Introduction

In November 2022, the Victorian Government committed to reviving the State Electricity Commission (SEC) with an initial $1 billion investment to bring back government ownership of energy and deliver 4.5 gigawatts of renewable power. The SEC Implementation Office's primary responsibility is to support the revival of the SEC. Victoria is in the midst of a major energy transformation, with new energy technologies, new industries, and new ways of doing things. The Victorian Government recognises this and the need for a modern energy system to support our economy and way of life – an energy system that is sustainable, reliable and affordable. Once established, the SEC will contribute towards the significant transformation of the energy sector in Victoria.

The SEC Implementation Office is part of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), which brings together Victoria's climate change, biodiversity protection, resources, water, energy, land management, agriculture, forest, and fire management functions.

The SEC Implementation Office is recruiting staff to establish the SEC, with a variety of positions available for at least 6 months and up to 24 months. A talent pool is being developed to find the core skill areas required now and into the future. Applicants for these roles will automatically be considered for similar positions. Roles will commence from February and March 2023.

There is an opportunity for these roles to be located in Melbourne (8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002) and Morwell (65 Church St, Morwell VIC 3840).

About the Legal and governance stream

The Legal and Governance stream includes roles for:

  • VPS6 Managing Principal Solicitor (one role)

  • VPS5 Senior Solicitor (multiple positions)

  • VPS4 Solicitor (multiple positions)

  • VPS6 Manager, Risk (one role)

  • VPS6 Manager, Governance (one role)

  • VPS5 Senior Adviser, Governance (multiple roles)

Legal and governance roles support the provision of specialist expertise and legal advisory services, strategic advice on governance, governance reforms, integrity and risk to support the establishment and operations of the State Electricity Commission (SEC) and SEC Implementation Office.

Successful applicants in this stream will be well organised, have a high level of attention to detail, strong stakeholder management skills and have a service mindset that supports the SEC Implementation Office to report accurate and high-quality information on a timely basis. Ideal candidates will feel comfortable working in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.

Further information about the key accountabilities, required skills and experience is provided in the attached Job Cards.

There are multiple opportunities to work in legal and governance roles at the SEC Implementation Office. Applying for a specific role will also mean that you will go into a pool for legal and governance roles for 12 months. You may be contacted by the SEC Implementation Office for other opportunities in this pool.

Core skills, key capabilities

Successful candidates in this stream will be able to demonstrate the key selection criteria outlined for the relevant role, which will include one or more of the following:

  • Providing legal advice in a public, private or in-house sector context.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, in influencing decision making and an ability to make decisions under pressure

  • Managing stakeholder relationships across areas of complex and competing needs, facilitating innovative solutions to deliver benefits and resolve issues

  • Establishing, coordinating, planning and delivering corporate governance programs and / or effective risk management systems

  • Promoting good governance practices through effective communication with internal stakeholders and across other government departments

Your application
To be considered for this stream, applicants must submit:
1. An application form –to support the assessment of a candidate's level capability and experience against core skill areas for the role, and others like it. Please note, the application form is embedded and applicants will be able to access it after clicking ‘Apply now'.
2. A current resume (under three pages)

To be considered for the first round of shortlisting, please apply by midnight on Sunday 26 February 2023. This application portal will remain open for the SEC Implementation Office talent pool for unfilled or future vacant roles.
Your application for this stream will automatically place you in a talent pool to be considered for similar positions.
Candidates do not need to submit separate applications for the jobs listed above, however, you will need to submit a separate application if you would like to apply for roles in other streams (one application per stream).

Other relevant information

If you are currently an employee of the VPS this opportunity could be considered a secondment. You should understand your department's secondment policy and how this may impact on your employment (ongoing and fixed term).

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check. Recruitment is subject to the prospective employee confirming their vaccination status as up to date (3 doses) or providing evidence that they are medically exempt.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

How we will use your data
Your responses will be collected and stored in accordance with our privacy policies:

  • Jobs and skills exchange privacy policy

  • Careers Victoria privacy policy

  • As required to manage your application in the pool.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace
DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we value cultural safety by creating environments, relationships and systems free from racism and discrimination so that people can feel safe, valued and able to participate. We focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave.