appropriate work visa to be eligible for this position

The closing date for applications is Thursday, 2 September 2021 at 4:00 pm (WST).

Late and proforma applications will not be accepted. If you are having problems lodging your application online, please contact EPWA-HR@energy.wa.gov.au or (08) 6551 1955.

Energy Policy WA is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and encourage applications from a diverse field, including Indigenous Australians, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, youth, and people with a disability which is supported by our Workforce and Diversity Plan.

Subsequent vacancies:

Applicants who are found suitable, but not recommended for the vacancy, may be considered for subsequent vacancies in accordance with Part 5 (General Appointment) of the Commissioner’s Instructions No.2: Filling a Public Sector Vacancy.