ABOUT NATIONAL FARMERS' FEDERATION
Are you interested in a career with the National Farmers’ Federation? We’re growing our team and programs in pursuit of NFF’s goal for agriculture to be a $100 billion industry by 2030.
The NFF’s purpose is to lead Australian agriculture. At the heart of this is our commitment to a diverse and inclusive team, where different experiences, approaches and points of view are embraced. We know diversity drives innovation. We’re growing our team and programs in the pursuit of NFF’s goal for agriculture to be a $100 billion industry by 2030.
Find out about what makes the NFF tick here.
There are no opportunities open right now but if you have an interest in working with us, General Manager Corporate Services Amanda Tankey is here to help.
The Trade Diversification Network is an Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) initiative which supports industry bodies to execute strategic activities to address the trade needs of their sectors. It consists of 40 peak industry bodies, including the National Farmers’ Federation, representing Australian exporters from across the economy.
As part of its membership of the Trade Diversification Network, the NFF is being supported to appoint the newly-created role of the Australian Agriculture Trade Diversification Representative, a unique and highly-visible position aimed to promote Australian agricultural trade diversification in international and domestic markets.
This is a senior-level appointment, who will be engaged to undertake activities of a strategic and ambassadorial nature as they relate to agricultural trade promotion.
The person will need to have deep industry experience and standing in order to provide a credible and consistent ‘whole-of-sector’ voice during trade activities both internationally and domestically. The position may suit someone who has had a senior career in agriculture, business or trade and is looking to give back to the industry.
This is a 12-month appointment, with approximately 75 days of direct engagement over the project life.
The Representative will undertake key activities, with the support of staff from the NFF, including:
Representing the whole of Australian agriculture at priority market events and international delegations.
Providing an industry-led agricultural presence and consistent voice across both inbound and outbound delegations and engagements.
Proactively building relationships with international government and industry trade representatives on behalf of the sector.
Representing the Australian agriculture sector in trade-related conversations with non-agricultural members of the Trade Diversification Network such as fashion, biotechnology, health and nutrition, where interests intersect.
In addition to the above direct activities, the role will provide strategic input into the:
Coordination of ‘whole-of-sector’ activities for agrifood Trade Diversification Network members.
Development of industry-perspective trade mission intelligence and government feedback.
The ideal candidate will have:
A deep knowledge of Australian agriculture, supply chains and export markets.
Senior leadership credibility, with a history of being able to operate confidently at CEO/board and senior government levels.
Strong international experience and understanding of trade dynamics.
A clear understanding of agricultural industry structures and organisations.
The proven ability to align diverse industry views into a clear, unified position and message.
High-level stakeholder engagement skills across industry, government and trade bodies.
Commercial acumen, with a practical understanding of exporter needs and challenges.
Clear, authoritative communication and presentation skills, with the ability to confidently represent organisations and industries.
This is a remunerated position, with an expected time commitment of approximately 75 days over the project life.
The role will not be involved in technical market access or trade negotiation matters.
The role will be supported by a small secretariat within the NFF.
It will require regular international and domestic travel.
It is a 12-month appointment concluding in June 2027.
The candidate can be based anywhere in Australia, though needing the ability to access a domestic airport.
For a copy of the candidate information pack, or for a confidential discussion on the position, please contact Christopher Young (p) (02) 6269 5666
Please provide a CV and cover letter addressing the skills and experience requirements to recruitment@nff.org.au
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) purpose is to lead Australian Agriculture. It plays a unique leadership role as the national representative body for Australian Farmers.
The NFF Horticulture Council is the preeminent forum for deliberating and influencing policy as it affects the national horticulture industry. The Council has been established to benefit the horticulture industry and has substantially enhanced and supported policy efforts that have led to a more efficient, effective, cohesive horticulture policy and advocacy capability at the national level.
The Chair will be expected to work toward the vision and objectives of the Council as determined by its Strategic Plan, and the wider NFF, and in ways consistent with its mission and values.
The specific priorities for the Council and therefore its Chair will be identified through its strategic and operational plans, which are endorsed and reviewed regularly by the Council.
The Chair will have an initial term of three (3) years, concluding 30 June 2029, with the ability to extend for an additional three (3) year term, subject to the mutual agreement of the Council and the incumbent.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following qualities and characteristics:
• Experience in chairing governing or policy-setting bodies, creating space for productive, respectful, inclusive debate leading to outcomes that are mutually beneficial.
• Existing, or capacity to build new connections and networks among key stakeholders through which the mission and objectives of the Council can be pursued.
• Experience in publicly conveying, including with media, positions taken collectively by a governing or policy-setting bodies on potentially contentious matters.
• A demonstrable passion for Australian agriculture and food industries and an appreciation for their contribution to the economy, society and natural environment.
Refer to our position description for the requirements of your application.
For further information about the role or for a confidential discussion, please contact Jolyon Burnett, outgoing Chair of the Council (m) 0416 224 935.
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