AddressThis role is advertised as full time, but part time applicants are also welcome.
The Australian Banana Growers' Council (ABGC) has offices at the Brisbane Markets (Rocklea) and in Moresby in Far North Queensland. We are looking for one Communications and Engagement Officer but invite applicants from either location.
Applications close Tuesday 14 May 2024. This position is a contact position funded until the end of 2026.
ABGC, on behalf of industry, has led management of Panama disease Tropical Race 4 (Panama TR4) in Queensland since July 2023. Prior to this, it was managed by the state government through Biosecurity Queensland (BQ).
The transition to industry management was the first of its kind in Australia, resulting in unique challenges and complexities. Panama TR4 remains a huge threat to the major banana production area of Far North Queensland, and the Program has a key role to play in ensuring growers are equipped to manage and, as much as possible, contain this disease.
We are now seeking an individual to further drive communications in this space.
The successful candidate will be:
- An experienced communications professional, with a knack for strategy and driving engagement
- Comfortable working collaboratively but able to take the lead and make decisions
- Able to assess, interpret and share complex ideas with a wide-ranging audience
- Confident using a range of communication methods, including writing, social media, photography and video (please note, professional-level photography and video skills are welcome, but not essential – you just need to be able to capture good, basic content!)
- Comfortable liaising with media, either proactively or in response to issues as they arise
- Across basic website maintenance and new content creation (Wordpress, Squarespace)
- Able to meet a tight deadline, while keeping the bigger picture in mind
- Flexible enough to change tact as needed to best serve the banana industry and the Program
- Comfortable working in sometimes challenging, uncertain circumstances
If desired, this role also includes one day (equivalent) of general communications work, which involves developing content and delivering relevant information to growers across Australia (through a range of channels) and liaising with media when required. It may also involve elements of event planning and crisis management.
The ABGC will offer a competitive salary based on experience. We strive to create collaborative and flexible workplace, and it is our aim to provide any person in this role with the tools and support they need to operate at their best.
Roles and Responsibilities
This role sits within the ABGC Communications team, but will work closely with the TR4 Program Manager, the Grower Support Coordinator and other members of the TR4 Program team.
TR4 specific -
- Ensuring growers are kept up-to-date with relevant new research and information relating to Panama TR4. This may include (but is not limited to) producing content for Australian Bananas magazine, social media, e-bulletins etc
- Identifying gaps in resources available to help growers implement on-farm biosecurity, and finding ways to fill those gaps
- Working with the TR4 Program team, and other relevant staff members, to develop and implement plans for community consultation regarding any changes to the program or disease management
- Developing and implementing a new TR4 Communications and Engagement Plan, in line with Program objectives (at the appropriate time)
- Working closely with the TR4 Control Program team, and other relevant staff at ABGC, to ensure messaging is consistent and strong across the organisation
- Monitoring Program activities for any potential communications issues or opportunities, and planning for them in advance where possible
- Assisting the team in planning for events like workshops, ‘shed-talks’ or Banana Congress
General communications -
- Assisting the communications team in ensuring banana growers across Australia are kept up-to-date on relevant information and issues, through the various ABGC communications channels
- While an all-in approach is sometimes required, this aspect of the role can be somewhat tailored to the individual’s strengths (for example, photography, writing, social media, video and other content creation, events etc)
Other relevant information
The TR4-focussed component of this role is funded by Plant Health Australia. The Banana Industry Communications Project is funded by Hort Innovation.
Contact
Please contact Communications Manager Amy Spear (***@abgc.org.au) should you have any questions. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume via Seek or directly to Amy via email.
