Chief Executive Officer (Net Zero Economy Authority) Full Time

Non-ongoing – This is a non-ongoing statutory appointment for a fixed term of up to five years (with the possibility of reappointment).

About the Net Zero Economy Authority

The Australian Government is establishing a new Net Zero Economy Authority (the Authority), which will work to promote an orderly and positive economic transformation to ensure Australian industry, its regions and workers share the benefits of the net zero transition.

Legislation to establish the Authority is currently before the Parliament, and expected to come into force in the third quarter of 2024.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) appointment will take effect once legislation is in place.

The new Authority’s functions will include:

• coordinating net zero efforts across government and key stakeholders;
• facilitating public and private sector participation and investment in greenhouse gas emissions reduction and net zero transformation initiatives across Australia;
• supporting workers in emissions-intensive industries who are affected by the net zero transition to access new employment, or acquire skills to improve their employment prospects;
• supporting First Nations peoples to participate in, and benefit from, the net zero transition; and
• building community understanding of, confidence in and engagement with the net zero transformation.

The Authority will also administer the Energy Industry Jobs Plan, a regulatory scheme providing for the establishment and enforcement of pooled redeployment arrangements, placing obligations on employers closing coal and gas-fired power stations to support effective workers.

The Net Zero Economy Authority will be governed by a part-time Board, consisting of a Chair and up to 8 other members. The CEO of the Authority will be a full-time position, responsible for the organisation’s day-to-day administration and assisting the Board in the performance of its functions. The Board will be the accountable authority for the Authority under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013. The CEO will be the Agency Head for the purposes of the Public Service Act 1999. The Authority is expected to comprise approximately 150 staff.

About the role

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is seeking a highly motivated and outcome-driven senior executive to fill the position of inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Net Zero Economy Authority.

The CEO will use leadership, creativity and vision to shape and drive the organisation’s priorities and deliver tangible outcomes for all Australian people. The role is critical to delivering the Authority’s mission of driving transformational change and will give effect to the objectives, strategies and policies determined by the Board.

The CEO will also have an understanding of climate, energy and emissions reduction policies and their impact on Australian workers, communities and regions, as well as knowledge of business and investment principles.

The CEO will be responsible for administration of the Energy Industry Jobs Plan, a regulatory scheme aimed at supporting workers and communities through industry transition. Developing and maintaining good working relationships with stakeholders, partner organisations, and government and non-government agencies will be key to success in this role.

An understanding of government processes or experience working with government is desirable, as the CEO will represent the Authority at a senior level across government and with the Prime Minister’s office. Regular travel will be required to fulfil the duties of this role.

The CEO will be the Agency Head for the purposes of the Public Service Act 1999, with responsibilities under that Act for employment matters, including upholding and promoting the APS Values and APS Employment Principles. The CEO will assist the Board in the performance of its functions.

The CEO will be considered an Officer under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and is required to exercise due diligence to ensure the Authority complies with its work health and safety duties and obligations.

Our ideal candidate

We are looking for an outstanding leader to provide strong direction to the new Net Zero Economy Authority.

• effectively lead a new Authority to deliver on a priority agenda for the Government;
• identify and define corporate issues and deliver core functions;
• build organisational capability and responsiveness;
• manage complex stakeholder relationships;
• engage effectively with business and public and private investors to help drive investment in emissions reduction and new employment-generating projects;
• engage with communities and regional stakeholders to build public understanding and confidence in the net zero transformation;
• manage strategic and transformative change;
• communicate clearly and negotiate persuasively; and
• manage internal and external relationships to facilitate cooperation across Commonwealth Government, state and territory governments and other stakeholders.

Applications from people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTIQ+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and mature age people are encouraged.

Employment details

This is a non-ongoing statutory appointment for a fixed term of up to five years (with the possibility of reappointment). The new Net Zero Economy Authority will have offices in Canberra and Sydney. Flexible work arrangements will be considered.

Remuneration for this full-time office is to be determined by the Remuneration Tribunal, within an estimated range of $400,000-$500,000 per annum.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this position you must be an Australia Citizen.

Security Clearance Required

Negative Vetting Level 1 (Secret)

How to apply

To submit an application, please follow the link at http://beaumontandbeaumont.com.au/5722 by 11:30pm AEST on Sunday, 14 July 2024.

Your application must include a CV and a one-page pitch outlining how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications make you the best candidate for the role.

Contact Officer

Jonathan Beaumont on (02) 6126 4500 or email nzea@beaumontandbeaumont.com.au. Please quote reference 5722.

Selection process

This recruitment will be conducted according to the Government’s Merit and Transparency Policy.

Please Note – This is an unclassified web based recruitment system so your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your one page pitch and resume.

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