Classification: Senior Manager (Professional)
Terms: 2-year, fixed-term with extension by mutual agreement

The ANU Below Zero Program (“the program”) is an ambitious ANU strategic initiative which aims to transition the University from being part of the climate change problem to becoming part of the solution – from a source of Greenhouse gases (GHG) to a net absorber of GHGs by 2030. Our approach integrates practical emission reductions with research and teaching activities at ANU. We aim to use our expertise to drive innovation in this vital sector.

In early 2021, the ANU Council endorsed the University’s strategy for the following targets:

• By 2025: Net-zero emissions for direct on-campus activities, energy, business travel and waste. The focus will be on practical emissions reductions first and foremost, only using high-quality Australian purchased carbon offsets as a back-up.
• By 2030: Below-zero emissions (for the scope outlined above) drawing down emissions on ANU land or using carbon offsets that integrate ANU research and teaching activities.
• Beyond 2030: Progressively draw down emissions accumulated earlier, starting with those accumulated over the lifetime of the Below Zero Initiative.

ANU is one of the first universities in the world to adopt such ambitious targets including a below zero emissions goal. As Australia's national university, we are aiming to promote innovation, engage the community and provide leadership to other organisations in Australia and around the world.

Reporting to the Director, Planning and Service Performance, the Program Manager (ANU Below Zero Initiative) provides strategic direction and expertise, spearheading the delivery, management and coordination of the program. The Below Zero program team is small by design so that the program of work is delivered collectively by the University. Therefore, the Program Manager will be responsible for operationalising a systemic program of transformational change across ANU, to establish robust ways to monitor and reduce GHG emissions, stand up and scale new capabilities to remove and sequester emissions and deliver organisational and behavioural change.

Providing advice and direction to senior staff across all areas of the University on the planning, delivery and management of the program, the Program Manager (ANU Below Zero Initiative) will be responsive to the Director, ANU Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions (ICEDS) and will work closely with all areas of the University, to deliver and embed the necessary change in day-to-day operations. The Program Manager (ANU Below Zero Initiative) works as an ambassador for ANU Below Zero, and is a key contributor to meeting the University’s bold targets.

The successful candidate will work collegially with a broad range of stakeholders to operationalise and deliver strategic objectives, securing positive outcomes for the University. They will have proven experience in delivering large programs focused on organisational and behavioural change in a University, start-up or similarly complex environments, including leading and implementing policy and initiatives; highly-developed project management capability and the ability to positively influence, build buy-in and develop internal and external networks to deliver collaborative projects. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience leading sustainability change and engagement programmes to raise awareness, improve sustainability outcomes and change behaviour, and possess a respectful interpersonal style, and high levels of energy, passion and resilience.

Experience with climate change mitigation, adaption, emissions accounting, and/or environmental research, development and engagement would be highly regarded. This may include, but is not limited to, reducing GHG emissions from infrastructure, travel or major events; developing land-based GHG removal and sequestration programs; research-led sustainable policy development.   

For a confidential discussion and copy of the information booklet, please contact Sarena Bunce, Executive Search Business Partner, ANU Executive Search on +61 2 6125 1863 or executivesearch@anu.edu.au

Please note advertising closes on Sunday 5 March 2023 AEDT

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a background check during the recruitment process. An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory results.