🌱 Unlocking Careers at the Clean Energy Finance Corporation: Your 60-Second Guide to a Government Job ⚡️
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC)? We’ve dissected their annual report so you don’t have to! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about this pioneering Australian Government institution—its key functions, finances, and the skills and qualifications they’re actively seeking in new recruits. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, this guide will equip you with the insights to jumpstart your public-sector career. Let’s dive in! 🤝
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC)
Location: Headquarters in Sydney, with offices in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, and Perth
CEO: Ian Learmonth
Total Revenue: Approximately AUD $277 million in 2023–24 (own-source revenue)
Total Number of Employees: 152
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Finance or Commerce Degrees – Crucial for assessing and structuring large-scale investments and financial products.
Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil) – Vital for evaluating technical feasibility and timelines, especially in renewable energy and major infrastructure projects.
Environmental Science / Sustainability – Supports the CEFC’s mandate of reducing emissions through clean energy investments.
Economics – Aids in deep market analysis, modelling, and long-term policy impact assessment.
Business Administration / MBA – Excellent for overseeing large, diverse portfolios and aligning projects with broader corporate objectives.
Top 5 certifications most suited:
Project Management (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP) – Demonstrates the ability to deliver on-time and on-budget results for complex projects.
Financial Modelling & Valuation Analyst – Strengthens due diligence and financial analysis for intricate investment deals.
CPA or CA (Accounting Certifications) – Ensures robust financial governance, auditing, and compliance within the public sector.
Energy Efficiency Auditor / Assessor – Useful for projects aiming to cut energy costs and carbon footprints.
Risk Management Certifications (e.g. FRM) – Important for anticipating, quantifying, and mitigating risks in clean energy ventures.
Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
Electrician – Key players in implementing solar, battery, and other clean energy systems.
Plumber (with green plumbing focus) – Installing water-saving systems and efficient heating solutions, such as heat pumps.
Data / IT Specialist – Designing and maintaining digital platforms that help optimize energy usage across large portfolios.
HVAC Technician – Integral in upgrading to more energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems.
Agricultural Technician – Supports renewable initiatives in rural areas, including biogas, regenerative practices, and carbon sequestration.
Top 5 skills most suited:
Analytical Thinking – Essential for financial and technical data analysis in project evaluations.
Project Coordination – Bringing multiple stakeholders together for large-scale, high-stakes projects.
Stakeholder Engagement – Cultivating strong relationships with government, private-sector financiers, and local communities.
Negotiation & Communication – Hammering out contracts and structuring deals while ensuring value for the public.
Adaptability & Innovation – Staying agile in a fast-evolving sector filled with new clean technologies and market shifts.
Top 5 work experiences most suited:
Energy Sector Experience – Offers insight into electricity markets, renewables, and emerging technologies.
Infrastructure Project Delivery – Proves capability in planning and delivering large-scale developments.
Banking / Corporate Finance – Applies to structuring loans, equity deals, and developing sophisticated financial products.
Government Policy / Regulatory – Ensures compliance with legislative frameworks and effective policy alignment.
Consulting or Advisory Roles – Demonstrates problem-solving and management of diverse, concurrent initiatives.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC)
Name of CEO: Ian Learmonth
Location: Australia-wide, with headquarters in Sydney
Year Founded: 2012
Main mission and purpose of the department:
The CEFC aims to accelerate investment in Australia’s transition to net zero emissions by 2050. It achieves this by financing renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-emissions technologies—ultimately benefiting Australian communities through cleaner, more affordable energy and job creation in the emerging green economy.Main duties of the department:
Financing large-scale renewable energy projects (e.g., solar, wind, hydro)
Supporting energy efficiency initiatives across homes, businesses, and industry
Investing in innovative low-emissions solutions, from electric vehicles to hydrogen projects
Modernizing the electricity grid via the Rewiring the Nation Fund
Offering concessional finance to encourage private co-investment in clean energy
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Rewiring the Nation Fund: Modernizing Australia’s grid infrastructure to better integrate renewables
Household Energy Upgrades Fund: Providing discounted finance for home retrofits (solar, EV chargers, etc.)
Powering Australia Technology Fund: Scaling up climate tech innovations for domestic and global impact
Natural Capital Investments: Fostering carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and sustainable land-use solutions
Did you know?
The CEFC has committed over AUD $14.5 billion in lifetime investment, attracting an additional $3 of private investment for every $1 it deploys. That’s a threefold impact toward Australia’s clean energy future! 📊
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 152 (as at 30 June 2024)
Total Number of Employees at each pay level: Not publicly detailed, but roles range from entry-level analysts to senior executives.
Salary Bands: Broad, covering junior to senior executive positions, aligned with APS and competitive private-sector benchmarks.
Average salary in the department: Unspecified in the annual report, but market-aligned.
Total Revenue: Approximately AUD $277 million (own-source) in 2023–24
Average Revenue per Employee: About $1.82 million (i.e. $277 million total revenue / 152 employees).
GETTING A JOB AT THE CEFC
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Certificate III/IV in Business Administration – Perfect for day-to-day support tasks in finance and investments.
Diploma of Project Management – Equips you with essential planning and execution skills for clean energy ventures.
Certifications in Renewable Energy Installation / EV Maintenance – Hands-on skills for setting up or servicing renewable systems and electric vehicles.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Commerce, Finance, Economics, Engineering, Environmental Science – Ideal for roles requiring analytical, technical, and policy expertise.
Masters in Sustainability / Renewable Energy – Great for guiding ESG-focused projects and forging strong industry partnerships.
PhDs:
Research in Emerging Technologies (e.g., hydrogen, carbon capture, advanced materials) – Helpful in innovating new solutions and setting strategic direction on large-scale investments.
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Electricians, HVAC Technicians, Data/IT Specialists, Construction Supervisors, Agricultural Technicians—especially those skilled in new energy technologies, infrastructure building, or sustainable land management.
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Policy/Regulatory roles, Banking/Investment, Infrastructure Project Delivery, Construction Management, and Energy Sector Operations.
Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Soft skills:
Communication, Stakeholder Engagement, Critical Thinking, Leadership, Negotiation
Technical skills:
Financial Modelling, Regulatory Compliance, Engineering Design, Data Analytics, Renewable Energy Project Assessments
General skills:
Adaptability, Project Coordination, Report Writing, Contract Management, Marketing & Outreach
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Environmental volunteering (tree planting, local clean-ups), renewable DIY projects, coding and data science meetups, permaculture or eco-farming, and entrepreneurship related to green solutions.
Want more information on this department?
Contact the department:
Address: Suite 1702, 1 Bligh Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Telephone: 1300 002 332
Email: info@cefc.com.au
Website: cefc.com.au
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