The posting
About the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
The role of the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is to work with national governments, international organisations, and industry partners to grow the value of Australia’s agricultural trade and reduce risks to our agriculture sector to ensure that Australia's agricultural, fisheries, food and forestry industries remain competitive, profitable and sustainable.
Our work contributes to promoting agricultural productivity in our primary industries, supporting sustainable, high-quality natural resources to benefit primary producers and the community, and maintaining and improving market access for our primary producers. The Department has a network of overseas officers to manage the agricultural relationships with key partners and organisations.
About the position
Based in Rome and working under limited direction, the Senior Adviser works to support the Counsellor (Agriculture) on complex agriculture, fisheries and forestry issues to strengthen Australia’s strategic engagement and partnerships with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and its Member States. This includes provision of specialised policy advice, analysis and reporting. The position also represents Australia’s interests in various FAO Committees and processes and undertakes extensive liaison with key stakeholders as required.
This position will be required to work outside standard working hours from time-to-time depending on the FAO’s schedule and visit programs.
Depending on your position, you may be required to undergo additional security and background checks and undertake specific Child Protection e-learning.
The key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Provide high-level policy advice, briefing and strategic analysis and take the lead on developing the Australian government’s positions on agriculture, fisheries and forestry issues.
- Undertake complex research to provide accurate, timely and strategic technical and policy advice to the Counsellor (Agriculture) and DAFF on matters relating to food security and agriculture within the mandate of the FAO by collecting, monitoring, analysing and evaluating information, papers and related materials.
- Develop and manage effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders including FAO management and staff, FAO Members, Australian industry and research groups to progress key priorities.
- In coordination with the Canberra-based FAO team in DAFF, support the Counsellor (Agriculture), or other senior officers, to represent Australia’s interests in FAO meetings and processes, including through the preparation of high-quality briefings, statements and other materials. Independently represent Australia at FAO meetings, negotiations and processes on behalf of the Counsellor/DPR, as required.
- Represent Australia and act as a focal point on identified thematic issues with a high degree of independence, and report on key developments and emerging issues.
- Provide support to the Counsellor (Agriculture) and DAFF including but not limited to: initiating or leading on the writing of cables, reports of meetings, records of conversations, presentations, talking points.
- Coordinate or lead on preparations for FAO meetings including research, collating documentation, briefing, registration and administrative functions as required.
- Organise and facilitate programs for visiting government officials, Ministers, Australian industry or research institutions, including meetings and other events.
Required Qualifications/Experience
- Excellent analytical skills and subject matter expertise in relation to agriculture and food security issues and the role of the UN system.
- Demonstrated experience with high-level liaison and representational experience in a multilateral setting and an ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with relevant stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of agricultural policy including demonstrated strong capacity in public policy monitoring, analysis and implementation.
- Ability to take initiative, set priorities and organise work effectively and efficiently, and to complete work with limited supervision.
- A high level of written and oral proficiency in English with a proven ability to prepare written materials to document analysis and findings in a logical, succinct and persuasive manner.
- Excellent teamwork, interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, including experience working with senior representatives of government and industry.
- Ability to maintain professional and courteous demeanour in highly political contexts.
- Well-developed ability to negotiate and achieve favourable outcomes.
- High level of proficiency with information technology systems, especially Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
- Applicants must have, or be able to quickly obtain on their own, a valid work permit/visa for employment in Italy. This permit/visa must be submitted prior to commencing the position.
- Ability to work flexibly and outside of standard business hours when required.
Desirable
- Ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance is desirable but not essential.
- Experience working in the FAO, UN, or other large, multicultural environments is desirable.
Selection Criteria
Please ensure you provide a response to each of the listed selection criteria below. In your response, you must include relevant high-level examples from your experience that support your claims against the role.
A. Demonstrated high level research and analytical skills and subject matter expertise in international agricultural trade and food security issues and the role of the UN system.
B. Liaison and representational experience in a multilateral or international setting, with the ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with relevant stakeholders.
C. Excellent written and oral proficiency in English, with a proven ability to prepare logical, succinct and persuasive written materials that deliver positive outcomes for the organisation.
D. Excellent teamwork and the ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including experience working with senior representatives of government and industry.
E. Demonstrated ability to manage priorities, exercise judgement and organise work effectively and efficiently, and to complete projects and assignments on time with limited supervision.
The word limit is strictly no more than 250 words per response to each selection criteria. The panel may not assess incomplete applications or responses which exceed the word limit.
The Human Resources Section based in the Australian High Commission, London is responsible for managing all recruitment processes across the European region. To apply, please use the 'Apply' button below. Please direct any other queries to [email protected].
We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued. We appreciate the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals. We actively encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds who share our values.
