The Merri-bek Food Leadership Action Group (FLAG) are a group of passionate and skilled Merri-bek food leaders who are leading the implementation of the Merri-bek Community Food Hub. Council has engaged Open Food Network to support the backbone organisational functions of the FLAG.

FLAG works to:

• Foster decisions / actions based on a deep understanding of the food security needs across Merri-bek’s diverse community,
• Facilitate collaborative and efficient use of resources for food security,
• Strengthen food security networks,
• Optimise data collection / communications around the impact of food security work,
• Provide more comprehensive and consistent evidence of the benefit of Community Food Hub activities, and
• Attract greater investment and funding into food security in Merri-bek.

About the Open Food Network

Founded in 2012, Open Food Network is a not-for-profit organisation focused on building a new food system that is fair, local, and transparent.

Open Food Network believes a sustainable and resilient food system needs to reconnect producers and consumers.

Objectives

Support the development of the Merri-bek Community Food Hub business case with engagement and advocacy plans to attract further investment in the Food Hub. Establish partnerships and build community engagement around the design and implementation of the Hub.

A 12-month work plan will be developed collaboratively between the Community Food Hub Co-ordinator and FLAG, and reviewed quarterly.

Location: Merri-bek

In-person community engagement visits in Merri-bek, on-site events, and meetings to support the project will form a key part of the role. Outside of this, the role can be home-based.

Role term: 12 months fixed-term contract from late September 2023, with progress and work plan reviewed quarterly.

Hours: 0.8 FTE

Working hours can be flexible across 60 hours per fortnight as agreed with FLAG. The role may require occasional out-of-hours meetings or events according to FLAG and community availability.

Base Salary: $76,273 - $88,287 pro-rated dependent on skills and experience

A laptop can be provided for remote work if required.

Responsibilities:

• With the support of FLAG members, develop and implement community engagement activities for the co-design of a Community Food Hub for Merri-bek which meets community needs and reflects the diversity of Merri-bek communities.
• Work with FLAG members to develop and refine the business case for the Community Food Hub.
• Identify and develop relationships to support the funding and implementation of the Community Food Hub.
• Identify opportunities to attract resourcing for the Community Food Hub and assist FLAG members to pursue these opportunities.
• Support the governance functions of the FLAG through administrative support for co-ordination of meetings, communications, and liaison with Open Food Network, FLAG members, and Merri-bek City Council.
• Document and monitor project progress against an agreed work plan, including provision of inputs to monthly reports on activities undertaken.
• Provide project management support to the FLAG.
• Assist with collecting and compiling impact measurement data to support the FLAG Collective Impact Measurement framework.
• Liaise with Open Food Network on financial and governance matters to ensure best practice administration of project funds and achievement of FLAG objectives.

Required skills:

• Knowledge of Merri-bek’s diverse communities and community food sector
• Strong skills in communicating with diverse groups of people and developing and managing relationships.
• Facilitation of community engagement and communication activities.
• Stakeholder management.
• Able to work independently and find solutions to problems big and small.

Desirable skills

• Ability to identify and pursue business development opportunities for social enterprise.

Relevant experience:

• Previous experience in the non-for-profit or social enterprise sector.
• Experience in community and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in food systems, working closely with producers, consumers, and enterprises.
• Working remotely.
• Proficiency with a range of online tools for remote work including Slack, Notion and Google Suite.

Qualifications:

Below are preferred qualifications but are not a requirement to perform the role.

• Bachelor degree relating to food systems, public health or nutrition, community development, management or other discipline relevant to the responsibilities of the role.

Goals and expectations:

• Demonstrate passion for local, healthy sustainable food/ food systems
• Manage a flexible, remote work week through effective time management and organisation.
• Follow organisational policies and processes and take reasonable care for your health and safety in your workplace, including reaching out for help when needed.
• Contribute to a positive and supportive team culture within the project and with any partners with whom you may be working.
• Drive project delivery with energy and enthusiasm.
• Ability to travel in and around a range of locations in Merri-bek to meet with stakeholders and community members.