Food & Agriculture Policy Adviser – Flexible Location

Job at Australian Conservation Foundation · Carlton ; · Posted 17 hours ago

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$122k Full-timeHybrid

Salary of $121,749 per annum plus 12.5% superannuation and amazing working conditions!

Applications close:

Job posted on: 21st Oct 2026

Melbourne > Carlton ; OR

Sydney > CBD, Inner West & Eastern Suburbs Sydney ; OR

Brisbane & Gold Coast > CBD & Inner Suburbs Brisbane ; OR

Canberra & ACT

Full Time, Contract, Hybrid Work from Home

Advocacy and Campaigns, Conservation and Land Management, Environment and Sustainability, Policy and Research

Not For Profit (NFP)

Job description

Help drive national policy reform to end deforestation and build a food system that's good for nature, climate and people

Fixed-term, full-time position until December 2028 with a salary of $121,749 per annum plus 12.5% superannuation and amazing working conditions

Located in Melbourne (Wurundjeri Country), Sydney (Gadigal Country), Canberra (Ngunnawal Country) or Brisbane (Turrbal Country) – your choice

Who is the ACF?

For over 60 years, the Australian Conservation Foundation has been Australia’s most respected voice for nature and climate. We are the national environment organisation committed to protecting our unique and beautiful wildlife and natural world.

ACF is inclusive, non-partisan, and proudly funded by the Australian community. Whether it’s advocating for the Great Barrier Reef, koalas snoozing in big old trees, or strong climate action, our dedicated community of more than half a million people are working to create a world where forests, rivers, people, and wildlife thrive.

Right now, Australia is at a turning point. The decisions governments and corporations make this decade will shape the future of our climate, our wildlife, and the places we love for generations to come. At ACF, we see this moment as an opportunity to build a future that is safer, fairer and better for both people and nature.

That future won't happen on its own. It takes passionate people, ambitious ideas and a powerful movement to get government and big corporations to act. At ACF, we bring together people from all walks of life who share a belief that collective action can create lasting change and that a healthy environment is fundamental to a good life.

This is an exciting time to join our team. If you're looking for meaningful work, a purpose-driven organisation, and the chance to contribute to something bigger than yourself, you'll find it at ACF. Together, we're building a future where people and nature thrive.

What’s the gig?

As our Food & Agriculture Policy Adviser, you'll lead ACF's advocacy to secure Federal Government support for a food system that benefits nature, climate and communities. You will develop and drive parliamentary and departmental engagement strategies, cultivate champions for reform, and work with allies across food, farming and environmental sectors to build support for practical policy solutions.

Working closely with ACF's campaign, communications, organising and advocacy teams, you'll help shape a shared reform agenda and coordinate advocacy efforts in the lead-up to the next Federal election. You'll also represent ACF with government, industry, media, policy experts and civil society partners.

About you!

You are a strategic and politically astute advocate who understands how government, policy and stakeholder engagement can drive meaningful reform. You have a strong understanding of Australia's agricultural sector and food systems, and you can confidently analyse complex policy issues and translate them into practical advocacy opportunities.

You build trusted relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and are skilled at bringing people together around a shared objective. Whether engaging with government representatives, industry leaders, researchers, community organisations or campaign partners, you are an effective communicator who can influence decision-makers and achieve outcomes.

You combine strong policy and advocacy skills with excellent written and verbal communication. You're comfortable preparing briefings, submissions and reports, and you enjoy working collaboratively in fast-moving environments where priorities can shift quickly. Above all, you are motivated by the opportunity to help create a food system that supports nature, climate and thriving communities.

Why work with us?

At ACF, you'll have the opportunity to do career-defining work with one of Australia's most influential environmental organisations. You'll be part of a talented, values-led team committed to creating lasting change for nature and climate, while working in a culture that is ambitious, collaborative, supportive and genuinely enjoyable.

We're proud to offer a flexible and people-focused workplace, including:

A hybrid working model that combines flexibility with connection. Staff are expected to spend 40% of their working time in the office to support collaboration, learning and team culture

Four weeks of annual leave, plus additional paid leave over the end-of-year shutdown period

Thirty days of personal leave per year (pro rata), available from your first day

One paid "Recharge Day" each quarter to rest, reset and do something that fills your cup

12.5% superannuation

Access to 6.5 weeks of Long Service Leave after five years of continuous service

26 weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of who is the birth parent, after 12 months of service

Tailored professional development opportunities to support your growth and career aspirations

Regular team retreats to connect, learn and plan together

Access to our Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing support

People are at the heart of everything we do to protect our planet. To achieve the bold change we seek, we must represent the richness of diversity within our communities so that all of us who care about nature can step up and lead.

ACF is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants. We actively encourage First Nations people, people from CALD backgrounds, LGBTIQA+ people, people with disability and others who have diverse experiences of our world to apply for this opportunity.

Next steps!

View the full position description attached below.

Want to have a chat before you click send? If you would like to discuss the role and working at ACF, or the recruitment process and alternative ways to participate that meet your needs, please contact our Head of Employee Experience, Kaz Kershaw, on 0422 657 242.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia to be considered for this job.

As part of ACF’s recruitment process, a criminal background check will be conducted.

We request no agency contact please.

About Job at Australian Conservation Foundation

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About Job at Australian Conservation Foundation

The Australian Conservation Foundation is a national organisation dedicated to protecting Australia's environment and wildlife. It engages with the community to advocate for key issues such as climate action and native forest protection, striving for a future where both people and nature can thrive.

Roughly $68 an hour as a full-time equivalent.

Roles from this employer typically stay open about 21 days on this board.

Working in Carlton ;

Carlton is known for its rich cultural diversity and proximity to the central business district. The area features a mix of residential and commercial spaces, with a range of cafes, restaurants, and shops contributing to its character. Employers in Carlton include various educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and small to medium-sized businesses.

Public transport accessibility is a key feature of Carlton. The suburb is well-serviced by trams and buses, making it easy for workers to commute from surrounding areas. Cycling is also a popular option, with bike lanes available throughout the suburb.

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Food & Agriculture Policy Adviser – Flexible Location Job at Australian Conservation Foundation · reviewing applications as they arrive

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