• Location: Fowler Rd, Cardinia, 3978, with the possibility of working from home
• Employment Type: 0.8 EFT, Fixed term Contract till June 30th 2025
• The role is full time level 4 Schads Award

About The Ubuntu Project

The United African Farm (UAF) is a community-led initiative that brings together over 80 families from 10 different African countries, representing a wide diversity of cultures and languages. The UAF seeks to build a community that can unify, empower and support its members regardless of their background, ethnicity, or education; pass the knowledge of the diverse history and practices that the membership represents between the diverse cultures and generations, and create strong connections to the land in Cardinia Shire and to the continent from which its members came.

About the Ubuntu Food Hub

Inspired By the Sudanese proverb: "we desire to bequeath two things to our children – the first one is roots; the other one is wings” this project aims to foster a sense of belonging and inclusion amongst participants by training, equipping and upskilling them in agriculture, leadership, career development and business skills.

Participants will connect to various African cultures, grow culturally appropriate foods, engage in mentorship programs, and ultimately restore their identity through meaningful conversation.

about the role

This position is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the successful implementation of the Ubuntu Food Hub project. This role will also be responsible for growing, harvesting and distribution of fresh produce to the broader community, local businesses and affiliated organisations.

This role will work closely with UAF members and report directly to the UAF board and Liaise constantly with VicHeath who are the project funders and Sustain: Australia Food Network the auspice organisation.

Team: Ubuntu Food Hub Project Team

Reports To: United African farm Board Chair and UAF governing stakeholders.

Reports on: The Ubuntu project project plan, activities, progress and initiatives. Sector engagements and youth enablement.

External Relationships: relevant local and community initiatives, Ubuntu project funders, forums, programs and communities relevant to the success of the project.

Salary, benefits and contract duration :Fixed term contract, with possibility of extension subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance. 3-month probationary period. The role is full time level 4 Schads Award.

Location: Cardinia (with flexibility to work from home). Must be available to attend in-person meetings and activities in Cardinia and environs.

Key Objective of the Position:

The objectives of the Food Hub are to:

1. Increase access to locally sourced, healthy, culturally appropriate food for more Victorians, particularly those experiencing greater barriers to access.
2. Coordinate and maintain the Ubuntu Farmland site, assets and equipment.
3. Increase opportunities for young people with diverse lived experience to engage in the food system, advocate for better local food systems and find meaningful employment in the sector.
4. Support local food producers and enterprises.
5. Increase opportunities for communities to celebrate and showcase their own food cultures.
6. Grow, harvest and distribute healthy and affordable produce for community consumption.

Main responsibilities:

1. Running of the UAF Farm
   1. Consult with the community about the needs of the farm and plan activities accordingly.
   2. Ensure the work at the farm is aligned with the UAF mission and objectives.
   3. Identify, grow, harvest and distribute African inspired produce for community consumption.
   4. Engage with the community to ensure co-design, including a community needs assessment regarding food security.
   5. Maintain the condition UAF farm site, equipment and assets as the key personnel.
2. Youth Trainee
   1. Onboard, supervise and coach youth trainees assigned to the Ubuntu Project.
   2. Provide leadership guidance and coaching to develop employable skills and interest for food and health promotion through food producing, farming and healthy eating.
   3. Identify and enrol trainees in skills and training opportunities to foster growth and development.
   4. Dedicated 0.2FTE towards improving employment opportunities for African youths in the community through traineeship and coaching.
3. Admin and reporting
   1. Completion of required data collection, reporting, documentation of program information and adequate support in managing privacy for participants and their families.
   2. Complete administrative requirements of the group, including (but not limited to) budget, referrals, data collation, planning, incident reporting, feedback and evaluation.
4. Oversee planting, harvesting and ordering of produce, rostering of volunteers, and supervision of trainees.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATION AND SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

1. Community engagement/development qualification or relevant experience.
2. Demonstrated experience working within the community for a social change cause.
3. Must have an appreciation or focused attention on sustainability, environmental consciousness, food security, health and lived experience led initiative.
4. Experience working with young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
5. Possess current Working with Children (WWC) Check and be willing to acquire a Police check.
6. Possess a First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain one.
7. Hold a valid driver’s license and own a vehicle in good condition.
8. Availability for an immediate start and ability to work flexible hours.
9. Demonstrated ability to autonomously and deliver on the Farm objectives.

Anyone from an African background is highly encouraged to apply.

how to apply 

To apply, please click 'Apply Now' and send your CV and a cover letter stating your interest in the role and how you meet the selection criteria.

For more information or a confidential discussion, please contact Thuch Ajak, on 0426157709.

Please note that candidates may be contacted for interview prior to the closing date.

A position description is attached.