The Position 

• Support advocacy and policy development with a focus on water sector resilience, sustainability, climate change, environment and ESG corporate reporting. 
• Engage with utility members and stakeholders to support meaningful change and impact through knowledge brokering, collaboration, and project delivery. 
• Drive water sector resilience and sustainability initiatives by working collaboratively with members to deliver on water sector commitments and ambitions to embed sustainable practices and meet environmental goals. 
• Provide expertise across resource recovery and efficiency, emissions reduction, biodiversity, and climate resilience. 

The Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) and our members are pursuing the following areas applicable to resilience and sustainability in delivering on its purpose of connecting and leading the water sector to enable thriving communities: 

• Water Security: achieve equitable access to safe and secure water and wastewater services. 
• Resilient & Regenerative Future: embrace resilience through circular design, safeguarding the wellbeing of future generations in our cities and towns.  
• Water sector climate change commitment. 

This role is within the Sustainability and Strategy portfolio, which includes initiatives related to water quality, water and wastewater planning, integrated water cycle management, water security, environment, energy management, circular economy transition, corporate sustainability reporting (aligned with the SDGs, TCFD, TNFD, Scope 1,2,3 emissions and ESG), and supporting Reconciliation. 

Responsibilities

1.   Support the Manager Sustainability and Strategy in delivering the applicable priorities of the WSAA Strategy 2030 and associated WSAA member committees and networks. This includes providing expert advice and assisting with policy development and advocacy to help the industry adapt to future challenges and opportunities.

2.   Help influence policy and industry direction to improve water’s role in productivity, growth and the wellbeing of customers and the community. This includes providing support through outcomes developed by WSAA networks and assisting collaboration across different sectors and disciplines. The role will include the need to liaise with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders.

3.   Manage the contractual components of projects – issuing pro-forma contractual agreements, tracking project outcomes, liaison with the project delivery team and consultants, ensuring invoices are correct and paid, and ensuring project outcomes meet water utility expectations and communicate progress and effectiveness.

4.   Coordinate and support the relevant WSAA networks and communities of practice. This may include developing agenda's, taking minutes, organising speakers, facilitating meetings workshops (both online and in-person) and providing project updates.

5.   Prepare reports, summaries, presentations and other material to support the delivery, promotion and information transfer for the WSAA Strategy 2030 and associated WSAA member committees and networks. Importantly, you will need to stay informed about the latest research and developments in relevant fields, including analysing trends and emerging issues.

6.   Contribute to the review, advocacy and submissions of national, state and territory governments’ policies, as they relate to the priorities and outcomes of the WSAA Strategy 2030.

7.   Ensure projects are delivered to a standard that meets member requirements and are promoted throughout industry. This includes supporting the implementation of strategies and initiatives that deliver on the purpose and priorities of the WSAA Strategy 2030.

8.   Assist the WSAA team in raising the profile of WSAA and the water sector generally. 

Key Attributes and Personal Qualities 

• Experience in being able to influence and deliver project outcomes involving a range of stakeholders without direct line authority.  
• Confidence in operating independently and networking. 
• Ability to work autonomously as part of a small team and facilitate engagement (workshops, meetings, webinars) with stakeholders at different levels.  
• Well organised and efficient with proven project management and inter-personal skills, including meeting deadlines and delivering projects within budget.  
• Capable of effectively translating and communicating trends and technical insights to various audiences. 
• Good written and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to deliver effective, quality presentations.  
• An adaptable approach to work recognising that WSAA is a small and agile organisation.  
• A high level of personal energy and initiative, motivated to achieve outcomes and explore new initiatives.  
• A high level of professionalism and personal integrity.  
• Willingness and ability to travel.  

Experience and Qualifications 

• A minimum of 2-5 years of professional experience in roles relating to sustainability, environmental management, climate change adaptation and/or mitigation, or similar. 
• Prior experience within the water sector is highly desirable but not essential.
• A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, sustainability, environmental policy, environmental engineering, or a related field. 

About WSAA  

The Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) is the peak body representing the water sector. Our members provide water and wastewater services to over 24 million customers in Australia and New Zealand and many of Australia's largest industrial and commercial enterprises.  

WSAA delivers value to our members and their customers and communities by: 

• Connecting and collaborating with members, and within and beyond the water sector. 
• Supporting our members to create value for their customers and communities, and list performance. 
• Leading the water sector through our advocacy. 
• Championing a diverse, inclusive, safe and sustainable organisation and sector.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and value diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We encourage all applicants, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse communities to join WSAA.

Terms of Appointment

Full-time contract, pending the completion of a successful 6-month probationary period. Some travel in Australia will be required. A flexible and attractive remuneration package is available for the right candidate.

Hybrid working based in either our Melbourne (Docklands) or Sydney (CBD) office.

How to Apply

Please send your CV with a covering letter detailing your experience relating to the above attributes and experience requirements to Jason Mingo Jason.Mingo@wsaa.asn.au by Thursday 12 December 2024

For More Information

Contact: Jason Mingo, Manager Strategy and Sustainability

Jason.Mingo@wsaa.asn.au 

0429 005 603