Senior/Principal Advisor - Connections Reform

Division: System Design

Department: Onboarding & Connections

Reference number: 13172

Engagement type: Permanent

AEMO at the Heart of Energy

AEMO is Australia’s independent energy system and market operator and system planner. AEMO’s 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.

Benefits

In return some of our benefits to you

• Flexible working: work from home, part time, job share, hybrid options, and additional leave options
• Professional development via projects, industry networks, job 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 requireme nt s to support you during the application or interview process, simply let us know by emailing us a t [email protected]