Portfolio Analyst

Join to apply for the Portfolio Analyst role at Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) The Investment and Portfolio Group manages the end-to-end life cycle of ARENA’s portfolio of funded projects. Within the Group, the Portfolio Management team are responsible for monitoring active projects and are focused on generating impact and value for money through well managed ARENA funding agreements and strong stakeholder engagement. They co-lead in the design and negotiation of funding agreements for newly funded projects, support the design of grant funding rounds and programs, and ensure effective contract management of projects with a risk-based approach. Daily, they engage with various stakeholders to solve contracted related problems, assess contractual deliverable, facilitate variations to funding agreements, extract and share project insights, and identify and monitor emerging risks across individual grants and the portfolio. About the position The role of a Portfolio Analyst goes beyond typical grant management. They support the effective delivery and oversight of ARENA’s investment portfolio by managing funding agreements, monitoring project performance, and ensuring compliance with legislative, policy, and contractual requirements. Additionally, they are supported and empowered to exercise well‑reasoned professional judgment to provide impact‑focused recommendations on specific deliverables, variation requests, and emerging issues - combining meticulous attention to detail with a creative, problem‑solving mindset. The role also provides analysis and insights on portfolio risks, trends, and outcomes to inform investment decision‑making, enable continuous improvement, and contribute to ARENA’s strategic objectives. The Portfolio Analyst role can be located in Canberra, Sydney or Melbourne. Responsibilities for the Portfolio Analyst include Support the negotiation and execution of grant funding agreements. Administer ARENA Funding Agreements to ensure value for ARENA, recipients, and the Australian public, and to monitor and manage emerging risks. Assess project milestones and verify evidence of achievement. Review and negotiate variation requests in line with policy and funding requirements and provide contracting solutions to resolve delivery issues in a timely and compliant way. Sustain strong relationships with grant recipients to support successful delivery of ARENA projects, including participating in project site visits and industry events. Collaborate with and contribute to their Impact Team to ensure lessons from projects are shared to improve future investments Coordinate ARENA participation in project technical and management committees and engage external technical expertise. Ensure procurement actions comply with government legislation and policies. Monitor and problem solve project delivery to identify emerging risks, issues, and opportunities. Analyse and communicate insights from project and portfolio performance. Contribute to portfolio-level reporting and dashboards for executives and the Board. Support program and round design and evaluation with insights from portfolio management. Be a trusted advisor to ARENA Delegates, supporting decision making with analysis, reporting and briefs. Coordinate and provide content input to support the Data & Performance Reporting Team to meet ARENA’s accountability obligations regarding project monitoring and reporting. Keep up-to-date with industry trends and innovation relevant to renewable energy. Share lessons learned and best practice to strengthen organisational capability. Uphold high standards of accuracy, transparency, and accountability in portfolio activities. Key opportunities In this role, you will have the opportunity to: Stay abreast of renewable energy trends and innovations to inform portfolio management. Inform program and funding round design with lessons learned and portfolio insights. Contribute to the development of investment and portfolio management strategies and plans. Collaborate with ARENA teams to design, negotiate, and execute funding agreements. See innovation in renewable energy technology come to life in real-world application. Join a purpose-driven organisation with a strong learning culture. What we are looking for Knowledge and experience Demonstrated expertise and a proven record of achievement managing contracts, or related compliance and assurance activities. Demonstrated ability to operate as an effective member of a diverse team, exemplify genuine and supportive collaboration with stakeholders, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Demonstrated experience and proficiency in stakeholder management and service delivery. Technical or industry knowledge relative to renewable energy is well regarded. Skills and capabilities Excellent time management skills, including understanding and adhering to tight deadlines. Demonstrated problem solving skills, critical thinking, and analytical skills, including an eye for detail and an ability to foster pragmatic approaches. Excellent communication skills including the ability to present to and facilitate groups, and clearly communicate complex concepts in written form. Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to foster cross-functional collaboration, build and sustain relationships with key stakeholders, internally and externally and negotiate pragmatic outcomes. Strong strategic thinking skills, especially in converting detailed information into coherent portfolio insights and recommended actions. Ability to consider and effectively manage competing priorities and strategic directions when achieving outcomes in line with agency goals and objectives. Why us At ARENA, we are committed to providing an inclusive culture so our employees can bring their whole selves to work and have a sense of belonging. You don’t need to be an expert in renewable energy or energy markets, but a keen interest in advancing an ambitious energy and climate agenda will be helpful. We have Flexible working arrangements You will have front row tickets to leading edge technology in the sector Work in an impactful and evolving environment Be part of a team that collaborates and makes a difference Invest in your career and your future We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We strongly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and background will lead to a better environment for our workers and better outcomes for Australia. At ARENA, your ideas are welcomed, and your expertise is respected. If you want to work somewhere you can make a difference, grow your skills, and be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team, ARENA is the place for you. Please note that applications will be reviewed in mid-January 2026. Seniority level: Associate Employment type: Full-time Job function: Project Management Industries: Government Administration #J-18808-Ljbffr