SeniorPrincipal Advisor Connections Reform
Job Summary
Division: System Design
Department: Onboarding & Connections
Reference number:13172
Engagement type:Permanent
AEMO at the Heart of Energy
AEMO is Australias independent energy system and market operator and system planner. AEMOs purpose is to ensure safe reliable and affordable energy today and enable the energy transition for the benefit of all Australians. Australian governments are now committed to a net zero economy for Australia by 2050 and our vision is to enable this.
We have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to co-design the future of our energy systems and our core values revolve around character commitment and connection. Join us as we contribute to this significant transition in the energy sector.
The Onboarding and Connections (O&C) Division is responsible for the end-to-end connection process across the National Electricity Market (NEM). Operationally the division works closely with transmission and distribution network service providers in supporting project developers and equipment manufacturers through the application registration and commissioning phases of the project lifecycle to enable release to full operation. It is responsible for recommending projects for NEM registration and full commercial operation.
In its role the division provides guidance to all parties regarding how the National Electricity Rules (NER) should be interpreted regarding connection assessment requirements and materials to be provided. The O&C Connections Reform team works closely with internal and external stakeholders to identify and deliver ongoing improvements to the connections process.
About the role
The Senior/Principal Advisor will provide policy regulatory and project leadership to support major connections reform initiatives across the NEM. The role develops policy positions manages regulatory change processes and works with technical specialists and industry stakeholders to deliver practical evidence-based reform outcomes.
Key focus areas include the Connections Reform Initiative (CRI) the Access Standards Review and broader reforms relating to emerging technologies large scale connections and power system modelling. The role requires strong policy judgement stakeholder engagement project management and the ability to develop clear well-reasoned advice that informs industry market and government decision making.
What you will be doing
- Lead the development of policy positions and guidance to support major connections reform initiatives across the NEM.
- Manage reform projects from planning through to delivery ensuring outcomes align with strategic objectives budgets and timeframes.
- Prepare high quality briefing papers consultation materials and recommendations for senior leaders industry stakeholders and market bodies.
- Collaborate with technical legal operational and regulatory specialists to develop practical reform solutions and implementation approaches.
- Engage with industry government and market participants to support consultation processes build consensus and drive successful reform outcomes.
- Identify and manage project risks dependencies and stakeholder needs to support efficient transparent and predictable connections outcomes.
What you will bring to the role
Education
- Tertiary qualifications in law public policy regulation economics engineering or a related discipline.
- Experience in electricity connections energy market regulation policy development stakeholder consultation or rule and procedure change processes would be highly regarded.
Experience and Knowledge
- Experience developing policy advice reform proposals or consultation materials in a complex stakeholder environment.
- Demonstrated experience building leading and managing project teams fostering accountability collaboration and delivery focused outcomes.
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to interpret rules/technical frameworks and communicate issues clearly.
- Proven ability to lead projects and influence diverse stakeholders to achieve practical reform outcomes.
- Ability to collaborate across technical legal regulatory and operational teams to develop robust solutions and recommendations.
- Understanding of the National Electricity Market National Electricity Rules and connections environment or the ability to quickly develop this expertise.
In return some of our benefits to you
- Flexible working: work from home part timejob share hybrid optionsand additional leave options
- Professional development via projects industry networksjob rotation study assistance and more.
- Give back with up to 4 days of volunteering leave per year.
- Reward your hard work with annual performance bonuses (subject to eligibility).
- Embrace a healthier you with our wellness program discounted health insurance gym perks and our comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
About Our Process
At AEMO we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome people of all backgrounds including people with disabilities and neurodivergence and those who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the application or interview process simply let us know by emailing us at
Required Experience:
Staff IC
About Company
AEMO manages electricity and gas systems and markets across Australia, helping to ensure Australians have access to affordable, secure and reliable energy.