Senior Policy Advisor – Land Management & Planning

Are you a motivated individual ready to solve complex agricultural land use problems, then this job is for you.

The Senior Policy Advisor – Land Management & Planning is a key member of the fast-paced Victorian Farmers Federation (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.

You will drive our response to land use conflict, natural resource management, environmental regulation protecting the right to farm through the identification of strategies and policy options compatible with farming of strategically important agricultural land.

You will be responsible for Land Management & Planning policy, and you will work closely with the VFF policy team, our VFF members and senior levels of industry and government.

Working with a small resolute policy team that delivers the advocacy policy position of the VFF, the responsibilities encompass wide ranging issues from agriculture, water, energy, taxation, and regional infrastructure priorities in addition to social and economic reforms.

This is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your policy development skills in an exciting environment where you can establish and develop unrivalled industry and political networks.

Your duties will include:

· Undertaking policy research and analysis and provide strategic advice to senior management and elected VFF farmer representatives.

· Consulting with key industry and government stakeholders.

· Leading advocacy on established VFF policy positions and represent the VFF on various state government and industry committees.

· Taking the lead on key VFF policy development projects, policy research and analysis.

· Monitoring industry issues and public debate on agricultural matters affecting farmers across the state.

· 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 senior management, VFF policy councils and VFF committees.

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.

· Planning qualifications or experience highly regarded.

· Experience in establishing networks within government and the agriculture sector.

· Experience in a similar advisory capacity, within a complex environment would be highly regarded.

· A demonstrated understanding of the agriculture industry.

Competencies

· Strong analytical skills, including the ability to source, and critically evaluate evidence and data from a diverse range of sources, such as legislative and regulatory instruments.

· Good initiative and creative critical thinking skills, with the ability to design innovative solutions to get things done.

· Excellent written and verbal people skills, and the ability to target your audience to convey complex ideas and policy positions succinctly.

· Demonstrated experience in developing presentations, facilitating, and negotiating a complex policy position to a diverse range of stakeholders.

· A working knowledge of government and public policy as it relates to the agricultural industry and regional communities.

· The successful applicant must be able to work in a small knit team, whilst managing competing priorities and tight deadlines.

· Exceptional communication and presentation skills, both oral and written.

· If this opportunity sounds like you, please apply by uploading your cover letter and resume.