SUMMARY

This is an unique opportunity to deliver an exciting consumer energy pilot to showcase an all-electric future in a community in NSW’s Illawarra region. The Pilot Deployment & Research Manager will be a key role in the project and part of a cutting edge team. You will have responsibility for the design and deployment of the research strategy and delivery of the research outcomes in this world-first project.

You’ll be engaging with householders and their suppliers across a pilot community as they electrify and optimise their home energy systems. The research will combine sociological and qualitative research with quantitative data analysis, based on costs and savings information, home energy data and consumer behaviour.

ABOUT THE PILOT

Rewiring Australia has put electrification on the national agenda as the fastest way to accelerate emissions reduction in Australia. For households this means replacing gas appliances with efficient electric appliances, maximising rooftop solar and supporting storage and EVs that provide energy to the grid.

This deployment project will electrify 500 homes within a single distribution network area. This concentrated location will test the model and reveal important technical and social barriers. The pilot will further identify key economic and regulatory barriers and opportunities that will help us understand how to advance electrification across the nation.

Rewiring Australia created this electrification deployment concept in order to accelerate climate action. We have partnered with an energy solutions company and a network company to undertake a world-first community electrification pilot.

Rewiring Australia will be responsible primarily for the design and execution of the research outcomes as well as the recruitment and engagement of 500 participants. The initial testing stages of the project are planned to start in Q3 2024 with full rollout in 2025 and 2026 including monitoring and research.

ABOUT REWIRING AUSTRALIA

Rewiring Australia is a dynamic, growing non-profit organisation. We are the Australian part of a growing international network of climate organisations pushing for rapid emission reduction through electrification. We have shifted the climate and energy debate towards urgent, optimistic action that reduces energy bills for consumers and has the potential to deliver emissions reduction towards a 1.5 degree carbon budget. Most Rewiring Australia staff work remotely but this position will be located with local staff in the 2515 postcode area.

REPORTING & RELATIONSHIPS

• Report directly to the Pilot Operations Manager
• The role is located within the new four-person team located in or near the pilot area: this role, Pilot Operations Manager, Pilot Communications and Engagement Manager and Pilot Engagement Support Officer
• Work closely with colleagues in the broader, national Rewiring Australia team, in particular the Market Transformation Manager and Mobilisation & Engagement Manager
• Work closely with the pilot consortium partners

REMUNERATION AND TERMS

• $110,000 annual salary plus standard superannuation entitlements
• 18-month contract
• Open to full-time or 0.8FTE,
• Standard leave entitlements
• Working from Thirroul office (some remote working acceptable)

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Together with the pilot consortium partners, design the data collection workflow to ensure appropriate data is collected to achieve research goals
• Establish database process and tools to enable modelling and analysis required to produce the research outcomes of the project
• Work with suppliers of the Home Energy Management System (HEMS) to ensure alignment on project goals provide support throughout the project
• Design and iterate the installation and set up process for the HEMs - this will involve engaging directly with the participating households and providing support in the early stages of the project
• Produce research reports and project updates which highlight key insights and actionable recommendations
• Produce insights and ideas about practical, technical, and regulatory changes to support household electrification and Rewiring Australia’s research and advocacy work
• Work closely with Pilot team to meet reporting and funding requirements for each milestone of the project

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

The most important experience for this role is a track record of leading and implementing effective research projects, ideally in the energy or related sectors.

We are open to consider applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and experience. Desirable skills include:

• Demonstrated experience managing the design and delivery of data collection, storage and analysis for research projects
• Experience working within the energy, electrification or sustainability and/or climate change
• Data and statistical analysis skills, including ability to manage database and analysis software
• Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to hit the ground running and work flexibly with a small, close-knit team
• Excellent organisational, time management and multitasking skills