Senior System and Sector Development Advisor

INDEPENDENT ELECTRICITY SYSTEM OPERATOR (IESO)

Why join us? 

You’ve got great skills. And you want to use them in an organization where you know what you do every day matters. We get that.
We also know that ensuring Ontarians have access to affordable and reliable power doesn’t happen by accident. So we give you the tools, flexibility and support you need to achieve your goals, and development opportunities to help you grow. You’ll thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment that values your unique skills and experiences – and recognizes that when you do better, we become even better too.  

Who we are 

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) works at the centre of the province’s power system, ensuring Ontarians have access to reliable and cost-effective electricity when and where they need it. We operate the province’s electricity grid 24/7, design, run and oversee the wholesale electricity markets, and plan and prepare to meet Ontario’s electricity needs – now and into the future.

 

The opportunity

Lead the research and assist in the development of strategic efforts in relation to IESO’s innovation agenda in the System and Sector Development Team through identification,  demonstration, and implementation of new approaches to electricity system operations, markets and related policy in order to meet emerging challenges and opportunities within Ontario’s electricity system.

Represent the IESO as an expert authority in stakeholder engagement with external parties on issues related to innovation, reliability, efficiency, and competitiveness of the electricity sector.   

What you'll do

• Assist the SSD team in meeting new challenges and opportunities in electricity markets and operations through the development of long-term strategies, policy positions, and technical solutions.
• Conduct research programs, in concert with internal experts, academia and other energy sector organizations on various topics related to innovation within the electricity sector (including new and emerging technologies and with a focus on how to reliably and efficiently integrate distributed energy resources into Ontario’s electricity system).
• Develop internal and external facing policy and research papers positioning the IESO as a thought leader on emerging trends within the electricity sector (including a range of research areas such as transmission/distribution interoperability, electricity sector decarbonization, integration of new technology types like distributed energy resources and energy storage, and exploration of new electricity market constructs).   
• Lead or contribute to the development and oversight of technical demonstration projects focused on addressing emerging challenges and opportunities in electricity sector operations, markets, and planning. Identify opportunities for partnership with external entities and manage relationships and direct work of partners in deliver of demonstration projects.
• Develop RFPs, and contribute to execution of agreements with external vendors to support development of research papers and demonstration projects. Contribute to management of vendor timelines, work, and deliverables.
• Develop and lead internal working groups aimed at ensuring research and demonstration projects are understood within the organization and are informed by appropriate internal expertise.
• Represent the IESO as an expert authority in engagement with internal and external stakeholders on innovation related research and demonstration projects.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders who have a stake in the IESO’s innovation agenda.
• Undertake studies of industry trends/policy changes and impacts. 
• Represent the IESO on internal/external committees as required.
• Exercise periodic/limited supervision over others delegated to assist on certain projects or assignments.
• Perform other duties as required.

What you need to succeed

Education: 

• Requires a broad set of technical knowledge that spans electricity sector operations, electricity markets, electricity system planning, and policy development.
• Requires effective oral and written communication skills to coordinate with market participants, internal stakeholders and government authorities as well as to develop research and policy papers.  
• This knowledge is considered to be normally acquired, through the successful completion of a four-year University education in a related field/discipline. Relevant skills may also be acquired through the completion of a related graduate degree, but this is not a minimum requirement for the job.

Experience:

• Requires significant exposure to and technical knowledge of the major components of the bulk power system including all or most of the following:
  • development and implementation of electricity market design
  • power system operations
  • electricity system planning
  • policy development, with a focus on the electricity sector and related policy areas

• Requires experience leading projects or elements of projects.
• Requires substantial experience with technical writing, including the development of research papers, policy positions, manuals, and/or guides.
• Requires experience engaging with internal and external stakeholders to educate on and incorporate input into major initiatives.
• Requires experience providing strategic guidance and/or policy advice to management and/or senior decision makers.
• A period of over 8 years, up to and including 10 years is considered necessary to gain this experience.

What’s in it for you

• A comprehensive total rewards program, including best-in-class benefits and a flexible workplace 
• A challenging, fast-paced and collaborative team environment, where your perspectives and experiences matter 
• Leaders who support your growth and success through regular feedback and coaching 
• The opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry 
   

Deadline: November 27, 2024

For future reference, please ensure to save a copy of the job description as it will no longer be available once the posting closes.

At the IESO, we know that achieving great results depends on embracing diversity by attracting, developing and retaining people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We do this by ensuring our recruitment and advancement policies are fair and equitable, and by creating an accessible and inclusive environment – one that values every team member’s unique skills and experiences and ensures they have the support they need to achieve their potential. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

We thank you for your interest in a career at the IESO, but we will only contact those candidates selected for an interview. 

Note: The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a background check.

The IESO offers a hybrid work model program to most of our employees, based on business needs. Individuals participating in the program can work an average of three days per week remotely within Ontario. It also offers three flex weeks when individuals can work remotely within Ontario . When working in the office, you will be located at our Toronto location.

Join our talent community

Sign up for talent community; stay in touch, find out about new opportunities – and discover how you can make a difference. Discover how we use our expertise and commitment to deliver reliable and affordable electricity to Ontario’s businesses and communities, and how we’re innovating to secure a stronger energy future for all Ontarians. Visit Careers at IESO and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.

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