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

The Opportunity

• Key Social Acceptance Lead position based in Perth
• Engage with collaboration partners, industry, government and across the business to advance world-class science delivery
• Join the Energy Resources Program at CSIRO in this newly created role

The role of Research Management staff is to initiate, develop, lead and promote CSIRO's research capability for the benefit of Australia's economy, society/community and/or environment. 

Whilst the role often has an individual research component, the primary responsibility is the management and/or leadership of research, client relationships, staff and other resources. Research Management staff are responsible for ensuring delivery of scientific results to clients. In accordance with Business Unit and Sector research plans, Research Managers will undertake the establishment and facilitation of multi-team and multi-organisational, collaborative research programs leading to the delivery of results to clients.

The Social Acceptance Lead position will develop a collaboration platform that addresses a broad demand for action catalysing social acceptance activities and knowledge generation for renewable energy projects and the energy transition towards net zero emissions. 

Based in Kensington, Perth It will be coordinated from the Energy Resources Program of the Energy Business Unit and work in association with relevant capability and initiatives in CSIRO Land and Water, and CSIRO Ocean and Atmosphere Business Units.

This key lead role will draw from the work of GISERA within communities, industry and governments to extend those learnings into the renewables and emissions mitigation domain. The position will expand and promote one-CSIRO projects and activities on social acceptance in renewable energy and the energy transition.
The position will also coordinate with Commonwealth and state governments along with key industry partners to catalyse initiatives and develop a broad coalition of support.

Your duties will include:

• Lead a significant research project designing and coordinating initiatives within CSIRO and among external key stakeholders. The program of work will examine dynamics of relationships among communities, institutions, governments and companies as determinants of community consent to energy transition development in key areas of the net zero transition.  
• Examine how issues associated with imbalances in relationships between communities and institutions can lead to an understanding of why groups object to development directed towards achieving net zero emissions. 
• Develop insights into the trade-offs between potential opportunities for broad economic gain versus environmental/social risk to communities and their wellbeing in regions where development is occurring. 
• Undertake targeted, outward focussed initiatives aimed at catalysing activities which address social acceptance issues in specific, identified cases.  Lead strategy development and knowledge improvement of the ways in which social media, community activism and political groups amplify concerns among community members.  Identify the role these factors play in determining social acceptance at the larger scale. 
• Play a leadership role with a focus on the development and management of staff.
• Responsible for fostering collaboration and interactions between scientists and clients.
• Act as a trusted advisor, demonstrate creativity in anticipating and adapting quickly to changes in client needs and market changes, and ensure alignment between client needs and Business Unit research objectives.
• Operate with limited direction within agreed objectives that are aligned with Business Unit/Sector strategy.
• Have a strategic role responsible for the coordination of multi-project, multi-Business Unit and / or multi-sector research.
• Promote and advocate for a research area and have significant input into the development of government, industry and / or public opinion.
• Requirement to represent CSIRO externally, including in public forums, with industry or the research sector or with Government and participation in media interviews as required.
• Initiate and may conduct research that is characterised by significant impact for the economy, society and / or the environment.
• Represent and negotiate on behalf of CSIRO, at the project level, developing new commercial opportunities to the informal commitment stage.
• Communicate openly, effectively and respectfully with all staff, clients and suppliers in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation.

Location:  Perth, WA
Salary:  AU$146,207 - AU$161,767 pa + up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure:  Specified term of 3 years.  Full-time.   
Reference:  91496

To be considered you will need:

Essential
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.

• A PhD (or equivalent) ideally with managerial experience or qualifications or managerial qualifications combined with significant experience and depth of understanding of science from either a research or industry background.
• In depth knowledge of and extensive experience working in a domain of relevance to social acceptance in the resources and/or energy sectors.
• A history of establishing and leading effective science or technology research teams, and a record of strong leadership that has contributed to or defined policy direction and strategy.
• Experience in leading and delivering an integrated portfolio of research projects to external clients and stakeholders while managing internal researcher collaborative relationships within CSIRO.
• High-level written and oral communication skills, evidenced by advanced reporting, presentation and negotiation abilities.
• A proven ability in strategic engagement and relationship building with internal and external stakeholders using complex influencing strategies, that have generated a record of successful delivery of high impact outcomes. 
• Experience and ability to widely consult internally and to negotiate externally on behalf of CSIRO with external clients and stakeholders from resources and/or energy sectors on high profile projects. 
• A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative environment.
• Experience in leading cross Business Unit projects or teams within CSIRO. 
• An outstanding record of science innovation and creativity plus the ability to apply and impart well-developed research skills on scientific investigations of significant consequence.

Desirable

• Experience in a research domain of relevance to social acceptance in the resources and/or energy sectors. 

For full details about this role please review the Position Description.

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to all candidates. 

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 19th March 2023, 11:00 pm AEDT