About The Next Economy

The Next Economy is a not-for-profit organisation supporting communities to create a better world. Communities and organisations all over the country are feeling the burden of economic change, often bearing the brunt of policies that don't appreciate the true value of regional economies. Change is inevitable, and with that comes great anxiety. But it also comes with great opportunities. We work alongside communities, industries and governments to harness those opportunities that will work for people and the planet on which we all depend.

It’s no secret that our economic systems are not working for the majority of people on this planet. Even the wellbeing of those with immense wealth is being undermined by the relentless degradation of the natural systems on which we all depend. And as economic inequality and insecurity grows, so do social and political conflicts over resources.

Our vision: is a world where communities thrive in a zero emissions economy while ensuring the wellbeing of people and the planet.

Our mission: The Next Economy will achieve its vision by working across all economic sectors to accelerate the transition to a climate-safe, socially just and regenerative economy.

We provide a safe and supported structure for communities to move towards a more prosperous, fair and sustainable system. In an atmosphere that is often politically and emotionally charged, we endeavour to create spaces for people to come together, reflect, and develop practical and positive economic solutions that fit with the particular circumstances of each community.

Purpose of the Role

The Project Support Officer will be responsible supporting TNE’s Program Directors to transform economic sectors so that the way they operate is climate safe, regenerative, and socially just. This includes:

• Undertaking desktop and interview/ focus group discussion research under the direction of Program Directors
• Organising logistics related to workshops and field work
• Supporting lead facilitators with workshops and other group activities (online and in person)
• Drafting documents (e.g.: reports, policy submissions), with clear direction set by Program Directors
• Monitoring media and social media

Key relationships:

Internal: CEO, Operations Director, Staff & Contractors

External: Clients, Key Partners.

Hours of Work

This is a 12 month part-time contract, extension subject to further funding

• 4 days per week (30.4hrs)
• A minimum 7.6 hour working day Monday to Friday between the hours of 08.00am - 5:00pm
• As directed outside the above hours to ensure completion of duties identified within this Position Description

Person Selection Criteria

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or experience required.

Essential Skills & Experience

Experience & Knowledge

• 0-5 years working in a similar role
• Good knowledge of climate change and specific area of expertise
• 0-5 years’ experience developing policies and liaising with government agencies
• Beginner to intermediate experience in facilitating community development/engagement/organising processes
• Understanding of how the economy needs to change to enable people to live well within planetary boundaries and the range of economic solutions that can contribute to that happening
• Able to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including with people who may hold very different values and world views

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to deliver on projects as part of a team
• Research: Ability to gather and analyse primary data (qualitative and quantitative), as well as stay informed of latest research findings relevant to the sector
• Supporting colleagues to build networks of progressive thinkers and practitioners and work with them to develop ambitious plans and strategies to transform the sector
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to facilitate small and large group processes, engage positively with both social and mainstream media, compile reports and articles
• Beginner to intermediate technical knowledge of the energy sector and/or other relevant sector such as transport, land use, manufacturing and housing
• A vision for transformation of the sector

Desired Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Relevant Undergraduate Degree in a field related to The Next Economy
• 0-5 years’ work experience in a similar role
• Previous experience in a NFP Organisation / Social Enterprise

Key Attitudes & Behaviours of the Role

• Solutions-focussed approach
• Whole of Systems approach
• Embraces diversity and able to work with people from a range of different backgrounds
• Attention to detail & accuracy
• Requires minimal supervision
• Shows initiative, creativity, and innovation
• Maintains a positive attitude
• A strong commitment to and enthusiasm for the purpose of TNE and its role in transforming the economy
• Understand and comply with TNE values / vision & objectives
• Sensitive to professional and personal confidentialities

Core Duties & Responsibilities

The Project Support Officer will be responsible for supporting the Program Director to transform the energy sector so that the way it operates is climate safe, regenerative and socially just. This includes:

• Undertaking desktop and interview/ focus group discussion research under the direction of Program Directors
• Organising logistics related to workshops and field work
• Supporting lead facilitators with workshops and other group activities (online and in person)
• Drafting documents (e.g.: reports, policy submissions), with clear direction set by Program Directors
• Monitoring media and social media
• Support the smooth functioning of The Next Economy, including the development of proposals, operating project management software and meeting reporting and other compliance requirements

To successfully fulfil their job requirements, the successful candidate will be sometimes required to travel within Australia and work outside normal work hours.