Branch Head, Enabling Operations Branch

Senior Executive Service Band 1
- International Operations Division
- Canberra ACT, Sydney NSW, Melbourne VIC, Brisbane QLD
- _The successful applicant will be offered a non-ongoing role until approximately mid-2027. The successful applicant must be willing to temporarily relocate to the host city in mid to late-2026 and willing to travel as required. Refer to the other information paragraph below for further details._

**Who we are**
We are the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. We are driving climate action; transforming our energy system; establishing Australia as a renewable energy superpower; conserving, protecting and sustainably managing our environment and water resources through a nature positive approach; and protecting and conserving our natural and cultural heritage. Our vision is an Australia that is prosperous because it is sustainable, with community and Country at the heart of our actions.

Australia is bidding to host the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) in 2026, in partnership with the Pacific. If successful, COP31 will be held over three weeks in November/December 2026 in an Australian city. COPs are one of the largest international meetings in the world with representatives from governments (at all levels), civil society and global media coming together every year to address the collective impacts of climate change.

The International Operations Division comprising of the Enabling Operations Branch and the Event Operations Branch, will be established to manage the logístical and operational components of hosting COP31.

**The Job**
The Branch Head, Enabling Operations will be a strong operational leader who will play a key role in establishing a large temporary workforce and supporting the early preparations of hosting the major international climate conference, COP31.

Reporting to the Division Head, the Branch Head will be responsible for coordinating and managing operational arrangements for COP31 and supporting integration with the policy arm of COP31, including program management and event coordination, integration and governance, finance, procurement, risk management, property and security, human resources, legal, strategic communications and media.

Working closely with other senior executives, you will drive the scoping, design and implementation of corporate enabling operational arrangements to support the achievement of Australia’s strategic objectives in the context of COP31. This includes:

- Developing systems and processes that support a well-integrated, consistent and transparent approach to event planning, risk management, reporting and evaluation.
- Working closely with policy and operational counterparts in shaping the strategic direction of COP31 and its outcomes.
- Overseeing complex procurement processes in accordance with the Commonwealth Procurement guidelines, and budget processes including New Policy Proposals (NPPs) ahead of Budget 2025-26 and ensuring effective management of resources.
- Maintaining key stakeholder relationships and representing the organisation at cross agency, international and industry stakeholder operational committees, and supporting whole of government governance arrangements and efforts towards COP31.
- Overseeing and integrating workforce strategies to support the culture, capability, outcomes and safety of a large multi-functional workforce.
- Engaging with the Division Head to inform the Minister for Climate Change and Energy on key progress, sensitivities and ensure achievement of program objectives and deliverables remains on track.

**What we are looking for**
To be successful for this role you will need to meet the Senior Executive Service (SES) work level standards as determined by the Australian Public Service Commission and have the following:

- Ability to demonstrate your collaboration and agility with a proven record of delivering high quality and innovative project outcomes in a complex, politically sensitive, and operationally diverse environment.
- Employ astute judgement, make sound and well-informed decisions whilst working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines.
- Excellent leadership skills, a substantial record of achievement and a reputation for innovation and delivery of results.
- Excellent stakeholder relationship skills and experience in engaging with internal and external stakeholders at all levels to explore opportunities and solve complex problems.
- Strategic perspective and ability to manage competing demands and work to tight deadlines.
- Highly developed management and representation skills, and ability to negotiate outcomes on behalf of the department at a range of forums.
- Ability to communicate effectively with all audiences, be articulate, persuasive and capable of guiding outcomes to a point of resolution in a facilitative way.
- Demonstrated ability in building a team and enabling people, providing