The First Nations Clean Energy Network Mentor Program connects First Nations people who have completed the PowerMakers capacity building program with First Nations and industry leaders and experts in the clean energy space.
The mentoring program includes one-on-one and small group contact with PowerMakers to support their clean energy aspirations in Australia’s clean energy transition.
The First Nations Clean Energy Network is recruiting mentors
We're looking for value-aligned First Nations and industry leaders and experts in the clean energy industry to work with us to provide a quality mentor experience for PowerMakers in a culturally safe and supportive environment.
If you have worked with First Nations people and communities in clean energy development, or on projects with First Nations participation, ownership or leadership in the clean energy space, we encourage you to apply to become a Network mentor.
The Mentor program may include one-on-one and/or small group mentorship, and opportunities for small group presentations and program delivery.
Mentors may also be invited to collaborate and participate in the First Nations Clean Energy Symposium, targeted Member webinars, and additional Network events and meetings.
Apply here
Who can volunteer to be a mentor?
- First Nations leaders in clean energy and/or finance and/or community building and/or government relations
- Clean energy industry leaders specialists
- Finance specialists
- Governance specialists
- Policy specialists
- Supply chain specialists
- Legal specialists (commercial, native title, etc)
- Government relations specialists
What does a Mentor need?
- Strong communication skills
- Leadership skills
- Positive, supportive, open-minded, non-judgemental
- A willingness to share successes, failures and learnings with PowerMaker(s)
- Interested in assisting First Nations with their aspirations in the clean energy transition
- Ability to give ownership over ideas and process towards achieving First Nations aspirations
Objective of the Mentor program
- Build upon and reinforce the learnings from the PowerMakers program
- Enhance PowerMakers’ personal and professional/leadership development and aspirations
- Expand opportunities for PowerMakers to grow their professional networks
- Further build the reputation of the Network’s PowerMakers program
How will we achieve the objectives?
The First Nations Clean Energy Network Mentoring program is about empowering, enabling and equipping PowerMakers to identify, realise and implement solutions within their own networks, communities, groups.
The mentoring program is designed to establish a professional relationship between the mentor and PowerMaker for inputs directly related to PowerMakers’ identified interests and needs, goals and objectives as defined in their Participant Journey Plan (completed during the PowerMakers training), for a 6 month period beginning in November 2024.
The mentor program includes monthly online sessions with one or more PowerMakers to check in on how the PowerMaker(s) is proceeding with their Participant Journey Plan, and work together to customise the mentor program to meet PowerMakers’ needs.
The mentorship program will also include 1-2 online presentations delivered by select mentors over the 6 month period with PowerMakers who share the same interests and aspirations.
The Network will match PowerMaker(s) with mentors based on the level of information and understanding we have about what each PowerMaker needs and wants, and the expertise, skills, knowledge and practical advice a mentor may be able to provide.
After PowerMakers and mentors are matched, the Network will check in with all parties after the first meetup in November/December to ensure compatibility, and if necessary, will adjust accordingly. Additional ‘check-ins’ will subsequently occur throughout the duration of the 6 month program.
For both the mentor and the PowerMaker(s), the mentorship is voluntary.
The mentoring program will be PowerMakers-centred, which means each PowerMaker leads in defining what they are after, how they want to get there, and what they want to achieve through the mentoring program.
PowerMakers needs may vary, and could be non-specific or specific, ranging from advice, provision of resources (if available), guidance in particular matters, general discussion, or further learning in a particular area of interest.
Information exchanged in the mentor relationship might include anything from policy, financial or industry-specific information to advice on steps in planning, negotiating, and developing a project. It might also include how to communicate with particular bodies, designing energy systems based on local needs and interests, and navigating government systems.
The mentorship will be based on the enthusiasm and willingness of both parties to build a trusting beneficial relationship and mutually and successfully meet the needs and outcomes the PowerMaker has identified.
Mentors and PowerMakers will be assisted by the First Nations Clean Energy Network throughout the mentorship, assisting PowerMakers to overcome any barriers or obstacles and realise opportunities to furthering their clean energy ambition, and providing mentors with guidance and assistance with appropriate communication, provision of cultural safety, and exposure to new ways of thinking and learning.
The mentor program will be evaluated via debriefing sessions with the mentor and with PowerMakers, and through participant surveys.
Mentor's commitment
- Able to dedicate a minimum of 30-60 min per month via zoom, phone or in person
- Able to present 1-2 times to a small group of PowerMakers on a mutually agreed topic
- Able to support First Nations PowerMakers only in relation to the key issues, barriers and opportunities defined in their Participant Journey Plan
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Are available to:
- Attend a 1-2 hr mentor training session
- Attend debriefing sessions (via zoom or phone) as they arise
- Commit to 6 months
- Follow the structure of the mentor program, or have the flexibility to develop a mutually agreed program with your assigned PowerMaker(s)
PowerMaker's commitment
- Able to be accountable and proactive in arranging and attending mentoring sessions with the Mentor
- Able to communicate their aspirations to the Mentor
- Able to make a solid commitment to the 6-month period of mentoring
Mentors provide:
- Practical Guidance - Mentors provide practical guidance to support PowerMakers’ key issues/barriers/opportunities that they want to address as defined in their Participant Journey Plan with a focus on building PowerMakers’ competence and confidence in navigating the clean energy transition.
- Clear communication - The mentor will communicate through non-judgemental, clear and positive ways of relating, and will ensure they are listening carefully and responding accordingly. The mentor is reflective of the interactions they have with PowerMakers and adjusts communication accordingly.
- Support - The mentor must assist in creating a culturally safe and supportive professional relationship with the PowerMaker that is thoughtful, non-judgemental, respectful, practical, and consistent. The relationship aims to meet the needs of the PowerMaker.
Qualities of Successful Mentors
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Commitment to be involved with the PowerMaker(s) - Mentors have a genuine desire to be part of PowerMakers journey, to assist with PowerMakers decisions and planning, and to ensure PowerMakers become the best they can be in navigating the clean energy transition. Mentors are invested in the mentoring relationship and commit to the duration of the mentoring period.
- Respect for First Nations persons and for our abilities and our right to determine our own choices - All parties are equal in the mentoring relationship. Mentors must offer respect and dignity and set about building trust, recognising the privilege of being mentors to PowerMakers.
- Ability to listen and accept different points of view - Mentors assist by careful listening, asking thoughtful questions, and giving PowerMakers an opportunity to explore their own thoughts with a minimum of interference.
- Ability to empathise with another person’s story and ideas - Effective Mentors empathise with the issues and barriers PowerMakers are facing, without judgement or sympathy.
- Ability to see solutions and opportunities as well as barriers - Effective Mentors balance a realistic respect for any issues or barriers faced by PowerMakers with optimism for mutually determining equally realistic alternatives and solutions.
- Flexibility and openness - Effective Mentors recognise that trusting relationships take time to build. They are willing to take time to get to know PowerMaker(s), to learn new things that are important to PowerMaker(s), and to be changed by the relationship.
Reasons to become a Mentor
The mentor program is for those who are passionate about supporting First Nations people and advancing clean energy initiatives.
By taking part, the mentor program offers:
- Recognition in Network communications, newsletters, socials, or at events. Mentors page on the PowerMakers website.
- Professional Development Opportunities - Opportunity to participate in exclusive webinars, workshops, or events that could enhance your skills or knowledge.
- Networking Opportunities - Connections and networking opportunities with First Nations leaders in the clean energy space or related fields.
- Certificate of participation and letter of appreciation that mentors can use in their professional portfolios or share with their employers.
- Opportunities to collaborate on projects - Mentors may have the opportunity to collaborate and give advice on future community projects or initiatives.
- Access to future Network events, including the First Nations Clean Energy Symposium, webinars and other workshops.
- Alumni Status within the Network, with ongoing opportunities to engage in future mentorship programs and participate in special initiatives.
Express your interest in becoming a mentor
Apply here
The steps to becoming a mentor include:
- Submit your application, including two professional referees (share as much information as you can to allow us to match you appropriately with a PowerMaker(s), maximising the chance of success of your mentoring relationship).
- Complete a 30-minute online interview with the Network PowerMaker team.
- Provide a Police Check. We can assist with that.
- We will contact your references via email and/or phone.
- Once selected, we will invite you to our 1-2 hr training session for all mentors.
- Then, you’ll be matched with your PowerMaker(s).
- We will contact you via email when a PowerMaker(s) has accepted the match to arrange your first online mentoring session.
- Arranging follow up monthly sessions will be the responsibility of the PowerMaker and the Mentor, with assistance provided by the Network.
- Throughout the mentorship (6 months, 30-60 mins per month contact minimum) the Network will keep in touch to make sure everything is progressing smoothly and offer any additional support, should you need it.
- Both mentors and PowerMakers will complete an evaluation form at the close of the mentoring period.