Senior Policy Advisor Farming Systems
- Be part of a team that makes a difference
- Great role in a passionate and dedicated policy team
- Help drive key reforms in rural and regional policy to protect and progress farmers interests
About the role
The Senior Policy Advisor – Farming Systems is a key member of the fast-paced VFF Policy and Advocacy Team that is responsible for delivering benefits to farmer through policy development and advocacy for the VFF.
You have knowledge and experienced in farming systems, biosecurity or animal welfare policy regulatory settings and have a passion for ensuring practical on-farm solutions that protect the interests of farmers and access to markets. You are energised by maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders and sharing your depth of biosecurity to achieve reforms that balance often contradictory policy objectives.
You will lead the identification of emerging issues and trends and the development of strategies and priorities to support the interests of VFF members and all Victorian farmers regarding a range of policy topics including animal welfare, biosecurity, trade access, chemical regulation and use, biotechnology, R&D and innovation, and social license.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Leading key policy development projects, the identification of emerging issues, policy research and analysis, and the prioritisation of research and policy development.
- Providing expert policy advice to the General Manager Policy and Advocacy, VFF policy councils and committees. Providing policy advice to VFF members as required.
- Monitoring industry issues and public debate on relevant issues and advising the General Manager Policy and Advocacy and other staff accordingly.
- Collaborating with government and other stakeholders to develop policy and to influence policy making processes.
- Representing the VFF on various government and industry policy committees and working groups.
- Contributing to advocacy efforts to ensure there is consistent and effective presentation of the VFF’s policy positions to government and other stakeholders.
- Liaising with and organising meetings for members of VFF Policy Committees including preparing agendas, briefing papers and taking minutes.
- Other duties as directed by the General Manager Policy and Advocacy.
About you
Experience and qualifications
- Tertiary qualifications and/or demonstrated experience in agriculture, agricultural science, animal science and/or public policy. Experience in a role involving agricultural public policy would be highly regarded.
- A demonstrated understanding of the agriculture industries and supply chains.
- Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining stakeholder networks within government and the agriculture sector.
- Experience in a similar advisory capacity, within a complex issue-rich work environment will be highly regarded.
Competencies
- High level analytical skills, including the ability to source, synthesise and critically evaluate evidence and data from diverse sources, including but not limited to legislative and regulatory instruments.
- High level proactive and creative problem-solving skills, including the ability to design innovative solutions and identify the necessary levers to get things done.
- High level communication skills, including writing and the ability to convey complicated ideas and policy justifications to a number of audiences through a variety of formats.
- Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, including presentation, consultation, facilitation and negotiation.
- A demonstrated understanding of the government and public policy as it relates to the agricultural industry and regional communities.
- Strong time management and organizational skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a close-knit team as well as independently, and to flexibly manage workload and competing demands.
Further details
This is a full time position.
If this opportunity sounds perfect for you, please apply by uploading your cover letter and resume through the apply button below.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.