Branch Head, Emissions Reduction Assurance

Senior Executive Service Band 1
- Emissions Reduction Division
- Canberra, ACT

**Identified position** - This position is an ‘Identified’ position which signifies that the role has a strong involvement in issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The successful applicant must have an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People.

**Who we are**
The Emissions Reduction Division (ERD) develops and implements Australia's domestic policies and programs to get, and keep, Australia on track to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 43 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030, and net zero by 2050. Our work spans the economy, with particular focus on the transport, agricultural and land sectors. Our division also provides policy and governance advice on the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme. The Division delivers the National Greenhouse Accounts and emissions projections, which provide information on Australia's historical, current and projected greenhouse gas emissions, fulfilling international reporting obligations.

The Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee (ERAC) Secretariat is a branch in ERD. It plays an important role in implementing the ACCU Scheme.

The ERAC Secretariat supports the ERAC in performing its functions. The ERAC Secretariat leads operation of the proponent-led method development process, and on consultation relating to the assessment and review of method ideas, existing methods, and crediting periods. To that end, the ERAC Secretariat works closely with other branches in the ERD, as well as with the Clean Energy Regulator, and other agencies and experts with deep knowledge in climate mitigation. It also works closely with the Biodiversity Markets Division in the Department to support efficient implementation and operation of the Nature Repair Act 2023. The delivery of best practice probity and corporate governance arrangements, and the ERAC’s Stakeholder Engagement Strategy and First Nations Inclusion Plan, feature large in the ERAC Secretariat’s list of responsibilities.

**The Job**
With on-going reforms to the ACCU Scheme and the evolution of the methods that underpin it, the Branch Head of the ERAC Secretariat is an important and influential role. The Secretariat’s staff engage with new science, technology and innovation, as well as policy, economics and governance - all through the frame of integrity, transparency and contributing to Australia’s climate change targets. The emphasis from the ERAC on First Nations inclusion and stakeholder engagement, as well as the reintroduction of the proponent led method development process, means the Secretariat is increasingly outward facing.

The Branch Head of the ERAC Secretariat will be responsible for:

- Leading a team of dedicated public servants, and exercising financial, human resources, and organisational management for the work of the branch.
- Working closely with the ERAC Chair and Members to plan and deliver the ERAC’s work program and ensure the ERAC’s decisions and advice to the Minister are based on robust evidence and analytics.
- Leading and managing the ACCU Scheme proponent-led method development process, reviews of ACCU Scheme methods, and implementing outcomes of the method reviews consistent with the requirements under the CFI Act and Rule.
- Providing input to the Carbon Crediting Branch’s work on policy and legislative reforms to the ACCU Scheme.
- Working with the Clean Energy Regulator on matters relating to the review of methods, proposals submitted to the proponent led method development process, and crediting period and sunsetting reviews.
- Leading consultation and engagement with external stakeholders across sectors and jurisdictions, to inform the ERAC’s assessments and reviews.

**What we are looking for**
To be successful for this role you will need to meet the Senior Executive Service capability for the SES band 1 level, and you will have the following:

- Outstanding leadership skills, a substantial record of achievement and a reputation for a strategic mindset.
- A commitment to, and demonstrated experience in, nurturing a workplace culture that develops high performing teams that deliver results.
- Ability to communicate effectively with all audiences, be articulate and persuasive and capable of guiding negotiations to a point of resolution in a facilitative way.
- Demonstrated experience in implementing innovative and robust governance arrangements, and associated communications strategies, in a complex, politically sensitive environment.
- Excellent stakeholder relationship skills and experience in engaging with internal and external stakeholders to explore opportunities, solve complex problems and drive transformational change.
- Sound financial and organisational management skills and an ability to manage competin