Job Description

Senior Sustainability Advisor

Energy & Utilities | Australia & New Zealand
Location: Melbourne

The opportunity

Downer is seeking a Senior Sustainability Advisor to provide specialist sustainability and decarbonisation expertise across the Energy & Utilities Business Unit. Reporting to the Sustainability & Environment Director, this role will be instrumental in embedding sustainability, emissions management, and climate-related initiatives across operations, projects and pre-contract activities.

You will act as the primary sustainability subject matter expert, leading GHG emissions accounting, carbon modelling, and performance analytics, while supporting the development and implementation of Energy & Utilities-specific Sustainability Strategies and Tactical Plans. This role plays a critical part in ensuring Downer meets its climate commitments, regulatory obligations, and client sustainability expectations.

What you’ll do

• Lead the delivery of sustainability and decarbonisation initiatives across operations and projects, including development of Project Sustainability Scorecards, KPIs and reporting dashboards
• Manage GHG emissions accounting and emissions data validation in accordance with NGER and internal governance requirements
• Provide specialist sustainability support for bids, tenders and operational decision-making, imbedding sustainability rating schemes (e.g. ISC), decarbonisation KPIs and ESG principles into delivery
• Drive sustainable procurement and Scope 3 emissions considerations, collaborating with procurement and supply chain teams
• Support continuous improvement by monitoring emerging sustainability legislation, market trends, and client expectations

What we offer

• The opportunity to influence major infrastructure, energy and utilities projects of national significance
• A high-impact technical leadership role within a supportive team and collaborative environment
• Flexible work arrangements and wellbeing programs
• Career development and leadership pathways within the Energy & Utilities Business Unit and the broader Downer Group
• Employee benefits including retail, travel and fitness discounts, and salary sacrifice superannuation options
• Inclusive workplace initiatives and Employee Assistance Program

What we’re looking for

You are a technical sustainability professional with deep expertise in decarbonisation, emissions management and project-level sustainability performance. You are confident advising operational and leadership teams, can interpret complex data, and translate sustainability frameworks into practical business solutions.

You will bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in Sustainability, Climate Change, Environmental Science, Engineering or a related discipline
• Demonstrated experience in sustainability, decarbonisation or climate-related roles within infrastructure, energy, utilities or construction
• Proven experience managing GHG emissions reporting, sustainability dashboards and performance metrics
• Experience integrating sustainability frameworks and ratings tools (e.g. IS Rating, Green Star) into projects or bids
• Strong analytical and technical skills, including carbon modelling, forecasting and lifecycle emissions assessment
• Ability to provide credible technical advice and influence stakeholders across projects, operational teams and leadership
• Strong written communication skills for reports, dashboards, business cases, and knowledge-sharing materials

Desirable:

• ISAP and/or Green Star Accreditation
• Experience with sustainability reporting platforms (e.g., IBM Envizi)
• Knowledge of Net Zero strategies, change management and sustainable procurement practices

About Energy & Utilities

Downer's Energy & Utilities business unit is an integrated trans-Tasman team delivering essential services across water, electricity, telecommunications, industrial and power generation sectors. We design, build, operate and maintain critical networks and assets, leveraging in-house technical expertise, specialist engineering teams, and dedicated tradespeople.

Downer is an inclusive employer, embracing diverse experiences, talents, and cultures, and we welcome applications from everyone.

How to apply

Click “Apply” to start your application. We look forward to hearing from you.