Principal Project Origination

_Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) is currently looking for Principal - Project Origination to join the onshore Development team in Newcastle, NSW, Australia._

**The role**

As the Principal of Project Origination, you will play a crucial role in establishing and developing a new portfolio of wind, solar and firming projects across the National Electricity Market (NEM) in Australia. Based in the vibrant city of Newcastle, you will contribute to the growth of renewable energy initiatives, establish, and build a market leading team and step in to oversee contractors and consultants delivering across multiple states for CIP.

**Responsibilities will further consist of**
- Lead the origination and development of renewable energy projects across the NEM in collaboration with the onshore platform and broader CIP team.
- Build a team of tier 1 land access managers and project origination specialists to secure agreements for new energy projects.
- Establish and manage relationships with contractors, consultants, and stakeholders involved in project origination and early development.
- Oversee the development of the project portfolio in line with company objectives and industry standards.
- Contribute to the establishment of a new office in Newcastle and actively participate in building a high calibre, motivated and dynamic team.
- Interface with key internal stakeholders, governmental bodies, and industry partners to ensure project success.

**Main Interfaces / stakeholders**
- Collaborate with internal teams for seamless project integration.
- Engage with landowners and their representatives to negotiate agreements and be the face of the onshore platform in the field during early development stages.
- Engage with internal legal teams, external contractors, consultants, and other advisors to ensure agreements are fit for project, bankable and economic.
- Interface with local authorities and business leaders for early development stages and to initiate strong relationships in the regions for our projects.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Renewable Energy, Business, or related field.
- Strong knowledge of the National Electricity Market (NEM) and Australian renewable energy policies, and the ability to explain technical concepts to lay people.
- A high degree of commercial acumen and disciplined negotiation skills.
- Excellent communication, personability and credibility with rural people in rural areas.
- A desire to travel widely, direct multiple project teams and maintain relationships with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

**Why Newcastle**

Newcastle offers an optimal environment for renewable energy development due to its strategic location as a major electricity node with excellent access to multiple Renewable Energy Zones, and at the centre of multiple major HV electrical upgrades over the next decade. The Hunter Region has been at the centre of the NEM for over fifty years with major industrial loads close to the primary generation fleet, right on the high voltage network backbone with major airport, port facilities and impressive labor force. Newcastle is a strategic location to prospect and develop energy projects both onshore and offshore, while enjoying all the benefits of the progressive coastal lifestyle that the Hunter does so well.

**The process**

**CIP’s commitment to diversity and inclusion**

CIP is committed to securing a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone feels respected and heard. A diverse workforce allows CIP to achieve results through different approaches and solutions to task execution and problem solving. We want all our employees to have equal opportunities for personal growth and career opportunities regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability religion, nationality, and ethnicity.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Work Authorisation:

- Australia (preferred)

Work Location: In person