- Employment Type: Full-Time (35 hours p/week)
- Duration: 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract (with possibility for extension)
- Remuneration: Competitive Market Salary (commensurate with skills and experience)
- Location: UNSW Kensington Campus (On-site)
Why Your Role Matters:
As the Chief Operating Officer of the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub (decarbhub.au), you will manage the day-to-day operations of the Hub business unit, ensuring compliance with the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer as well as Environmental Trust Funding Deed (Conditions of Grant) and the Collaboration Agreement between Partners (University of Sydney, University of Wollongong, University of Newcastle, Western Sydney University, Charles Sturt University, Southern Cross Universities and Department of Primary Industries) and UNSW (the admin organisation of the Hub), and to the Governance Board for all governance and statutory matters.
Critical to this position, the Chief Operating Officer will execute the development of Hub finance and operational plans, supporting the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in the implementation of effective business processes that satisfy Hub needs and maintain an effective working relationship between the Hub, Networks and its stakeholders.
Key to your success in this position will be your ability to engage and collaborate with all networks and partners across UNSW and other Universities.
The Chief Operating Officer, NSW Decarb Hub is based in the UNSW Kensington Campus (4-5 days onsite) and reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NSW Decarbonisation Hub and has two direct reports.
Please click on the link to read more about the Decarb Hub.
Accountabilities:
Specific accountabilities for this role include:
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the Hub business unit, including all aspects of the establishment, operation and reporting of KPl’s, milestones, and outcomes of the program in accordance with the requirements of the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer as well as Environmental Trust Funding Deed and the Collaboration Agreement between Partners and UNSW.
- Oversee the management of resources, infrastructure, technology, and HR matters relating to the Hub and provide strategic professional development advice to Hub Staff.
- Work collaboratively with Hub Leaders and also support the Networks and its stakeholders to provide leadership, development, and implementation of the strategic and business plans, ensuring a culture of continuous improvement.
- In Collaboration with the CEO, identify and pursue opportunities for strategic links to other relevant organisations and end users, such as government and sector agencies.
- Provide effective financial governance and control by working closely with finance staff to monitor budgets, prepare and finalise reports, identify issues and make recommendations.
- Create, and maintain the Hub policies and procedures, undertaking activities that support process improvement and increased efficiency.
- Lead the reporting requirements including Annual Report, Workplan, Implementation Plan and Business Plan submissions, in consultation/coordination with the Networks and partners.
- Ensure responsibility for the oversight of the Hub’s communications, outreach and media plans to ensure strategic outreach.
- Provide advice, guidance and support in relation to governance controls, delegations and decision- making processes, ensuring alignment to university policies.
- Establish and coordinate governance and control frameworks and processes across the program, ensuring compliance with relevant legislative and regulatory controls.
- Ensure effective management and protection of Hub related Intellectual Property and patents.
- Establish and maintain close working relationships across the University, industry partners and government in support of Hub and Networks Program (EESN, LPIN and PFHN) collaborative projects and initiatives.
For more information regarding the responsibilities for this role, please refer to the Position Description at JOBS@UNSW.
Skills and Experience Summary:
- Relevant post-graduate qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through another combination of education, training and experience.
- Demonstrated in-depth understanding and knowledge of university operations and academic culture, innovation ecosystems and education.
- Proven leadership and management experience in a multi-organisational program with experience spanning across business management, strategy, planning and implementation.
- Comprehensive understanding of HR, finance, and governance processes including legal contracts, reporting obligations, budgeting, cash flow management, contracting and auditing
- Demonstrated ability to independently manage initiatives and programs arising from operational and strategic plans including setting priorities and objectives and have influence over the size and composition of available resources.
- Understanding of research commercialisation and experience managing intellectual property and multiparty project agreements.
- Demonstrated financial management experience, including overseeing business unit and research project finance including budgeting, resource estimation & costing/pricing, reporting and forecasting with financial sustainability in mind.
- Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills and proven capacity to exercise initiative, flexibility and be proactive in the development of robust solutions to problems.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships at all levels including the ability to motivate, lead and manage teams.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate partnerships across inter-institutional teams to deliver the Hub objectives
- High level written and verbal communication, interpersonal and influencing skills
About Us:
The NSW Decarbonisation Hub (the Hub) was established in June 2022 and is a key component of the Net Zero Industry and Innovation Program (NZIIP) under the NSW Government’s Net Zero Plan (NZP) Stage 1: 2020-2030. The Hub supports the NSW Government’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050 and a 50% reduction by 2030, which aims to bring together researchers, industry and government stakeholders to collaborate and increase the uptake of new technologies to decarbonise NSW. The Hub acts as a coordination point for its three priority areas/networks: Electrification & Energy Systems (EESN), Land & Primary Industries (LPIN) and Power Fuels including Hydrogen (PFHN).
Benefits and Culture: People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include:
- Career development opportunities
- 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments
- Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
- Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)
How to Apply: Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Submit your CV along with a cover letter that addresses your suitability for the role in relation to the selection criteria listed under the ‘skills & experience’ section of the Position Description via the application portal.
A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.
Applications Close: On the 10th of April 2025 at 11:30pm.
Get in Touch: For queries regarding the recruitment process, contact Lucy Gerondis, Talent Acquisition Consultant, UNSW: l.gerondis@unsw.edu.au
Applications sent via email will not be accepted, please apply via the application portal.
UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
