Senior Policy Advisor - Land Management and Planning

Job Description

Senior Policy Advisor - Land Management and Planning (Permanent, Hybrid role) If you are highly motivated to solve complex agricultural land use competition problems, then this job is for you. The Senior Policy Advisor – Land Management & Planning is a key member of the fast-paced VFF Policy and Advocacy Team that leads issues management, policy development and advocacy. You will be responsible for the provision of expert policy advice, managing stakeholders and committees, maintaining strong relationships, and working to effect change at all levels of government. In conjunction with the General Manager - Policy and Advocacy, you will drive our response to land use conflict, natural resource management, environmental regulation protecting the right to farm, and identification of strategies and policy options compatible with farming of strategically important agricultural land. Being responsible for Land Management & Planning policy, you will work closely with the VFF policy team, our VFF members and senior levels of state government. You will be part of a small, dedicated policy team that delivers the advocacy policy position of the VFF. The policy team roles and responsibilities encompass wide ranging issues from agriculture, water, energy, taxation and regional infrastructure priorities in addition to social and economic reforms. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate your policy development skills in an exciting environment where you can establish and develop unrivalled industry and political networks. Key Duties and Responsibilities Undertake policy research and analysis and provide strategic advice to the Policy Manager and elected VFF farmer representatives. Liaise with key industry and government stakeholders. Lead key VFF policy development projects, policy research and analysis. Leading advocacy on established VFF policy positions and represent the VFF on various state government and industry committees. A working knowledge or understanding of key emerging issues affecting farmers in Victoria. Monitor industry issues and public debate on agricultural matters affecting farmers across the state. Represent the VFF on various state government, industry policy committees and working groups. Contribute to advocacy efforts to ensure a consistent and effective presentation of the VFF’s policy positions to state government and relevant stakeholders. Influence policy making processes and decision makers in the best interests of the VFF. Secretariat duties with VFF Policy Committees including the preparation of agendas, briefing papers and minutes. Providing expert policy advice and recommendations to the General Manager Policy and Advocacy, VFF policy councils and VFF committees. 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. Ability to establish networks within government and the agriculture sector. Experience in a similar advisory capacity, within a complex issue-rich work environment will be highly regarded. A demonstrated understanding of the agriculture industry. Strong analytical skills, including the ability to source, and critically evaluate evidence and data from diverse range of sources, including but not limited to legislative and regulatory instruments. Well-developed proactive and creative problem-solving skills, including the ability to design innovative solutions and the ability to get things done. Excellent written and verbal interpersonal skills, and the ability to target your audience to convey complex ideas and policy positions. Demonstrated experience in developing presentations, facilitating and negotiating complex policy positions projects and ideas. A demonstrated understanding of the government and public policy as it relates to the agricultural industry and regional communities. The successful applicant must have a high level of self-motivation with the skills to work in a small knit team and to work autonomously, whilst managing competing priorities and tight deadlines. Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written. A competitive market-based salary will be negotiated with the successful candidate based on your qualifications and experience. If this opportunity sounds like you, please apply by uploading your cover letter and resume. #J-18808-Ljbffr