Closing 14 February

Policy & Innovation Lead, Biodiversity Council
This position is hosted by The University of Melbourne
Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for 2 years
Salary: UOM 8 – $115,137 – $124,622 p.a. plus 17% super

Play a key role in the Biodiversity Council’s ability to influence government and industry policies and programs to achieve significantly improved outcomes for biodiversity.

About the Role

The Policy and Innovation Lead, a pivotal member of the Biodiversity Council executive team, plays a crucial role in researching, consulting, and formulating the organisation’s positions on contemporary policy, initiatives, and innovations impacting biodiversity. Engaging with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, First Peoples, NGOs, philanthropic entities, universities, and experts, the incumbent aims to drive the Biodiversity Council’s change agenda. This strategic position focuses on influencing governmental and industrial policies, ultimately striving for significantly improved biodiversity outcomes. Leveraging experience, expertise, and effective communication skills, the Policy and Innovation Lead identifies and activates collaborative opportunities to address Australia’s biodiversity crisis and bring about positive change.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Research and deliver incisive analysis of policy initiatives and developments in the biodiversity, conservation, climate change and environmental sectors to the Biodiversity Council executive team and Expert Councillors.
• Identify, cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders including universities, governments, First Peoples, NGOs, philanthropic organisations, scientists and experts in the biodiversity, conservation and environmental sectors.
• Identify strategic opportunities to collaborate with Expert Councillors, other experts, First Peoples, NGOs, governments, universities, local communities and others to achieve impact – and turn those opportunities into effective action.
• Shepherd the development and lodgement of policy submissions on topics agreed in consultation with the Executive team and Chief-Councillors.
• Represent the Biodiversity Council and its position in key forums such as government and business panels, conferences, the media, and public events.

Who We Are Looking For

Our ideal candidate brings extensive experience in a similar role, showcasing a proven ability to collaborate with and work within universities across diverse disciplines to achieve tangible outcomes. Your track record includes successful stakeholder engagement, clear communication, and effective negotiation across various sectors, demonstrating your capacity to influence strategic decision-making in complex, matrix environments.

Your effective operational experience in complex environments, combined with a strong track record of successful stakeholder engagement and collaboration across diverse sectors, reflects your suitability for this role. You are passionate about Australia’s biodiversity, and have the capacity to understand and rapidly master biodiversity knowledge and its implications for policy, First Peoples, business and community.

You will also have:

• Post-graduate qualifications in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience in conservation, environmental and/or climate change policy, including an ability to quickly and creatively identify and realise opportunities to advocate for and achieve change.
• Demonstrated experience in successful stakeholder engagement and in communicating clearly and negotiating effectively with a broad range of groups/people to achieve concrete outcomes.
• Experience in a start-up environment, and ability to work flexibly in a small team and manage constantly shifting priorities.
• A collegiate approach to working with internal and external stakeholders, with a commitment to open and transparent communication, and sharing of knowledge and networks.

Learn more: https://jobs.unimelb.edu.au/en/job/915559/policy-innovation-lead-biodiversity-council

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the Position Description.

Please note: To be considered for this role you must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is unavailable.

Your New Team – The Biodiversity Council

The Biodiversity Council was founded by 11 Australian Universities to drive action on biodiversity by increasing public, political and industry understanding of Australia’s biodiversity crisis and support for evidence-based solutions.

The council is currently hosted by The University of Melbourne with additional oversight from an advisory board. It receives financial support from philanthropists.

The Biodiversity Council’s mission is to be a trusted expert voice communicating accurate information on all aspects of biodiversity, to ensure biodiversity and Country prosper. Our Biodiversity Councillors are leading experts, in science, Indigenous knowledge, law, policy, economics, behaviour change and communications. Effective inclusion of First people’s expertise and perspectives is fundamental for the Biodiversity Council.

Applications close: 14 FEBRUARY 2024 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) / Melbourne time zone.

Learn more: https://jobs.unimelb.edu.au/en/job/915559/policy-innovation-lead-biodiversity-council