About NEPKI The National Energy Public Key Infrastructure (NEPKI) is a newly established, not-for-profit, collaborative industry initiative in Australia. NEPKI exists to enable secure, interoperable, and trusted digital identity and cryptographic services for the Australian energy sector, supporting a safe, reliable, and efficient transition to a renewable and distributed energy future. NEPKI is authorised to provide PKI services for Consumer Energy Resources (CER) utilising the IEEE 2030.5 CSIP-AUS communication protocol. NEPKI does not directly operate PKI infrastructure; instead, it procures, governs, assures, and oversees PKI services delivered by an accredited thirdparty provider, acting as a trusted steward of national energy PKI capability. About The Role The COO is the executive leader accountable for NEPKIs technology strategy, service model, and operational performance. The role ensures that procured PKI services are secure, compliant, interoperable, costeffective, and fitforpurpose for the Australian energy market. NEPKI is a small organisation delivering PKI services that secure consumer energy resources. In this context, the COO must have technical capabilities as well as leadership capabilities, to take a handson, proactive approach, own tasks of any scale and contribute wherever needed to support organisational outcomes. Reporting to the CEO, the COO is NEPKIs primary execution leader, translating strategic intent into a coherent service architecture, robust vendor ecosystem, and efficient operating model. The role carries accountability for technology stewardship, service assurance, operational governance, and organisational scalability for critical national infrastructure. Key Responsibilities Provide technology stewardship and strategy, including: define and maintain NEPKIs PKI, digital identity, and cryptographic service strategy, aligned to relevant policies and standards. Establish and govern NEPKIs reference architectures, technical standards, policies, and interoperability requirements for PKI services procured from third parties. Lead the design of endtoend PKI service models ensuring scalability, resilience, and future extensibility. Act as NEPKIs final technical authority, providing expert guidance to the CEO, Board, regulators, NEPKI Policy Management Authority (PMA) and industry stakeholders on PKI, cybersecurity, and digital trust matters. Provide cyber security and technical leadership during security incidents, audits, and investigations. Lead procurement of PKI service providers, certification authorities, and supporting technology partners in accordance with NFP and publicinterest procurement principles. Establish and manage robust vendor governance frameworks. Ensure procured services meet all relevant cybersecurity, privacy, energysector, and regulatory obligations through audits, attestations, and continuous assurance processes. Identify and manage risks and dependencies associated with outsourced PKI services. Translate strategic objectives into executable operational and technical plans. Ensure endtoend service continuity through business continuity planning, disaster recovery oversight, and coordinated incident response with service providers. Partner with the CEO on operational budgeting, technology expenditure, and cost controls to ensure sustainability and value for members within a notforprofit framework. Implement clear policies, delegations, reporting, and controls appropriate for a national, criticalinfrastructureadjacent entity. Translate strategy into executable plans, milestones, and outcomes, supporting Board decisionmaking with clear technical and operational advice. Represent NEPKI on technical and operational matters with DNSPs, AEMO, regulators, OEMs, market participants, government agencies, and other relevant stakeholders. Build and lead a highperforming team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, public stewardship, and technical excellence. Skills & Experience Relevant experience in senior technology and/or operations leadership roles, ideally within utilities, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, or regulated environments. Demonstrated success leading outsourced or vendordelivered critical services, with strong assurance and governance capability. Technical understanding and experience in domains relevant to NEPKIs mission including energy and technology. Passion for Consumer Energy Resources and its role in delivering a clean energy future for Australia. Proven experience establishing and scaling operational processes for highreliability, missioncritical services. Applications Close Sunday 14th February 2026 Please include a resume and cover letter outlining your suitability and interest in the position. NEPKI will be reviewing applications in late February, with suitable candidates to be contacted for interviews to take place throughout March. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Title
Chief Operating Officer