The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is responsible for protecting Australia's environment, heritage and water resources and for the delivery of the Government's climate change and energy agenda. Maintaining a healthy environment, protecting our cultural heritage and ensuring the successful transition of our energy systems to a renewable future, underpins the future of our community and the success of Australia's economy in the coming decades. We provide innovative and expert advice to the Australian Government grounded in science and evidence. We develop policy, deliver programs, manage assets, administer legislation, and regulate. We work collaboratively and in partnership with First Nations Peoples, communities, regions, industry, states and territories, other government departments and international partners to achieve outcomes for the environment, the economy, and all Australians. The work we do today, matters for tomorrow. The Executive is comprised of the Secretary, and six Deputy Secretaries. As Branch Head, you will be reporting directly to a Division Head who reports to a Deputy Secretary. For more information about us please visit our website . The job There are multiple SES Band 1, Branch Head vacancies in the Climate Change and Energy Groups. The immediate vacancies are: Climate Change Group COP31 Clean Energy Economy Branch, International Climate and Energy Division The Branch Head, COP31 Clean Energy Economy Branch will provide strategic leadership in shaping Australia's contribution to the global clean energy transition and industrial decarbonisation. This critical role will drive innovation, leverage financial flows, and foster trade partnerships to deliver Australia's COP31 priorities and net zero commitments. Regional Partnerships Branch, International Climate and Energy Division The Branch Head, Regional Partnerships will provide strategic leadership and expert direction to advance Australia's COP31 priorities and net zero transition through key international partnerships. This pivotal role will oversee and coordinate Australia's engagement across diverse regions and multilateral fora, driving policy development and seizing new opportunities. Energy Group Electricity Markets Branch, Electricity Division As Branch Head, Energy Markets Branch you will drive policy outcomes for competitive retail markets and consumers during Australia's energy transition, working collaboratively across government departments and with state and territory governments. Your role will encompass competitive electricity market policy and frameworks, delivering market reliability and security outcomes, managing cross-jurisdictional stakeholder engagement, and developing energy system transition strategy. Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Branch, Energy Performance Division As Branch Head, Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Branch, you will be responsible for managing and administering the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act 2012 (GEMS Act), Australia's national appliance and equipment energy efficiency legislation. You will perform the Statutory Role as the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Regulator and will work across Government departments, divisions and the E3 program to deliver strong regulation and policy outcomes in Australia's interest. Energy Performance Strategy Branch, Energy Performance Division As the Branch Head of the Energy Performance Strategy Branch, you will be responsible for driving national efforts to improve energy performance and reduce demand through the delivery and annual review of the National Energy Performance Strategy. You will lead high-impact policy initiatives and champion the integration of demand-side approaches across the Energy and Climate Change Group's policy frameworks. Providing evidence-based policy advice to support delivery of the government's energy transition and achievement of net zero targets is an important aspect of this role. Energy Security, Resilience and Emergency Response Branch, National Energy Transformation Division The Branch Head, Energy Security, Resilience and Emergency Response Branch is responsible for policy work to understand, manage and, where appropriate, respond to domestic and international risks to Australia's energy security. We contribute to whole of government agendas on cyber security, supply chain security, foreign investment, critical infrastructure protection, and long-term resilience to climate change. The Branch also leads on the Commonwealth's response to energy supply emergencies. Current and expected vacancies include both specialist roles and broader program and policy roles across the department. This selection process will also be used to establish a merit pool that may be used to fill roles within the following 18 months. The key duties of the position include What we are looking for To be successful for these roles you will need to meet the Senior Executive Service capability for the SES Band 1 level, and you will possess some or all of the following: Demonstrated experience providing strategic and operational leadership. A good understanding of strategic external and internal communications, including working with ministers' offices and media management. A proven reputation for relationship building and maintaining networks across organisations. Ability to manage stakeholder expectations, priorities and changes giving consideration to local and cultural sensitivities and stakeholder needs. Proven ability to achieve organisational outcomes, build capability and manage risk to ensure government objectives are achieved. Ability to build a culture that aligns with the APS Values and fosters high performing teams who are dedicated to achieving quality outcomes. Ability to engage other parts of the business to assist in the overall delivery of Agency goals while maintaining alignment to the broader strategic environment across Government. Ability to evaluate ongoing branch and project performance and develop capability in teams to consistently deliver quality outcomes. Innovative, consultative, resilient and personally accountable for the quality of advice, products, service and strategies. Ability to maintain a strong understanding of potential reputational risks and think critically to manage and minimise risks. Self-awareness, cultural competence and ability to foster respect and inclusion in the workplace. Ability to promote and apply the APS Values and Code of Conduct, as well as Agency values and behaviours. Ability to demonstrate stewardship by ensuring the high performance and sustainability of the APS, harnessing experience, diversity and resources to deliver common objectives. Desirable qualifications/skills For roles in Climate Change Group: Deep subject matter expertise in one or more relevant areas, including international policy, diplomacy, climate policy, or multilateral negotiations Experience in establishing and leading a taskforce or other time-bound or mission-oriented team, demonstrating your ability to rapidly mobilise resources and deliver under pressure.
