Program Lead

EL 2 - $141,563 - $159,051 per annum plus superannuation
- ABARES Division
- Canberra, ACT

ABARES is seeking a program lead for its Agricultural Forecasting and Policy Program. This will involve managing a team of economists, scientists and data managers to produce commentary and agricultural forecasts for a range of publications (such as the Agricultural Commodities Report and Australian Crop Report). These publications are aimed at informing industry and policy makers. The team also provides economic and market insights that support the development of policy and decision making within the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, as well as other government agencies.

**Who we are**
ABARES - the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences - is the research arm of the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. We provide professionally independent, high-quality research, analysis, forecasting and statistics on portfolio industries, to government and private sector decision-makers. We are a unique organisation comprised of innovative and passionate teams and offer the opportunity to work in a collaborative, relaxed and inclusive working environment. ABARES has a wealth of expertise in applied economic and scientific research developing innovative modelling techniques, undertaking comprehensive surveys, and developing internationally recognised data management processes. The bureau also provides integrated socio-economic and biophysical analysis to address the policy issues facing Australia's primary industries.

The Agricultural Forecasting & Trade Branch provides research, analysis and advice on agricultural commodity prices and production status; agricultural outlook; adjustment and sector policy; trade and global markets; and emerging policy issues. The branch also provides a range of outreach activities including delivery of the ABARES Outlook conference series, webinars, stakeholder engagement and management of the Departmental library.

The Agricultural Forecasts and Policy Program supports government policy through the provision of rigorous agricultural market forecasts and analysis. The Program publishes quarterly forecasts in Agricultural Commodities and deliver these forecasts across Australia through ABARES Outlook conference series. We also provide evidence-based analysis of policies, climate, and macroeconomic factors affecting the competitiveness of Australia’s agricultural industries.

**The Job**
The role will involve working through the team to deliver timely agricultural forecasts and targeted economic research products. As program lead, you will support and drive a respectful team culture where ideas are shared and discussed, be responsible for setting and articulating work priorities, and developing the capabilities of staff. You will also engage regularly with industry stakeholders to build an understanding of market conditions and present the team’s findings. It will also be important to build strong networks across the department and other government agencies. Working with colleagues across the department is fundamental in the design and delivery of research products that support the development of relevant policies.

**Skills and Capabilities**
- Drive and maintain a respectful team culture.
- Strong economic frameworks that can be applied to policy and market analysis.
- Independently manage workflow, exercise judgement and coordinate the work of a team.
- Manage competing priorities and deliver work under tight timeframes.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.

**Knowledge and experience**
- Experience in leading and managing a team.
- Experience working on economic/agricultural policy or analysis.

**Eligibility and other requirements**
**Mandatory qualifications**
A tertiary-qualification in economics or another relevant discipline is mandatory.

**Citizenship** - To be eligible for employment with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry you must be an Australian citizen.

**Security Clearance** - This position requires a **Baseline Vetting **security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

**Pre-employment Check**:

- Your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period of 6 months.

**MSIC and ASIC Licences** - If the position requires unescorted access within an aviation or maritime security zone, you will be required to obtain and maintain an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) or Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC).