This CIP Compliance Coordinator will be responsible for providing expertise, compliance activity monitoring, audit coordination, project management, process implementation and associated communications to ensure compliance with NERC CIP Reliability Standards (Critical Infrastructure Protection) for the GPC Power Delivery (PD) Organization and other ITS Participants (Integrated Transmission System) as needed. This position will work with subject matter experts and leadership in both office and field environments to oversee the NERC CIP program, investigate issues, develop controls to reduce risk, and coordinate on-going activities. 

The successful candidate must have, or be able to develop, a clear understanding of which regulations and policies apply in a given situation, gather information through interviews and observation, review records and data analytics, and assess whether GPC is compliant. They should demonstrate strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to collaborate in an effective, professional manner.

Candidates must be able to plan and execute job duties with minimum direct supervision, working independently or as part of a small team depending on the scope of the assignment.  Candidates must have good presentation skills and the ability to deliver training in various group settings.

Occasional travel to office and substation locations throughout Georgia will be required.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as a key resource in GPC Power Delivery for NERC CIP standards
• Interface with ITS participants/external parties to support their NERC Compliance needs as required, including managing access authorization requests of personnel
• Participate in policy and implementation committees within the SoCo CIP Governance Structure
• Coordinate with Subject Matter Experts and affected departmental leadership to effectively perform compliance activities, including developing effective internal controls, work practices and training resources. Also, assist SMEs in developing effective and targeted training modules
• Assist with the creation, modification and execution of agreements related to contracts with ITS Participants, as well as update the corresponding NERC registration documentation
• Work with SCS Operations Compliance department to report and investigate instances of possible non-compliance.  Help to create and implement mitigation plans as necessary, including the routine gathering of evidence to demonstrate compliance
• Build and sustain strong working relationships with individuals and workgroups across Power Delivery and throughout Southern Company
• Perform internal control monitoring and evidence collection within our compliance program for assigned requirements
• Review and provide comments for NERC Standard Revisions for assigned standards
• Develop and update Reliability Standard Audit Worksheets (RSAW) for assigned standards
• Work collaboratively with other Compliance Coordinators to meet all team goals and assist with other compliance issues as workload dictates.  Manage all projects and other assigned responsibilities effectively to meet departmental deadlines

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• 4-year BS or advanced degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology is required

Experience:

• Must have 3 years or more work experience in Protection & Control Field Services
• Experience supporting compliance related activities specific to NERC ERO Reliability is desired
• Transmission experience, particularly in substation and EMS environments, is desired
• Standards implementation, monitoring and/or enforcement is desired
• Technical experience in electric utility operation, planning, design, or maintenance is desired
• Experience with the creation of CIP Physical and Electronic Security internal controls is helpful

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes:

The ideal candidate will have knowledge, skills and attributes that include:

• Knowledge of electric power utility equipment and Cyber Assets associated with the Bulk Power System
• Knowledge of NERC Reliability Standards affecting the Transmission system
• Understanding of corporate compliance governance processes specific to the energy regulation compliance risk areas
• Working knowledge of the Georgia Integrated Transmission System is preferred
• Ability to create, review and implement procedures, work practices and training associated with NERC CIP requirements
• Understand how to gather and assess information (as done in internal audits, investigations, peer reviews, QA reviews, etc.)
• Ability to identify and prioritize risks and assist in the design and execution of management programs and internal controls to effectively manage compliance risks
• Strong interpersonal, facilitative, negotiation and presentation skills to effectively communicate, consult and build effective working relationships with management, employees, industry peers, regulatory contacts and contractors.
• Ability to independently work safely in substation and control house environments

Strong demonstrated abilities in the following areas:

• Interpersonal skills
• Teamwork
• Customer Focused
• Logical thinking and analysis
• Oral and written communications
• Managing multiple tasks
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Behavioral Attributes:

The successful candidate will exhibit behavioral attributes that include:

• Models "Our Values" (Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, Superior Performance) and Code of Ethics behaviors
• Demonstrated record of taking initiative and being proactive
• Self-motivated with positive attitude
• Responds well to direction and coaching
• Strong work ethic and ability to work with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information
• Demonstrated ability to organize work, multi-task and adapt to change
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work both independently and in a team environment
• Strong attention to detail and ability to ensure accuracy in work products