A bit of an overview

• $80,000 (plus superannuation) with access to full salary packaging arrangements (up to $15,900 + $2,650 Meal Entertainment benefits)
• Hybrid working – flexible working arrangements from home and our state-of-the-art co-share North Melbourne office
• Bonus leave at the end of the year
• Opportunity to be a game changer in securing our planet’s future food sustainability

A bit about us

Founded in 2017, Food Frontier is the independent think tank on alternative proteins in Australia and New Zealand. We’re committed to expanding our region’s protein supply with new, sustainable, and nutritious options that create value for businesses, farmers, and consumers. Funded by grants and donations, Food Frontier’s research, events and engagements help businesses, policymakers and innovators to understand the emergence and unlock the benefits of plant-based, precision fermented and cultivated proteins.

A bit about the job

As the Government Relations & Policy Support Officer, you will play a key role in shaping Food Frontier’s policy and advocacy efforts by tracking government policies, funding opportunities, and regulatory developments in the alternative protein sector. Your insights will help translate policy shifts into actionable recommendations, supporting engagement with government stakeholders.

Reporting to the Head of Government Relations & Policy, this role is ideal for someone passionate about public policy, research, and government engagement, with a keen interest in food system transformation and sustainability.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to an evolving industry at the intersection of policy, business, and innovation.

Key role responsibilities

• Policy Research & Analysis: Monitor government policies, funding initiatives, and legislative changes that impact the alternative protein sector. Conduct comparative analysis of international policies to identify best practices for Australia and New Zealand.
• Government Engagement: Support advocacy efforts by preparing policy briefings, submissions, and stakeholder maps. Track key government stakeholders and decision-making processes.
• Policy Positioning & Thought Leadership: Work closely with the Research & Data Insights Manager to integrate data-driven insights into Food Frontier’s policy recommendations. Ensure advocacy materials are backed by strong evidence and aligned with industry trends.
• Content Development: Draft submissions, position papers, and briefing materials. Collaborate with the Communications Officer to amplify Food Frontier’s policy insights through media and digital channels.
• Stakeholder & Event Support: Assist in government roundtables, industry forums, and policy events, including contributing to the curation of the annual AltProteins conference. Support delivery of government sponsorship deliverables.
• Internal Communications & Knowledge Management: Manage relevant communication threads within Food Frontier’s Teams channels, keeping colleagues informed of policy developments and regulatory changes.
• Other Responsibilities: Provide ad-hoc support across various projects and events as needed, contributing to a dynamic and collaborative team environment.

A bit about you

You’re a strategic thinker with strong research and communication skills, eager to contribute to policy development and government engagement in an evolving sector. You thrive in a collaborative environment and can manage multiple priorities with agility and precision.

To do this, we think you’ll need some of these attributes:

• You are a skilled writer, researcher, and communicator – You craft compelling, evidence-based policy statements. Your objective and sophisticated writing influences key decision-makers in government and industry.
• You are self-directed and curious – You take initiative in research that supports and informs others. You have a foundational understanding of government functions and policy formation in Australia and New Zealand, with a willingness to learn quickly to tailor analysis and commentary effectively.
• You are agile and responsive – You can swiftly gather and synthesise information for government submissions and advocacy efforts. Your role requires adaptability to meet tight deadlines.
• You’re a team player – You enjoy strategic collaboration with colleagues across functions, contributing to Food Frontier’s broader initiatives and events.
• You are confident yet self-aware – You value teamwork and a positive work culture. You actively participate in strategy and planning while respecting diverse perspectives.
• You’re motivated by our mission – Like the rest of our team, you’re passionate about food system innovation and sustainability.

You’ll be a great fit if you have the following

• Degree in public policy, political science, law, economics, international relations, or a related field (honours or postgraduate qualification desirable), and/or demonstrated comparable experience working in a related field.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with experience in writing policy papers, submissions, or briefings.
• Understanding of government structures, policy development, and regulatory processes in Australia and New Zealand.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for different audiences.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Experience using Microsoft Word, CRMs, workflow/project management tools, and data management platforms.
• Proficiency (or willingness to rapidly learn) in AI tools to enhance research efficiency.

How to apply

Here’s what to expect when applying for this role:

• Application – Use the "Apply Now" link and in a cover letter tell us a bit about ‘you’ and how you have the experience and skills suitable for this role (let’s get specific: we mean less than a page). Because writing for different audiences is such a key aspect of this role, please be sure to cover this in your letter. Don't forget your CV too.
• We’ll be progressing applications as they come in, so you’re encouraged to apply as early as possible if this looks like the role for you. If you have any questions in the meantime, you can direct them to [email protected] using the subject line: Government Relations & Policy Support Officer
• A quick chat with one of our team – we’re people people, so we want to ask a couple of questions and get to know a bit more about you (<15 minutes over the phone).
• An interview with our Head of Government Relations & Policy and another team member.
• Reference checks.

If we’re really curious we might ask for some examples of your work or ask you to complete a brief task.

A bit more on why you should join our team

• Competitive salary in the not-for-profit sector and access to full salary packaging arrangements ($15,900 + $2,650 Meal Entertainment benefits) further lifting the value in your take home pay.
• Bonus leave – you can enjoy additional paid annual leave days at the end of the calendar year.
• Flexible working life and WFH provisions - work-life balance is important. Flexible working arrangements: working from home and coming to our state-of-the-art co-share North Melbourne office.
• Ideal office location within Our Community House – North Melbourne with access to end-of-trip facilities, regular learning seminars, monthly networking events to connect with others working in the social change sector.
• Opportunity to be a game changer in securing our planet’s future food sustainability.
• We are dedicated to equality, and value diversity and inclusion. We are committed to initiating and driving change to ensure Food Frontier is a safe and welcoming environment for all. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.

A position description is attached.

Food Frontier acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

A position description is attached.