Policy Manager

About us: 

AFPA is the peak national industry body representing the full value chain of Australia’s forest products sector.

The sector consists of the sustainable production of plantations and use of natural forest resources, including forest establishment and management, harvesting and haulage, processing of timber resources and manufacture of pulp, paper and bioproducts.

AFPA’s membership falls under four chambers (Growers, Hardwood Processing, Softwood Manufacturing, and Pulp, Paper and Bioproducts) representing the core business of organisations at different points in the value chain.

About the role: 

Policy Manager

As a member of a small team the Policy Manager will have a variety of duties including managing a Chamber and undertaking policy analysis and support across a range of portfolios.

Chamber Manager

Each Chamber consists of CEOs and senior managers from key companies operating in the forest sector value chain. 

As a Chamber Manager, the position supports the Chair of the Chamber (drawn from the members) and provides leadership, planning, organisation, papers and secretariat support to enable high level discussions to take place in a strategic, informed, organised manner, in full compliance with ACCC rules and guidelines. 

Policy Analysis and Support 

In addition to Chamber management this position provides policy support and analysis on policy and technical issues as they relate to the entire forest products sector. Activities could include: 

• Analysis of new and evolving policy initiatives of government, particularly in relation to environmental regulation.
• Preparation of formal submissions to Departmental and Parliamentary reviews and preparation for Senate Estimates.
• Consultation with officials from relevant Government Departments. 
• Analysis of the technical debates around forest management, carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to the duties specified above, the Policy Manager will be required to coordinate a range of small to medium sized projects for member benefit.

Responsibilities: 

• Manage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including members, politicians across the spectrum, other industry advocacy groups, and policy leaders across relevant Government Departments to progress policy outcomes.
• Administer the Chamber’s activities and provide secretariat duties to meetings.
• Develop and implement strategic and annual work plans through the Chamber.
• Lead and deliver projects within the work plans including policy initiatives and outcomes.

AFPA operates a small staff in Canberra. Whilst each Chamber has its own direct Manager, each Manager also carries responsibility for a limited range of other ‘cross membership’ issues, which could include; Biosecurity, farm forestry, Work Health and Safety, Standards development and climate change.

Qualifications:

• Experience in the forestry supply chain is desirable but not critical. 
• Experience in political advocacy, policy development and the machinations of government.
• Political and industry contacts and the ability to network and develop strong relationships in the political and industry advocacy spheres.
• Experience in developing and implementing project budgets, business plans and strategic initiatives.
• Excellent public communication and presentation skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal stakeholder relationship management skills to facilitate the building and maintaining of key internal and external relationships. 
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, organisational and problem-solving skills, together with effective judgement and capacity to make complex decisions.
• Proven ability to manage high-pressure situations.
• Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to operate in multiple political contexts within Local, State and Federal jurisdictions.
• Capacity to work within a small team to tight deadlines.
• Some interstate and international travel will be required.
• Ability to foresee unfolding policy impacts and advise the Chamber accordingly.

To apply, please email human.resources@ausfpa.com.au with your CV and cover letter.