# Application for NEM Research Assistant ([Total Environment Centre](https://www.tec.org.au)) 4 July 2011 Dear ████, I am writing to apply for the position of Research Assistant – National Electricity Market Advocacy. I have been an active participant in the climate change movement for many years, beginning with my involvement in the Camp for Climate Action and student activism in the UK. My passion and commitment have continued to evolve as a result of my university studies and work experience. The advertised role provides the opportunity for me to combine my extensive theoretical knowledge with my passion for grassroots activism. I am currently studying a Masters of Environmental Law (LLM) at the University of New South Wales. I work part-time as a Paralegal at Freehills in the Energy and Resources group, and as a Research Assistant at the Initiative on Climate Law and Policy at UNSW. I am an excellent candidate for this position as I have very strong research and writing skills, am a passionate advocate on climate and energy issues, and am highly dedicated to improving the environmental performance of our energy system. I have a firm foundation in climate change and renewable energy, and have developed a broad working knowledge of the NEM and Rules through my work experience. I will be overseas from 8 July, studying a course entitled ‘Environmental Law in Developing Countries’ at the University of the South Pacific in Vanuatu, returning on 8 August. I am very eager to fill this position and would be keen to meet with you at any time until Friday, if I am selected for interview. I would be able to commence the job as soon as I return. I attach a CV for your perusal, and address the selection criteria below. I am an ideal candidate for this role and am enthusiastic about working for a practically-minded NGO on this important, but often overlooked, issue. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours faithfully, Research Assistant application, July 2011 1 Selection Criteria Statement Policy and regulatory research skills, writing skills I have published six peer-reviewed articles, three of which have been in the field of environmental law. I received the highest achievable grade for my undergraduate dissertation. On exchange in Texas I wrote a dissertation comparing US and EU climate change laws that received an A+ and was subsequently published in a peer-reviewed law journal. In 2008 I composed a briefing paper for the Activists’ Legal Project on the rights of students to free speech on university campuses. I won the 2011 Environmental Defender’s Office Student Essay Writing Competition with a paper on the regulation of the voluntary carbon market. I have obtained an 80% average mark in my Masters Degree to date. I am committed to academic excellence and aspire to undertake a PhD in the near future, further demonstrating my zeal for research and writing. As a Paralegal at Freehills, I frequently research and write memoranda on current legal, regulatory and policy developments. I have recently written detailed memoranda on the Scale Efficient Network Extensions Rule, the NSW Strategic Land Use Policy, and the impacts of the proposed price on carbon on the mining industry. ### Understanding of climate change and energy My longstanding personal interest in climate change and energy is complimented by my extensive academic and work experience. I recently compiled the course materials for UNSW’s Renewable Energy Law and International Climate Law courses. I planned and organised the University of Nottingham’s inaugural Climate Change Solutions Conference, which brought together academics from various fields to deliver papers on the technologies, laws and policies that can contribute to mitigating climate change. I have excelled academically in numerous relevant courses, including Climate Change Law and Policy, Comparative Environmental Law, Renewable Energy Law and International Climate Law. I am currently working on the publication of three research papers: one discusses the new International Renewable Energy Agency; another analyses the new rule for the efficient connection of large-scale renewable power stations to the transmission network; and the third paper outlines the law and policy surrounding marine energy in New Zealand. I have first hand insight into and experience of the practical operation of the energy system as a result of my position at Freehills. I have advised on the process for registration in the NEM and have researched the legal arrangements to connect wind farms to the transmission network. I have drafted clauses incorporating Renewable Energy Certificates into a power purchase agreement. Most recently, I researched the legal framework for a company wishing to employ an innovative business model to install and operate a network of home PV systems. ### Working in a small team My preference for working in a small team was formed during my undergraduate degree, where I participated in a number of social justice-oriented groups. I formed strong friendships and networks with likeminded individuals, which inspired me to set and adhere to ambitious goals. At Freehills I have developed close working and personal relationships with my team of seven colleagues, fostering a collaborative working environment. Research Assistant application, July 2011 2 ### Self-directed work At Freehills I recently suggested that I draft a rule change proposal to the AEMC, using my initiative to identify an area of possible interest to my practice group. I also volunteered to write a chapter on environmental impact assessment for an internal textbook on mining law. Much of my work, particularly research, is self-directed, with only a broad outline or objective being provided at the outset, leaving me to determine the direction and breadth of the task at hand. As a Research Assistant, I frequently pursue avenues of potential interest without being directed in order to ensure that my supervisor is abreast of relevant unfolding developments. I organise and prioritise tasks in order to balance research with my Paralegal job, Masters Degree, personal academic pursuits and social life. ### Knowledge of Australian political processes I take an active interest in current affairs. As an inquisitive and politically-minded law student and recent immigrant to Australia, I have educated myself about Australian political and legal processes. Before commencing the substantive work for my Masters Degree, I undertook an introductory course on the Australian legal and political system. During the recent NSW election, I volunteered for The Greens, assisting with urgent campaign work. Practical experience of campaigning and policy development within NGOs As an undergraduate, I founded the Vegetarian & Vegan Society. In the two years from inception, the Society ran a number of successful campaigns, most notably convincing the university to use free range and organic produce, and to always offer a vegan option in canteens and accommodation halls. As the General Secretary of the Student Peace Movement, I was instrumental in a campaign convincing the university to arrange an alternative careers fair, attended by environmentally and ethically responsible corporations. I co-wrote a proposal to the university advocating that a plot on campus be allocated as a community allotment. I formalised the group by establishing a society which garnered support from staff and students. The campaign was highly successful and the society and allotment continue to flourish. At Amnesty, I identified gaps in the organisation’s environmental performance, and outlined solutions in an Environmental Sustainability Policy. This resulted in improved and informed environmental choices being made in the office. ### Knowledge and understanding of the NEM Working in the Energy and Resources group at Freehills has endowed me with an extensive understanding of the NEM and the Rules. I have worked on large-scale coal and renewable power projects, and have conducted research on many aspects of the NEM. I am very familiar with NEM reform processes, having researched a number of policy developments from conception through to implementation, both in my role as a Paralegal and as an academic Research Assistant. In particular I have followed the recent Scale Efficient Network Extensions Rule and, as previously mentioned, recently wrote a paper critiquing this rule with a view to publishing it in the journal, ‘Energy Policy’. I actively seek opportunities for further learning and development. I recently attended a lecture on the NEM by ██████ from the Centre for Energy and Environmental Markets, an Energy Supply Association of Australia member briefing on behalf of the Freehills Energy and Resources group, and a lecture on the economics of a carbon price and electricity generation in the NEM, given by the Chief Economist at AGL. These lectures have compounded my knowledge and understanding of the NEM and updated me on current issues. Research Assistant application, July 2011 3