• Location: Cairns or Cooktown
• 37.5hrs/week, fixed term contract to 31st July 2028
• 5 weeks annual leave plus 17.5% leave loading

Cape York Natural Resource Management (Cape York NRM) is seeking a dedicated and passionate Program Lead Sustainable Agriculture to play a pivotal role in driving the organisation's mission and objectives.

The position is accountable to the Program Manager for Landscapes & Monitoring and will work closely with the leadership team as part of a multi-disciplinary team across the organisation. As the Program Lead for Sustainable Agriculture, you will assume a central role in overseeing the planning, delivery, and monitoring of various programs and projects, with a particular focus on sustainable and climate-smart agriculture, improving land and water quality and delivery of natural resource management support for landholders across the Cape York NRM region.

This role will also specifically focus on addressing food security and sustainable grazing practices Cape York, ensuring resilient agricultural systems that align with the region’s unique environmental and cultural context.
In particular the role focusses on strengthening First Nations engagement and participation in the agriculture sector, through actions, such as:

● enabling the agriculture sector to respect, draw on and embrace First Nations knowledge, where there is free, prior and informed consent;
● working in partnership with First Nations agricultural enterprises;
● stimulating First Nations entrepreneurship and business development in the agriculture sector;
● providing First Nations people with opportunities to participate in the agriculture sector.

The position is responsible for the day-to-day project management, the management and supervision of project staff to fulfil contractual requirements of project investments held by Cape York NRM, a for the engagement with stakeholders and the Cape York Peninsula community to achieve successful and sustainable NRM programs and projects. The role is focused on delivering sustainable agriculture, drought and climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, including providing extension services and delivering natural disaster response and recovery programs. The role may be required to deliver NRM projects outside this portfolio.

How to Apply:

To be considered for this position, applications must be submitted via Seek or at [email protected]

The application process includes the submission of the following:
1. Cover letter
2. Resume (maximum 5 pages)
3. A separate document addressing the selection criteria (maximum 4 pages)

Applications Close: 7th March, 2025

Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrated ability and willingness to support and work effectively with diverse stakeholder groups (farmers, graziers, Indigenous landholders, community and industry groups, government; and in particular First Nations stakeholders) to develop and implement sustainable agriculture and natural resource management projects, including delivering agricultural extension services, community engagement and consultation, facilitation of workshops and capacity building events.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, work with partners and staff and oversee the development of frameworks for problem solving in the area of community engagement.
• High level facilitation, negotiation and partnership building skills across a wide range of sectors including industry, government, community groups, Traditional Owners, research organisations and the private sector.
• Demonstrated high level communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to present complex information verbally and in writing for various audiences, including project reports, case studies, technical guides, project proposals, presentations and social media.
• Demonstrated experience in effective project management, including project design, work planning and prioritisation, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and reporting against work plan and project plan.
• Relevant technical knowledge and experience in agricultural extension and capacity building on sustainable agricultural land management, sustainable grazing land management, applied climate policy and science, vegetation management, soil management, pest and weed management, agricultural economy.
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in sustainable agriculture, natural resource management or a closely related field, with sound knowledge and understanding of best practice management of grazing and agricultural systems; and natural resources, preferably in the Cape York region, as well as an understanding of regional arrangements for natural resource management.
• Experience as a leader working in a not-for-profit, grants-based organisation, with the ability to maximise results from limited resources, as well as leading, motivating and mentoring people within and beyond the organisation, and building productive partnerships.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experiences to adhere to Workplace Health and Safety regulations and demonstrated awareness of requirements of Employment Equity, Ethical Conduct and the Anti-Discrimination Act.

Other:

• Relevant degree, qualification or equivalent practical experience in management of projects

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working and/or living on Cape York Peninsula would be an advantage.
• Advanced computer literacy (Microsoft Suite products and Google Docs).
• Four-wheel drive vehicle experience is desirable.
• Experience working with Indigenous organisations on Cape York Peninsula.
• Experience working with Not-For-Profit organisations.

Additional Factors

• A current Australian Class C driver’s licence.
• A current Blue Card is required before the commencement of employment
• A criminal history check is required before the commencement of employment
• A current First Aid & CPR certification or able to attain
• Ability to work flexible hours, i.e. out-of-ordinary hours and weekends as this role may require frequent remote area travel.
• Candidates must have the legal right to work in Australia. Proof of eligibility may be required