Community Engagement Officer

About People For Wildlife

People For Wildlife is a small conservation charity working with local people and landscapes in Australia and abroad. People For Wildlife undertakes scientific research, conservation land management, and develops nature-based economic opportunities with local communities living on these landscapes to help protect nature by improving the lives of the people most dependant on it.

For more information about what we do, please visit: 

.

Why work with us?

Do you want to make a difference in conservation? Do you want to work in a stunning and iconic part of Australia?

We are a dedicated team, passionate about what we do, but we need help to bring our big dreams to reality. People For Wildlife is looking for a 
Community Engagement and Nature-Based Business Officer
 who is passionate about Indigenous-led protection of biodiversity, and creating nature-based economic opportunities for Indigenous people and local communities.

You will have the opportunity to work with internationally recognised experts and to learn a diverse range of skills that few other employers can provide.

About the role

As People For Wildlife's 
Community Engagement and Nature-Based Business Officer
, you will work closely with Traditional Custodians to support and engage in conservation initiatives at the northernmost tip of the Cape York Peninsula.

As part of this multi-dimensional role, you will liaise closely with community members, and the Apudthama and Angkamuthi Ranger Groups, to facilitate Traditional Custodian involvement in conservation and land management activities across the Apudthama landscape. This work includes preservation of cultural heritage, conservation action (e.g., reforestation, prescribed burning), and scientific research involving crocodiles, snakes, palm cockatoos, Jardine River turtles, and many others.

You will also spearhead the development of Indigenous-led nature-based businesses. Currently, these business opportunities include Queensland's only sustainable crocodile egg harvest, sustainable harvesting of endemic chantarelle mushrooms, and production of essential oils. In this role, you will be responsible for growing these businesses, maintaining established supply chains, identifying and liaising with buyers (and securing additional investments where applicable), and facilitating Traditional Custodian leadership throughout the entire business model. You will also have scope and support to identify and lead new sustainable nature-based business opportunities.

Linked to the above work, you will develop capacity in governance and leadership to support the ambitions of Traditional Custodians.

About you

You are someone who is passionate about the natural environment. You love being outdoors, and have a knack for engagement with people from a diverse range of backgrounds.

You are an all-rounder who is not afraid to get their hands dirty, learn new skills, and impart those skills to others.

You preferably have a tertiary qualification and/or a proven track record working in the natural sciences, business/supply chain management, or social work.

You will need a C class driver's license and have the right to work in Australia.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Form a close rapport and effective working relationship with community members, rangers, and Traditional Custodians.
• Work with Traditional Custodians to support capacity development, leadership, and governance.
• Work with the PFW conservation team, and the Angkamuthi and Apudthama Ranger Groups, to align workplans, schedules, and desired outcomes, and streamline in-field collaboration among those groups.
• Lead or assist with the development of the recently-established Angkamuthi Ranger Programme (e.g., leading or assisting with on-country camps, trainings, and workshops).
• Work with community leaders to facilitate and increase community involvement in PFW's conservation work.
• Assist with development of funding proposals for community initiatives.
• Lead the optimisation and growth of nature-based businesses. Specifically, you will identify and optimise supply chains, liaise with buyers, suppliers, and the public, and conduct extensive capacity building with Indigenous business owners (e.g., financial management, supply chain management, negotiation with buyers) to futureproof these businesses.
• Gather and provide communications collateral (photos and videos) to People For Wildlife communications teams.
• Assist with the implementation of People For Wildlife's conservation land management program in northern Cape York.
• Write internal and external facing general and technical reports on the results of People For Wildlife's work supporting communities through engagement in conservation initiatives, and establishment of nature-based businesses, in northern Cape York.

YOUR SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

Essential Education and experience

EITHER:

Tertiary qualification in at least one of the following: ecology; environmental science (or a similar natural science); social work with Indigenous Australians; business or supply chain management 
AND
 at least 2 years' professional experience in the field relevant to your tertiary education.

OR:

At least 7 years' professional experience in one or more of the following fields: ecology or environmental science; social work, community engagement, or education with Indigenous Australians; implementation of nature-based solutions; management of raw material supply chains.

• All applicants must have a C class driver's license and have the right to work in Australia.
• All applicants must be willing to travel frequently and spend extended periods (up to 2 weeks per trip) in northern Cape York.

Highly desirable skills and experience

• Demonstrated community engagement experience, including development, implementation, and uptake of specific calls to action. Community engagement experience with regards to conservation is preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to convene and lead workshops, on-country camps, and other capacity building initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to support capacity development, growth and leadership, and establish governance procedures.
• Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous Australians, including community leaders.
• Demonstrated experience establishing and managing supply chains for raw materials.
• Demonstrated experience establishing and developing a business (inclusive of financial management, selling a product, establishing supply chains (if applicable)).
• Demonstrated knowledge about nature-based solutions and nature-based businesses.
• Proven bushcraft and field ecology skills, and ability to safely and effectively undertake fieldwork in remote areas.
• Knowledge of the flora and fauna of Cape York Peninsula.
• 4 x 4 experience.

Important note: this is a diverse role, and we acknowledge the desired skills and experience are extremely broad. We also acknowledge that most of these skills can be learned with support as part of this role. As such, if your professional profile satisfies the Essential Education and Experience criteria, and you possess at least 3 of the desirable skills/experiences, then we strongly encourage you to apply. PFW values diversity, and encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies.

Indigenous Australian applicants are especially encouraged to apply.

Suitability and flexibility

This role offers the unique opportunity for the right candidate to work at the tip of the Australian continent. The successful candidate would be provided modest accommodation, transport, and meals while in northern Cape York as part of their remuneration package. Opportunities such as this are rare.

The unique nature of this position means that there is flexibility in potential working arrangements, with full-time or part-time roles considered. Potential candidates interested in this role are strongly encouraged to apply to discuss an arrangement that works for all
.

If you would like to apply for this position, please submit the following via email:

1. A one-page cover letter demonstrating your ability to fulfil the key responsibilities and requirements of the role and stipulating your preference for a full-time or part time role.
2. A current resume or curriculum vitae.
3. Please provide two referees.

Email: 

.

Suitable applicants will be shortlisted and invited for an interview.