Policy Lead

**About Dairy Australia**

At Dairy Australia, our vision is to be a leader in shaping a profitable and sustainable dairy industry. We do this by providing services that collectively benefit and advance dairy farm businesses and the industry. This includes investment in research and innovation, learning and capability development, marketing, policy research, market insights, and trade development.

Our passionate and talented people share this vision and make an impact each day through their commitment to our values of:

- Farmer first - Farmer needs guide our purpose.
- One team - We work together to achieve great things.
- Innovative thinking - We embrace new ideas and learning as we go.
- Decisive action - We make informed decisions and move quickly to implement.

**About the role**

At Dairy Australia, we are committed to driving positive change within the Australian dairy industry. As a key player in this sector, we aim to support the industry's commitments and targets under the Australian Dairy Industry Sustainability Framework (ADSF) Pillar 1 - Enhancing Livelihoods. We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join our Sustainable Dairy team as the **Policy Lead, Farm Operations and Productivity.**

Key Responsibilities:

- Provide technical policy support and strategic advice to assist the dairy industry in achieving its goals under ADSF Pillar 1.
- Conduct in-depth policy research, analysis, and provide expert advice on a range of issues within ADSF Pillar 1, including Agricultural Research Policy, New and Emerging Technology access, Farm Worker Safety Policy, Regional Development Policy, Workforce and Immigration Policy, Trade Policy, and Economic issues.
- Lead the development of policy support and advice related to farm operations and productivity.
- Create evidence-based policy proposals, recommendations, and solutions to address the industry's evolving needs.
- Stay updated on policy developments and proactively communicate relevant updates to internal and external stakeholders.
- Collaborate with industry stakeholders to promote clear policy positions on portfolio issues.
- Prepare industry submissions, policy analyses, and critical reviews on behalf of Dairy Australia and the dairy industry for government and other policy influencers.
- Represent Dairy Australia and the dairy industry on priority issues based on well-informed, evidence-based research.
- Engage with stakeholders through consultation and management when necessary for policy projects.
- Foster and maintain strategic relationships with key regulatory bodies, industry organizations, agencies, and influencers.
- Contribute to the industry's horizon scanning process to provide strategic insights and develop a shared understanding of the factors affecting the sustainability of the dairy industry.

**Skills and experience**
- A deep understanding of agricultural and dairy industry policy issues.
- Proven experience in policy development and analysis, with a focus on farm operations and productivity.
- Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to generate evidence-based recommendations.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- An understanding of the Australian Dairy Industry Sustainability Framework and its objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- A relevant degree in policy, agriculture, or a related field.

**About your work life with us**

We aim to provide benefits that promote the overall wellbeing of our employees. In joining our team, you will be rewarded with:

- Flexible working environment - a blended working environment (at our office in Southbank with our team, combined with at home/virtual and in the regional teams at times).
- Being a key member in our supportive and high performing team of experts in their field.
- A caring and innovative culture - we are open to each other's ideas, we love to innovate, we have integrity and are driven to find the best solutions for our employees and stakeholders.
- Be part of a values driven Not-For-Profit organisation.
- Salary packaging.