Just announced! This is your opportunity to be at the leading edge of working with industry to deliver a new energy efficiency upgrade activity for household insulation under the Victorian Government's flagship Victorian Energy Upgrades program, helping to deliver real benefits for Victorians!

About the role

The new Program Director will be responsible for cross-functional work across several Divisions within Solar Victoria, to lead and oversee the development and implementation of a new household insulation activity and associated Safety and Quality Framework (the "Framework") under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program.

The Program Director will guide the necessary development of the activity and safety and quality assurance measures for the installation of insulation in residential premises, and the development and implementation of robust processes and activities to ensure that risks are managed appropriately, and that installations are undertaken in a safe and compliant manner. This will also entail leading dedicated high-level policy and program development to significantly build the capability and capacity of the industry, and its knowledge of and adherence to safety and compliance requirements. The controls developed will ensure safer installations, enhanced worker and quality protections and contribute to the market for product certification.

The Program Director will also work closely with the Essential Services Commission and DEECA's Legal and Legislative Branch to investigate and develop specific minimum requirements for accredited providers and companies delivering the activity to become accredited for the purposes of undertaking household insulation installations under the VEU program, including minimum product requirements and specifications to ensure safety and quality requirements are robust and in place prior to any activity commencing. This will include consideration of appointing a panel of products, manufacturers and installers to participate in the program.

VEU is the largest energy efficiency program in Australia and its intended outcomes are to safely and effectively lift the energy efficiency of homes which in turn will provide for energy bill savings for upgraded households, as well as improve home comfort and health outcomes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Program Director role will suit someone who enjoys being at the leading edge of product and program development, with experience in a safety or regulatory environment and an affinity in working with industry. Experience in the building and construction sector and engaging with industry stakeholders will be highly regarded. You will have high level stakeholder engagement skills and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across different functions and teams.

The Program Director will directly lead a small team and will also guide and bring together the work of other teams across Solar Victoria to contribute to collaborative outcomes in the development and delivery of this complex new activity under the VEU program. The design and implementation of work streams will require strong ongoing collaboration with the industry, the Essential Services Commission (ESC), DEECA Legal and Legislative Branch and other areas of government. As such, the successful applicant will have strong interpersonal, relationship and negotiation skills, an understanding of markets, and well-developed capabilities in analysis of policy options and experience with regulatory frameworks.

Given the high-level imperative for this work, initially the Program Director will report to the CEO of Solar Victoria and over time will transition into the Solar Victoria structure as determined.

About you:

To be successful in the role, you will have:

• Experience in the establishment, oversight and delivery of significant, complex public programs within a government policy framework.
• Experience in a safety or regulatory environment and coordinating activities of multiple government agencies to enable safe implementation of programs.
• Understanding of risk identification and management systems.
• A relevant tertiary degree/qualification in a compliance related field, or public policy and administration.
• Understanding of economics and markets and ability to engage with business and industry stakeholders - particularly in the building and construction sector, and as it relates to energy or energy efficiency is highly desirable.

About the Group

Solar Victoria's purpose is to enable access to affordable, reliable and clean energy for Victorians now and in the future.

We deliver the Victorian Government's $1.3 billion Solar Homes Program, providing rebates to eligible households for solar panels, hot water systems and batteries, as well as solar for rental properties. In addition, we have complementary programs that support small businesses with solar, individuals and businesses with subsidies for zero emissions vehicles and low-income households to upgrade to energy efficient heating and cooling. Our aim is to deliver solar power to 778,500 Victorian homes over 10-years and to reach one million Victorians through our suite of programs.

Solar Victoria also delivers the Victorian Energy Upgrades program, the state's largest emissions reduction program, which supports Victoria to achieve its energy transition and emissions reduction goals through improved energy efficiency, demand management, and household and business electrification. This is delivered through policy development, regulatory changes, and program initiatives, and involves collaboration with other jurisdictions on national standards, research, tools, and policy.

The VEU program works closely with the Essential Services Commission to drive and deliver on Government's priority policy objectives through the provision of more than half a billion dollars' worth of incentives each year - supporting Victorian households and businesses with their energy bills and creating jobs for industry.

As part of DEECA, Solar Victoria works closely across the department including with the Energy and Environment and Climate Change Groups, along with industry, regulators and community organisations.

For more information, visit: www.solar.vic.gov.au

This is a full-time position available for a period of 2 years. The work location for this position is Melbourne CBD or Morwell, with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages), summarising their skills and relevant experience.

For further information, please refer to the attached position description or call Stan Krpan, Chief Executive Officer, Solar Victoria on 0413 271 239 or email [email protected].

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 27 April 2025.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check.

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.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and 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.