Program Lead - Climate Resilience & Sustainable Agriculture

Employment terms: Full Time 37.5hrs/week, fixed term contract to 31st July 2028

Salary Range: $108,115- $114,776 Salary - negotiable, commensurate with experience, including 5 weeks annual leave plus 17.5% annual leave loading, plus superannuation guarantee

Cape York Natural Resource Management (Cape York NRM) is a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity committed to empowering the people of Cape York Peninsula to care for the natural environment while promoting sustainable use of its natural resources.  We collaborate with individuals, groups, and communities across Cape York to implement activities that align with our mission, priorities, and values. Guided by community engagement, Cape York NRM delivers initiatives rooted in sustainable development, capacity building, project implementation, and regional coordination. 

Spanning 16 river basins and home to 72 rainforest types - 20% of Australia’s remaining rainforest, Cape York Peninsula is one of the country’s most ecologically and culturally significant regions. At Cape York NRM, you’ll have the opportunity to work in this iconic landscape, contributing to projects that make a real and lasting difference.

If you’re passionate about sustainability, community partnerships, and working with purpose, Cape York NRM offers a rewarding and meaningful career path alongside a committed and passionate team.

About the Role

Cape York NRM is seeking a dedicated and passionate Program Lead - Climate Resilience & Sustainable Agriculture to play a key role in advancing the organisation’s missions and objectives. 

As the Program Lead, you will oversee the planning, delivery, and monitoring of programs that support sustainable and climate-smart agriculture, drought resilience, and climate change adaptation. You will provide extension services and work closely with landholders to improve land and water quality across the Cape York region. While your primary focus will be on sustainable agriculture and climate resilience, you may also be required to contribute to other natural resource management projects as needed.

The role is responsible for day-to-day project management, supporting and supervising project staff, ensuring the delivery of contractual obligations for funded projects and investments managed by Cape York NRM, and fostering strong relationships with landholders, community members, and key stakeholders across Cape York.

Duties of the Role

1. Lead and manage the planning, implementation, and delivery of Cape York NRM Climate Smart and Sustainable  programs to ensure they are delivered on time, within scope, and budget.
2. Develop and negotiate project proposals, including deliverables, milestones, budgets, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks in line with funding requirements.
3. Apply sound financial management skills to develop, track, and monitor project budgets and ensure compliance with funding agreements.
4. Supervise and support project staff, fostering a collaborative and outcome-focused work culture.
5. Deliver expert advice and extension support on sustainable and climate-smart agriculture, grazing land management, and natural resource management.
6. Lead by example to uphold Cape York NRM’s values, mission and strategic priorities, and foster a respectful, inclusive and high-performing team environment.
7. Build and maintain positive working relationships with landholders, First Nations organisations, industry groups, and all levels of government.
8. Develop, facilitate, and participate in events, workshops and capacity building activities that support the NRM Plan and relevant project objectives.
9. Promote Cape York NRM’s work across the region and raise awareness of community opportunities for engagement in NRM initiatives.

Is Cape York NRM Right for You?

This role requires a dynamic, solutions-dirven leader who thrives in a mission-driven environment.  You will bring expertise in sustainable agriculture, project delivery, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that Cape York NRM continues to drive impact.