Manager, Social License, El2, Australian

Adelaide
- Job closes 18/2/24

**About the Department**:
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

- Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
- Investing in science and technology
- Strengthening the resources sector.

**About the team**:
The Australian Radioactive Waste Agency (ARWA) is leading the responsible management and safe storage and disposal of Australia’s radioactive waste. A key element of ARWA’s program is the delivery of disposal pathways for Australia’s radioactive waste which will provide purpose-built, highly engineered solutions to manage radioactive waste from sources such as nuclear medicine production.

At ARWA, our dynamic, multidisciplinary team has a unique opportunity to drive the future of Australia’s expertise in safe and secure radioactive waste management, to protect people and the environment for generations to come. Our people come from diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures. These differences bring challenges and opportunities, and they will ultimately enhance the delivery of our complex technical work. Our people have the experience and skills to put ARWA at the forefront of the global nuclear waste management field as we deliver world class facilities for Australia.

**Nuclear Literacy**

Radioactive waste exists in many locations around the country, including hospitals, research facilities and universities. While these locations maintain safety measures, they were not specifically designed for long-term waste management, making their continued use unsustainable. The construction and operation of dedicated waste disposal facilities is needed to safeguard the future of Australia's nuclear medicine industry and nuclear research capabilities. ARWA’s culture of safety and security is international best practice and is complemented by our work to increase nuclear literacy in Australia through education and awareness.

**The opportunity**:
To successfully develop and deliver a National Radioactive Waste Management Program, the Australian Government needs to build and maintain its social licence, enhance positive sentiment about the program and the Australian Radioactive Waste Agency (ARWA), support social cohesion, and seek general acceptance and approval from the Australian public.

The Manager, Social License at the Australian Radioactive Waste Agency (ARWA) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the successful implementation of National Radioactive Waste Management Program by developing and implementing a national social license strategy and evidence based future investments that:

- fosters legitimacy, credibility, and trust
- is based on transparency and consent
- gains and maintains social license.

The incumbent will work collaboratively with the Manager, Communications and Engagement and Manager Indigenous Engagement, ARWA SES and Managers to:

- embed ways of working into the agency that support the gaining and maintaining of social license
- ensure ARWA builds and maintains positive relationships, communicates clearly and concisely, and addresses concerns transparently
- integrate perspectives through actively engaging with diverse groups
- set out the future directions of engagement with local communities including with traditional owners, to establish sustainable partnerships
- deliver activities and initiatives that show a willingness to protect the community's social, environmental and cultural ways of life from harmful impacts
- implement a system to measure ARWA’s social performance.

**What’s in it for you?**:
**Essential minimum requirements:
- Experience in stakeholder engagement, community relations, or a related field, preferably within the nuclear or mining or environmental sector.
- Proven experience in managing complex social license initiatives and addressing community concerns in a transparent and effective manner.
- Proficiency with the principles of social license, community empowerment, and transparent communication strategies.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
- Strong project management skills, including the ability to develop and execute strategic plans for stakeholder engagement and trust-building.
- Demonstrated commitment to ethical practices, cultural sensitivity, and inclusion, particularly in engaging with Indigenous communities.
- Understanding of environmental impact assessments, risk management, and regulatory frameworks.
- A current Australian driver’s licence (P2 or above) and a willingness to drive.

**Qualifications**:

- Tertiary qualification in a relevant field such as environmental science, communica