Division Head, International Operations Division

Senior Executive Service Band 2
- 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 Division Head will lead and manage complex, cross-cutting logistics, enabling and operational arrangements for COP31, including international engagement with the UNFCCC and Pacific partners ahead of Australia’s hosting in 2026. The Head of Operations will drive the achievement of Australia’s strategic objectives in the context of COP31, domestically and internationally, working with other Government agencies and international counterparts.

The Division Head will be responsible for:

- Building and managing a diverse leadership team.
- Working closely with policy and operational counterparts, overseeing and shaping the strategic direction and high-level objectives for the COP31 conference and pre-COP meetings.
- Overseeing the planning, coordination and delivery of all COP31-related events, including preliminary events that could be held outside Australia.
- Developing systems and processes that support a well-integrated, consistent and transparent approach to event planning, risk management, reporting and evaluation.
- Overseeing complex budget management, reporting and procurement processes in accordance with Commonwealth legislation and guidelines.
- Leading consultations, and working in partnership with, numerous external stakeholders on operational arrangements.
- Developing and maintaining key stakeholder relationships and representing the organisation at cross agency, international and industry stakeholder operational committees.
- Identifying and mitigating risks involved in delivering a successful COP31 conference.
- Engaging closely with internal stakeholders to ensure the Minister’s office are informed on key progress, sensitivities and ensure achievement of key objectives and deliverables remain 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.
- Outstanding 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.
- The 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 public service professionalism and probity.

In addition, a demonstrated ability to deliver large scale projects or events and experience in a senior role with one or more of the identified key functional areas will be highly regarded and should be detailed in your statement of claims.

**Other information**
The successful applicant will be offered a non-ongoing role until approximately mid-2027.

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