Program Director, Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative The Company
Hort Innovation Australia (HIA) is an organisation that strives for better results for horticultural growers and those across the horticulture supply chain. It is the grower owned, not for profit Research and Development Corporation (RDC) for Australia's horticultural sector. HIA invest substantially into research and development, marketing, adoption, data and international trade initiatives to improve the profitability, productivity and global competitiveness of the 37-levy paying Australian horticultural industries. Investment decisions are prioritised by current needs in each horticulture industry in consultation with growers.
The Opportunity
The Program Director, Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative is a pivotal and influential role working with and representing seven RDC's coordinating plant biosecurity research. The RDC's are AgriFutures Australia, Cotton Research and Development Corporation, Forest and Wood Products Australia Limited, Grains Research and Development Corporation, Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited, Sugar Research Australia (SRA) Limited, Wine Australia.
You will take responsibility for delivering the Plant Biosecurity Research Institute program (PBRI) and will champion the research collaboration of PBRI members, with a specific focus on plant biosecurity research. The PBRI was established in 2017 following the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity Review, which identified poor coordination of biosecurity research and innovation, particularly across sectors.
Since then, it has recognised biosecurity gaps (and continues to do so) resulting in $132m in funding dedicated to cross-RDC research projects. The program's overall success hinges on the Project Director, while specific programs are run and executed within the RDC's.
The role involves:
- Leading and responsibility for collaboration, stakeholder management, influencing outcomes and program deliverables
- Identify and address R&D gaps in plant biosecurity
- Lead the PBRI Strategy
- Foster cross sectoral priorities and collaboration
- Maintain governance and success of the programs that are operated by the seven RDC's
- Convene and facilitate PBRI meetings to ensure program is aligning with outcome expectations and report accordingly
About You
To be successful in this role you will have:
- Exceptional stakeholder management skills, including the ability to influence without authority, and an ability to build and manage strategic collaborations
- Have dealt with science‐based stakeholders across agriculture and many levels of government including DAFF who also partner the program
- Understand Australia's plant biosecurity system and the national frameworks that support it.
- Experience to distil and decipher complex data and programs into high level briefings and reports, with an ability to communicate and present complex scientific issues clearly
- Lead stakeholder engagement and communications including media content
- Have a project or program management background
- Ability and experience to maintain a helicopter view of the program, but monitor and report on various projects against expectations
- Relevant Tertiary qualifications
Why This Role
This is an exceptional opportunity to leverage your collaboration and influencing skills across a broad range of stakeholders and delivering meaningful outcomes in the biosecurity of plants.
Additional information
- Senior level role in plant biosecurity
- Multiple RDC research collaboration
- Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne preferred
Program Director, Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative in Sydney employer: Perm Recruitment RF/BDT
Pacific Bio is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Melbourne that fosters innovation and sustainability in agriculture. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides opportunities for hands-on leadership in a rapidly expanding sector, allowing you to make a meaningful impact while working alongside a passionate team dedicated to delivering nature-based solutions. The collaborative culture encourages creativity and strategic thinking, making it an ideal place for those looking to drive commercial success and contribute positively to the environment.
