Cape York NRM is seeking a dedicated and passionate Program Lead - Climate Resilience & Sustainable Agriculture to play a key role in advancing the organisation’s missions and objectives.

As the Program Lead, you will oversee the planning, delivery, and monitoring of programs that support sustainable and climate-smart agriculture, drought resilience, and climate change adaptation. You will provide extension services and work closely with landholders to improve land and water quality across the Cape York region. While your primary focus will be on sustainable agriculture and climate resilience, you may also be required to contribute to other natural resource management projects as needed.

The role is responsible for day-to-day project management, supporting and supervising project staff, ensuring the delivery of contractual obligations for funded projects and investments managed by Cape York NRM, and fostering strong relationships with landholders, community members, and key stakeholders across Cape York.

Duties of the Role

1. Lead and manage the planning, implementation, and delivery of Cape York NRM Climate Smart and Sustainable programs to ensure they are delivered on time, within scope, and budget.

2. Develop and negotiate project proposals, including deliverables, milestones, budgets, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks in line with funding requirements.

3. Apply sound financial management skills to develop, track, and monitor project budgets and ensure compliance with funding agreements.

4. Supervise and support project staff, fostering a collaborative and outcome-focused work culture.

5. Deliver expert advice and extension support on sustainable and climate-smart agriculture, grazing land management, and natural resource management.

6. Lead by example to uphold Cape York NRM’s values, mission and strategic priorities, and foster a respectful, inclusive and high-performing team environment.

7. Build and maintain positive working relationships with landholders, First Nations organisations, industry groups, and all levels of government.

8. Develop, facilitate, and participate in events, workshops and capacity building activities that support the NRM Plan and relevant project objectives.

9. Promote Cape York NRM’s work across the region and raise awareness of community opportunities for engagement in NRM initiatives.

Key attributes

● Demonstrated knowledge and experience in delivering programs that support sustainable and climate-smart agriculture, drought resilience, and climate change adaptation

● High level project management experience

● Proven ability to collaborate, both within the organisation and with external stakeholders, and the ability to build effective partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders

● Experience leading a small team

● Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to set and meet deadlines, across multiple projects.

● Strong analytical skills and strategic mindset to be able to identify opportunities and solutions to complex issues.

● Proven experience in the delivery of conservation and land management programs

Selection Criteria:

● Proven experience managing natural resource management or sustainable agriculture projects, including project planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and reporting.

● Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively to develop frameworks and deliver solutions that support project outcomes.

● Sound financial literacy with the ability to develop, manage, and monitor project budgets. Technical Knowledge and Experience

● Demonstrated experience and expertise in sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, or a related field, with strong knowledge of best-practice management of grazing and agricultural systems, land and water resources, and vegetation.

● Experience working in Cape York or similar remote regions is desirable, along with an understanding of regional NRM frameworks and delivery arrangements.

● Experience in leading teams and projects within a not-for-profit or grant-funded environment, with the ability to motivate and mentor staff, manage limited resources, and build strategic partnerships. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

● Demonstrated ability to engage and work effectively with diverse stakeholder groups, including farmers, graziers, Indigenous landholders, community and industry groups and government.

● Strong facilitation, negotiation, and communication skills, with experience delivering extension services, facilitating workshops, leading community consultation, and preparing written materials such as reports, technical guides, and case studies. Workplace Health and Safety and Personal Conduct

● Demonstrated knowledge and experience to adhere to relevant Workplace Health and Safety considerations and demonstrated awareness of requirements for Employment Equity, Ethical Conduct, and the Anti-Discrimination Act.

Qualifications and Experience Essential

● Current Australian Class C driver’s licence

● Ability to work flexible hours, i.e. out-of-ordinary hours and weekends, as this role will require frequent remote area travel.

● Legal right to work in Australia (citizen, permanent resident, or valid visa).

Desirable

● Tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in sustainable agriculture, NRM, or related field

● Experience working with Indigenous communities and organisations on Cape York Peninsula.

● 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

● Experience working with Not-For-Profit organisations.

Additional Requirements

● A current Blue Card and criminal history check are required before the commencement of employment

● Current First Aid and CPR certification, or able to attain

How to apply

Applications should be sent to [email protected] by COB Monday 30 June 2025.

Please submit your resume and a cover letter that addresses how your skills, experience, and qualifications align with the selection criteria outlined in the position description.

For further information, please contact Jorg Edsen, Program Manager - Landscapes & Monitoring, on 0427 935 676 or email [email protected] For more information, visit capeyorknrm.com.au