About GECA

GECA is an independent not-for-profit organisation committed to creating a sustainable future for both people and planet. Our uniquely holistic approach to sustainability encompasses a comprehensive consideration of environmental, human health and social impacts.

At the heart of our mission lies our groundbreaking lifecycle ecolabelling program, which looks at impacts across a product or service's entire lifecycle, from the extraction of raw materials to the end of its life. We're proud to run Australia's only not-for-profit, multi-sector lifecycle ecolabel.

GECA is the only Australian member of the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN), the leading network of the world's most credible and robust lifecycle ecolabels adhering to ISO 14024 principles.

Our team has developed over 25 lifecycle ecolabel standards for various product and service categories. These are then independently assessed by our Assurance Providers. Our spectrum of standards spans from flooring, furniture and cleaning products to waste collection services, steel and concrete.

In addition to our ecolabeling program, we offer a Claims Authentication service, which provides third-party assurance that a claim has been substantiated through an in-depth review of the supporting data.

Our dedicated and diligent GECA team operates remotely, offering employees the flexibility to work from home across Australia. We strike a balance by regularly meeting in person, predominantly in Sydney.

We are a friendly, inclusive employer that offers a supportive working environment and considers diversity to be a strength. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Role Summary

Are you a dedicated chemist with a passion for making a positive impact on our planet? Join us at GECA as we embark on a transformative journey, offering a range of groundbreaking services to shape a more sustainable future. At GECA, we foster a dynamic, collaborative, and nurturing work environment prioritising your wellbeing.

We're seeking a driven individual with a background in chemistry to play a pivotal role in our team. As a Standards & Technical Officer, you'll be at the forefront of advancing sustainability through your expertise in evaluating and developing chemical requirements embedded in our standards.

The role will address technical or standards-related inquiries, particularly those related to chemical and hazardous substances. Beyond this, you will have the unique opportunity to authenticate environmental claims and shape the criteria for future claims. You will also be part of critical projects to upgrade existing products and processes to ensure they stay best-in-class.

As a vital member of the GECA standards team, you will be responsible for crafting and managing crucial documentation and reports that underpin our standards development. Your role will also involve revising and enhancing guidelines and policies while supporting and occasionally leading other activities vital to our sustainability mission.

If you are a chemistry enthusiast looking to make a real difference, this role is your chance to join a passionate team dedicated to building a greener, more sustainable world. Your expertise will be the driving force behind our efforts to create a brighter future for all.

Applications are considered as they are received, so the role may be filled prior to the end of the recruitment period—please apply as soon as possible to be considered. No cover letter is required.

A comprehensive role description is attached.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Researching and reporting on chemicals and hazardous substances, including chemical assessments and risk management strategies.
• Supporting the development and revision of ecolabel standards, with a strong focus on ISO 14024 and chemical safety criteria.
• Organisation of Technical Advisory Groups for consultation on new environmental product criteria.
• Responding to technical inquiries related to chemicals, hazardous substances, and associated environmental impacts.
• Engaging with technical experts, industry stakeholders, and external auditors on chemical safety and sustainability issues.
• Drafting and/or reviewing standards and technical reports focused on chemical substances and other environmental safety.
• Providing technical advice to internal team on standards-related queries, especially related to chemicals of concern.
• Developing documentation for chemical and standards-related policies, guidelines, and compliance materials.
• Support claims authentication, including the development of detailed claims reports or conducting thorough audits to verify claim accuracy.
• Engaging and consulting with national and international stakeholders, technical experts, GECA licensees, and external auditors.
• Support the standards manager with team-related projects, as needed.

Qualifications, Knowledge/Skills and Personal Characteristics

• A postgraduate degree in chemistry or related fields.
• Experience in chemical risk assessments, hazardous substance management, and environmental impacts of chemicals.
• Strong writing skills, with the ability to clearly describe technical issues and solutions for non-technical audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
• Consistently deliver tasks within designated tight deadlines while maintaining high performance under pressure.
• Self-motivated and driven, with the ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Good attention to detail and ability to consistently follow administrative processes.
• Flexible approach to work, with the ability to adjust focus as needed to align with changes in team priorities.
• A team player able to maintain strong collegial relationships in a remote-working context.
• Experience in sustainability and environmental standards development is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with trends in sustainability related to building and architectural sectors, with the capacity to develop understanding in other sectors and markets, is desirable.
• General knowledge of human health-related impacts attributed to products and safety data sheets (SDS) is desirable.

Conditions

• The role can be part-time or full-time.

• Competitive salary (plus superannuation in accordance with the minimum requirements of the Superannuation Guarantee Administration Act 1992 (Cth))

• All positions at GECA are primarily remote working roles, but team members must attend some in-person events and team meetings (normally in Sydney).
• The role could be based anywhere in Australia.
• Leave entitlements include:
  • 4 weeks (20 days full-time equivalent) annual leave in accordance with the National Employment Standards.
  • Additional leave, up to 3 days, between Christmas and New Year as part of the holiday office shutdown.
  • 2 additional days of volunteer leave which you can use to support a cause of your choice
  • Paid parental leave as per the GECA “Parental Leave Policy”.
• To be considered for this position, all applicants must live in Australia and have current working rights for Australia.

A position description is attached.