Branch Head, Climate Negotiations and Engagement

Senior Executive Service Band 1
- International Climate Negotiations Division
- Canberra, ACT

**Who we are**
The International Climate Negotiations Division (ICND) is a new division in the DCCEEW that has been established to support Australia’s increased engagement in international climate change negotiations, including in the context of Australia’s bid to host COP31 in close partnership with the Pacific. The Climate Negotiations and Engagement Branch is an established branch within the Climate Group of DCCEEW, which has been incorporated into the new division.

The Climate Negotiations and Engagement Branch leads on Australia’s engagement with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, including Australia’s bid to co-host the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in partnership with the Pacific. Our international policy development and negotiations work covers a broad range of issues, from emissions reduction, adaptation, markets and climate finance to cross-cutting issues such as national security, gender and First Nations perspectives. We support Australian stakeholder engagement in international climate change forums, with a particular focus on youth and First Nations people. We also coordinate Australia’s engagement in events and initiatives at the annual UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP), including through Australia’s national pavilion.

**The Job**
The Branch Head, Climate Negotiations and Engagement leads Australia’s approach to multilateral climate change issues, in close partnership with colleagues leading on other international, bilateral and domestic climate and energy work. The position reports to the Head of Division, International Climate Negotiations Division, including to support their role as the Head of Australia’s Delegation to the UNFCCC.

The Branch Head will be responsible for:

- Leading the development of Australia’s approach to UNFCCC negotiations, including on mitigation, adaptation, climate finance, loss and damage, gender and indigenous issues, markets and transparency.
- Supporting the success of Australia’s bid to host COP31.
- Supporting the development of Australia’s COP31 policy offering, including through working closely with counterparts across the Australian Public Service, and relevant external stakeholders.
- Leading the engagement on international climate issues with domestic stakeholders.
- Administering programs to support Australia’s engagement with domestic stakeholders and international organisation on international climate change issues.
- Leading Australia’s engagement in the UNFCCC COP ‘action agenda’ including through the design and deliver of Australia’s national pavilion.
- Providing strategic advice on cross cutting climate change issues.

**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 possess some or all of the following:

- Experience in standing up a taskforce or other time-bound or mission-oriented team.
- Ability to demonstrate your collaboration and agility with a proven record of delivering high quality and innovative outcomes in a complex, politically sensitive, and operationally diverse environment.
- Ability to drive broad transformational change, both internal and external to the department.
- 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.
- Demonstrating a strategic perspective and ability to manage competing demands and work to tight deadlines.
- 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.

**Please note experience in international engagement and/or international negotiations is desired.**

**Other information**
This position participates in stakeholder engagement across international time zones, requiring some availability outside of general work hours and some international travel.

**Eligibility and other requirements**
**Citizenship** - To be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.

**Security Clearance** - This position requires a **Negative Vetting Level 1** security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

**For additional information, please read the Job Description below.