General Counsel

• Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
• Commercially focused role at the forefront of Australia's energy transition
• Sydney | Remuneration negotiable

ARENA sits at the forefront of Australia’s renewable energy transition – investing in breakthrough technologies, sharing market insights, and building the partnerships that are accelerating the shift to a cleaner energy future. Established in 2012, ARENA has deployed over $3 billion in grant funding, unlocking close to $30 billion in total investment in Australia’s renewable energy industry.

It is a purpose-driven organisation, and the legal and governance function plays a central role in enabling it to operate with integrity, rigour, and impact.

The General Counsel is ARENA’s chief legal adviser. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this leadership role provides authoritative counsel to the Board, CEO, and Senior Leadership Team across commercial, public, and administrative law.
This role oversees high-value, complex commercial transactions and funding agreements spanning grants, structured project finance, and recoupable grants. Beyond transactional work, the General Counsel governs ARENA’s compliance with Commonwealth legal frameworks and leads the corporate governance and secretariat functions across the organisation. Dispute resolution, external counsel management, and continuous improvement of legal service delivery also fall within its remit.

ARENA is seeking an experienced legal leader with depth in managing high-value and complex commercial transactions, complemented by knowledge of public and administrative law. You will bring the gravitas and strategic advisory capability to counsel the organisation’s most senior decision makers with authority and clarity. Experience in the energy sector or public sector is desirable but not essential.

You will be an effective leader of a high-performing team and thrive in a lean, flat structure with a high level of accountability. Whether this represents a step up to General Counsel from a senior leadership role, or a considered move at level into a purpose-driven environment, you will bring genuine motivation for ARENA’s purpose.

This is a rare opportunity to join an impact-driven and commercially minded leadership team in one of the most compelling places to work in Australia’s energy transition.

To download a copy of the candidate information pack, please visit https://www.derwentsearch.com.au/job-results#OurOpportunities and select the role title. For specific enquiries, please contact Andrew McEncroe at publicsector@derwentsearch.com.au referencing 34328.

To apply: Please provide a cover letter highlighting your suitability for the role and a resume by the due date.

Applications close: Sunday, 24 May 2026.