Who are AgForce?

AgForce Queensland Farmers Ltd (AgForce) is the state’s peak advocacy group representing the interests of the broadacre agriculture industry - covering the beef, cane, grains and sheep, wool and goat commodities.  Advocating on behalf of thousands of primary producers, AgForce is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary organisation with a purpose to:

‘Advance Sustainable Agribusiness’

Purpose of the Role

The role is responsible for the development of high-quality policy advice and advocacy on a range of biosecurity and environmental sustainability issues affecting broadacre industries in Queensland, to ensure members’ and the sector’s interests are effectively advanced.  The position involves taking responsibility for the development of policies concerning biosecurity issues, including:

• Disease, pests and weeds prevention and control
• Biosecurity system functioning
• Industry awareness and planning

As well as policies concerning environmental sustainability, including:

• Industry sustainability programs
• State and federal regulation and market initiatives
• Water quality, including to the Great Barrier Reef
• Pasture dieback.

Objectives

Key Result Areas

1. Manage biosecurity - and environmental sustainability-focused policy issues, including:
   • Regulatory affairs and public policy engagement, including reform prioritisation, policy research and analysis, consultation, government relations, and advocacy.
   • Develop influence and recognition of AgForce as an authoritative voice on biosecurity and environmental sustainability matters within broadacre agriculture, to support membership growth and secure industry outcomes such as sharing our positive environmental management story.
   • Develop and maintain relationships with members, AgForce Boards and Committees, public and private sector bodies, other state and national representative organisations and commercial stakeholders.
   • Project management, partnership development and other agreed activities where they support advancing the AgForce policy agenda.
   • Provide effective and timely advice and reporting to the AgForce Board and senior management, in conjunction with other staff.
2. Take carriage of cross-commodity policy issues related to biosecurity and environmental sustainability - including supporting the AgForce Biosecurity and Sustainability Policy Committees and representing AgForce at related national, state and regional policy forums.
3. Work in a coordinated manner with the AgForce Policy Team and other staff to advance member and sectoral interests on other related cross-commodity policy issues, including our AgCarE program and low emissions agriculture.
4. Other responsibilities as delegated or directed by the General Manager - Policy.

Key Performance Indicators

Key Result Areas are reliably achieved on a timely basis, as required.

Every AgForce employee is required to behave in an appropriate professional manner, uphold organisational values and adhere to our policies and code of conduct while representing the organisation.

Selection Criteria

Education/Qualifications-Degree or diploma in a related discipline (eg, agriculture, biosecurity or environmental science, natural resource management), or equivalent industry experienceSkills, Abilities and Knowledge-Comprehensive understanding of biosecurity and/or environmental sustainability issues, particularly concerning disease, pest or weed management, or environmental markets or regulation-Understanding of broadacre agriculture in Queensland-Demonstrated ability to research, synthesise and analyse information, and develop solutions under time pressure-Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to connect with and persuade a variety of audiences-Well-developed negotiation skills-Demonstrated capacity to represent AgForce in a range of forums, to external agencies or bodies and in meetings with AgForce members-Demonstrated ability to facilitate group and policy processesPersonal Qualities -Ability to work independently and as part of a team -Self-motivated with strong initiative-Ability to maintain confidentiality and act with integrity-Strong public presence and ability to engage a range of audiences-Excellent attention to detail-Empathy for primary producers

Key Relationships

Maintain strong relationships with the General Manager – Policy, Biosecurity Policy Committee Chair and Members, Sustainability Committee Chair and members, CEO, Policy Team members, General Manager – Regional Engagement and AgCarE, Media and Communications Team, elected member representatives and Regional Managers.  Externally, to maintain productive relationships with Ministerial and Departmental representatives, other industry and stakeholder groups and commercial stakeholders.

Accountability/Authority

Limited authority to make public comment in the absence of executive members in line with AgForce policy positions and broader principles endorsed by the organisation.

Special Requirements

Irregular hours and travel throughout regional Queensland and to interstate capital cities.

This position is subject to a 6-month probation period.

The AgForce Head Office is located in Brisbane however, suitable alternative locations of work within Queensland will be considered.

Remuneration will reflect the nature of the position and the skills and experience of the successful applicant.

Applications must address the selection criteria and should be forwarded to recruitment@agforceqld.org.au before 8am Thursday, 15 June 2023.