Senior Compliance Specialist, Cip
The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is responsible for the safe, reliable, and economic planning and operation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System. We provide open and non-discriminatory access to Alberta's interconnected power grid and also facilitate Alberta's competitive wholesale electricity market. The AESO strives to foster an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace where people feel respected and welcomed for who they are, together we deliver high performance and innovative results.
Job Description
If you are a current AESO employee or contractor, please view openings and apply through our internal site at Workday.
We are seeking a talented Senior Compliance Specialist, CIP, where you will focus on adding value to the External Compliance Monitoring - Alberta Reliability Standards (ARS) team in the efficient and effective execution of risk-based compliance monitoring activities. In this position, you require expert level technical knowledge in cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) reliability standards in the electricity industry. In addition, you have a solid understanding of the electricity industry regulatory framework (in Alberta and North America), compliance and enforcement processes, audit practices and techniques, risk frameworks, and extensive experience in interpreting and applying ARS and/or NERC reliability standards.
Reporting to the Manager, External Compliance Monitoring - ARS, you will lead and support AESO compliance monitoring activities of market participants while effectively managing relationships with external stakeholders. You will act as a CIP technical lead and subject matter expert to internal and external stakeholders.
This full-time opportunity offers a competitive salary, and a variable pay program. We also have paid vacation and flex time, health and dental benefits, mental health support, a defined contribution pension plan, and learning and development opportunities as part of your overall compensation package. We support a hybrid work environment, where the team is in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Mondays and Fridays are flexible for where you work best.
You will enjoy working with us if:
You value flexibility to support life and personal needs. We offer a flexible work practice where some weeks may require more onsite presence during key business or operations events.
You enjoy working in a team of bright professionals, and work and learn in a diverse atmosphere - our team and colleagues have varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
You thrive in a dynamic environment and seek opportunities for transformative change.
You embrace change, pivot, and adapt with ease.
Accountabilities include but are not limited to:
Perform compliance monitoring activities defined in the Alberta Risk-Based Compliance Monitoring Program (ARCMP) and Related Processes
Lead, plan, organize, and conduct ARS compliance monitoring activities (e.g., audits, self-certification) in accordance with the ARCMP, including conducting interviews and onsite audit engagements.
Complete audits and other monitoring activities on schedule.
Assess processes, procedures, and evidence to determine if it demonstrates compliance with ARS and deliver defensible results that support compliance monitoring outcomes.
Prepare written audit reports of findings.
Collaborate and communicate effectively with external stakeholders.
Effectively communicate complex technical and compliance concepts to various audiences (e.g., technical, non-technical, and executive level).
Participate in ARS registration and applicability assessment processes.
Assist with special assignments pertaining to the AESO's mandate and functions, including data and technology enhancement initiatives.
ARCMP Implementation and ARS Development
Contribute to the development and continual improvement of processes, procedures, templates, supporting documents, etc. related to the ARCMP.
Lead or support the implementation of the ARCMP and related processes.
Create and lead and/or conduct training for internal and external stakeholders related to the ARCMP and compliance monitoring concepts.
Follow the NERC reliability standard development process and NERC/WECC compliance and enforcement programs to identify and propose changes or solutions related to the compliance monitoring strategy and processes.
Provide audit and risk assessment expertise and guidance to internal and external stakeholders during the implementation and continual improvement of the ARCMP.
Participate in the ARS development process to influence the ARS development process and establish the compliance monitoring approach.
Lead and/or participate in the Reliability Standard Audit Worksheet (RSAW) development.
Provide technical expertise
Act as a CIP subject matter expert and technical resource in addressing questions or clarifications for both internal and external stakeholders.
Contribute technical expertise to cross-functional multi-disciplinary teams in the AESO's Request for Information/Authoritative Document Question and Waivers and Variances processes to respond to external stakeholder submissions.
What you'll bring to us:
Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering from an accredited college or university.
Professional Engineer Accreditation (P.Eng.), Cybersecurity and/or Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) related accreditations are all assets.
10+ years of cybersecurity/critical infrastructure protection, ideally in the electricity industry.
Strong experience in regulatory compliance or internal/external audit roles.
Excellent relationship management skills.
Demonstrated ability to deliver effective verbal and written communications.
Proven ability to articulate a finding, recommendation, or technical concept to a non-technical audience.
Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects concurrently, with conscientious attention to detail and ability to meet defined timelines.
Extensive skill in collecting and analyzing complex data, evaluating information and systems, and drawing logical conclusions.
Proven ability to work with limited direction at a senior professional level of responsibility, independently and within a team environment.
Experience in providing effective guidance and training.
Strong knowledge and experience of the electricity industry, in Alberta and North America.
Application deadline: December 4, 2024
If you are contacted for a pre-screening and/or interview, please advise of any accommodation measures required to enable you to fully participate. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
The Alberta Electric System Operator is unable to accept unsolicited agency resumes.
The Alberta Electric System Operator, and its members, officers, employees and agents (collectively, the "AESO") is committed to protecting personal information provided to it. When you submit your personal information to the AESO for the purpose of pursuing employment with the AESO, the collection, use and disclosure of personal information is in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP Act) of Alberta.
As noted, the AESO is mandated to maintain the safe and reliable operations of the provincial power grid. As part of meeting its obligations, the AESO may require the successful candidate to undergo a criminal background check for the position. This collection of personal information for the purposes of a check will be conducted in accordance with Section 33 of the FOIP Act.