ABOUT US

Growing Farmers is a community-led organisation originating in the Moreland area. We are passionate about building a stronger, more resilient local food system that is better for the environment and for our community. The Growing Farmers’ mission is to support regenerative farming in urban communities by assisting aspiring farmers with land, mentoring, networks and business coaching, all while building stronger community connections and providing fresh produce to our local community.

In October 2020, we launched our pilot project ‘Backyard Farmers Project’ in Fawkner. This project matches aspiring urban farmers with homeowners with large underutilised backyards, to create a market garden. The project aims to increase the access to and visibility of fresh food and backyard gardening, while building ongoing, meaningful connections between people in the community. Our first two farms have been operating for six months and we are currently launching the third of our pilot project farms.

Alongside the Backyard Farmers Project, the Committee are exploring and building future opportunities to strengthen the local food system and support urban farming across Moreland and Melbourne into the coming years.

OUR ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE

• We have a strong vision of a healthy localised food culture, that begins in our backyards

• We encourage a deeper connection between earth and each other

• We stay true to our values and find our own path

• We support each other and openly share knowledge

• We acknowledge, learn and listen to the Traditional Owners of Country

• While we don’t always get it right, we keep trying

ABOUT THE POSITION

We are seeking a part-time project manager to build on the strong foundation set by our Committee over the past 18 months. This role will manage most aspects of the Backyard Farmers Project pilot project over a 10-month period, as well as supporting the Committee to deliver Growing Farmers communication and engagement strategies, and undertake financial modelling and other activities for long-term sustainability.

This role will be deeply embedded in the local community, particularly Fawkner. It will suit a person who thrives on managing multiple projects and working toward goals. The role will require someone who is motivated working both autonomously and in partnership with a range of stakeholders.

We encourage you to apply if you have some or all of the requested experience, and a strong desire to learn new skills and immerse yourself in the urban farming community. You will work closely with and be supported by Committee members to achieve the goals. From this role, you will gain a wide range of skills and develop strong relationships with local farming and Moreland community networks.

We recognise that the unique fabric of Moreland is made from the rich range of cultures, ages, and life experiences, and that the success of Growing Farmers will be in our ability to engage and include the whole community. We strongly encourage local residents to apply.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities of this role will be to deliver the following activities:

1. To manage the operations of the Backyard Farmers Project pilot, including:

   • Managing the relationships with project participants

   • Supporting the farmers by assisting with advice, information, materials and volunteer management

   • Identifying and supporting opportunities for farmers and farm hosts to participate in industry events and educational programs, and sharing other important industry information

   • Establishing a distribution channel for farmers to sell and donate produce to the local community

   • Preparing operational updates for monthly Committee meetings

   • Building relationships in the community, in order to advocate for and grow the project, particularly with the culturally diverse and older communities

2. To document and share the Backyard Farmers Project program model with other organisations and communities

3. To develop and deliver a monitoring and evaluation framework for the Backyard Farmers Project pilot

4. To represent Backyard Farmers Project at events and formal advocacy opportunities

5. To support the Committee to develop and deliver a suite of key Growing Farmersstrategies:

   • Volunteer Strategy

   • Communication Strategy

   • Community Engagement Strategy (with a particular focus on CALD communities and older residents)

   • Business modelling

SELECTION CRITERIA

ESSENTIAL

• Demonstrated leadership, with the ability to develop organisational processes, and an ability to adapt, take on new challenges, and adjust plans to meet new priorities

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated experience in report writing and communications messaging

• Experience in developing and delivering monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks

• Passionate about finding and championing local solutions to our food system problems

• Highly developed interpersonal skills, with experience building and maintaining partnerships; engagement with diverse communities; public speaking; and media and awareness raising activities

• Demonstrated ability to deliver outcomes within set timeframes and budgets, with highly developed skills to plan and prioritise, and to work autonomously and as part of a team

• A willingness to learn and initiative to take on new challenges

• Valid drivers licence and access to a car

DESIRABLE

• Experience in agriculture, food security, community development, or related roles, in Australia

• Bilingual speaker in languages relevant to the Fawkner and Moreland community

For further information on Growing Farmers refer to our website: https://www.growingfarmers.org.au

Please include in your application:

• A cover letter outlining your interest in the role (1 page)

• A resume (2 pages)

• Your suitability according to the selection criteria (2 pages)

For enquiries, please contact Kate on 0423 491 317 or email [email protected] using the subject line: Project Manager - Backyard Farmers Project enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.