Senior Associate – Public Affairs

The CEFC is an experienced specialist investor with a deep sense of purpose:

With access to more than $30 billion from the Australian Government, we’re backing economy-wide decarbonisation, from renewable energy and natural capital to energy efficiency, alternative fuels and low carbon materials. In parallel, we’re focused on transforming our energy grid, backing sustainable housing and supporting the growth of our climate tech innovators. We collaborate with co-investors, industry and government, recognising the urgency of the decarbonisation task. We also invest with commercial rigour, aiming to deliver a positive return across our portfolio.

About the role

This key Senior Associate- Public Affairs role will coordinate Federal departmental liaison and enquiries for the Public Affairs team, reporting to the Director – Public Affairs while working collaboratively with other Public Affairs colleagues.

It is a lynchpin position within the Public Affairs team and for the CEFC as a whole, given the importance of the CEFC’s relationship with the Australian Government as our most important stakeholder. The role will support the Director – Public Affairs with co-ordination around the CEFC’s Parliamentary activities including Senate Estimates procedures, including pre-briefing the CEFC executives appearing at Estimates Hearings and assisting to co-ordinate responses to Questions on Notice.

An ability to screen for risk and to appropriately escalate and prioritise, to meet deadlines, coordinate responses and engage across the Corporation and with key external stakeholders will be paramount, with the opportunity to grow in the role over time.

This role includes external engagement with stakeholders including Government and industry representatives.

Responsibilities include:

• Document, prioritise, action and manage inbound and outbound Departmental, Ministerial and agency enquiries with the rest of the Public Affairs team or with internal business units best placed to be involved, including identifying matters for escalation and approval, where required.
• Facilitate and manage the Public Affairs team’s regular Government reporting function, including liaising with internal business units on reporting preparation, managing timelines and communicating with internal and external stakeholders on reporting outcomes.
• Support the Director – Public Affairs in the coordination and execution of Senate Estimates briefings, report preparation and internal coordination, as well as the related Parliamentary reporting processes (i.e. Questions on Notice, Hansard).
• Act as an ambassador for the business in liaison with a range of Government stakeholders.
• Provide effective oral and interpersonal communication within the business and externally including attending meetings as required, and briefing and presenting to government clients and audiences.
• Assist in the update and maintenance of the SRM database in respect of federal and state government and industry stakeholders.

About you

Supported by a relevant tertiary qualification at minimum in business-related or government related discipline (Humanities, Law, Politics, Economics, Finance, Business or equivalent), you will also bring to the role:

• 4+ years’ minimum experience in a government context or 2 years’ + relevant experience working in a relevant industry association.
• Broad understanding of major issues at the interface of climate, finance, and energy.
• Understanding and first-hand experience of Government processes, policy-making and politics.
• Sound understanding and strong alignment with the operating environment of a Corporate Commonwealth entity and the mission of the CEFC.
• Be forward thinking, plans work, prioritises and manages time/resources effectively to meet deadlines.
• Effectively manage multiple tasks, workstreams or projects with varying timelines.
• The ability to quickly digests new information and asks relevant questions.
• Identify and solve problems, or where appropriate escalates them; offers solution pathways which benefit the organisation.

Only direct applications that include a CV and covering letter will be considered.

The CEFC is an equal opportunity employer and First Nations candidates are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate must be an Australian citizen and will be required to complete background checks, including security clearances if required, prior to commencement.

By registering your interest or applying for employment within the CEFC Group, you acknowledge that we collect your personal information to enable us to carry out pre-employment checks. Our Privacy Policy contains further information. Any information we collect is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

How to Apply

Please upload your resume and cover letter, along with any other documents to support your application.

Applications close 20 September 2024.

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