Strategic Engagement Lead, National Energy Analysis Centre (NEAC)

Acknowledgement of Country 

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation. 

Role highlights

• Play a key role in Australia's transition to a net zero energy future
• Lead strategic engagement for a cutting-edge digital and real-world energy innovation platform
• Collaborate with researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders on nationally significant work

About CSIRO

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.

Visit CSIRO.au for more information.

About NEAC

The National Energy Analysis Centre (NEAC) is a CSIRO-led, next-generation digital research infrastructure that will drive and inform Australia's energy transition to net zero. NEAC offers a systems-science approach, combining technical data with human behaviour insights to support faster, smarter energy innovation. It connects real people, physical test facilities, and sophisticated modelling to support researchers, innovators, and policymakers in shaping the energy landscape of the future.

NEAC includes:

• The Living Lab – a real-world data network of homes, businesses and energy users
• The Systems Science Toolbox – a comprehensive model suite for Australia's entire energy system
• Physical Infrastructure Integration – connections to CSIRO facilities for testing and simulation

The opportunity 

As the Strategic Engagement Lead, you’ll be the driving force behind NEAC’s connection with its users and Living Lab participants. With your strong understanding of the energy sector and stakeholder engagement expertise, you’ll help bring NEAC’s vision to life. From onboarding new participants to co-designing innovation trials and supporting external partnerships, your work will be pivotal in ensuring NEAC delivers meaningful, collaborative, and high-impact energy research outcomes.

Your high-level duties will include: 

• Recruit and onboard new NEAC Living Lab participants in line with NEAC’s strategy and priorities.
• Co-design and coordinate innovation trials involving participants and users from research, industry, and government.
• Develop and implement engagement and retention activities for NEAC stakeholders.
• Respond to participant inquiries and manage ongoing relationships with Living Lab contributors.
• Work closely with NEAC leadership to shape roadmap, systems, and business planning.
• Support stakeholder engagement strategies, including working with CSIRO’s legal, commercial, communications, and business development teams.
• Help attract external investment and broaden NEAC’s community of users and collaborators.

Role particulars

• Location and office arrangements: Newcastle, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra or Perth preferred. Any location with a CSIRO Energy presence may be considered
• Salary: AU$131k – AU$153k per annum (pro rata for part-time), plus 15.4% superannuation
• Tenure & work schedule: 3 year specified term, full time. Options for part-time, job-share and flexible work arrangements can be discussed based on needs of role and individual circumstances.
• Reference: 100668

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

• A degree in science or engineering or equivalent
• Knowledge and experience of the energy sector and its transition including market, governance and technical aspects
• Meaningful experience in stakeholder engagement in government or industry, such as communication planning, channel management, market research, or community engagement
• Excellent communication and presentation skills including writing, editorial and brand development and experience presenting to senior stakeholders
• The ability to represent the whole initiative, convey technical concepts in an accessible way for stakeholders, and work with diverse cross-disciplinary teams
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, budgets and deadlines
• The ability to work in a lead role, sensing the priorities, taking initiative, navigating ambiguity, and exercising sound judgement in resolving matters to achieve desired results

• The ability to work collaboratively within a purpose-driven, customer-focused agile team, supporting team priorities in a dynamic and innovative operational environment

For full details about this role, and other criteria, please review the Position Description. 

Not sure if you meet all the criteria?

While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate this. Don’t let the list discourage you. If you are unsure about applying, please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description.

Setting you up for success

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please contact Nicole on nicole.poole@csiro.au and let us know how we can support you.  

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO.

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Eligibility 

Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens, New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.   

Child safety 

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy. 

How to apply 

Please apply online and submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and CV that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the essential requirements of this role.

Applications close 

23th July 2025, 11:59pm AEST