Senior Agriculture Adviser - LE6 - DAFF - Rome
Application Deadline: 23 November 2026

Department: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)

Employment Type: Permanent - Tempo pieno

Location: Australian Embassy, Rome

Compensation: 62,460 EUR gross per annum, plus thirteenth and fourteenth month payments

Description
About the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

The role of the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is to work with national governments, international organisations, and industry partners to grow the value of Australia's agricultural trade and reduce risks to our agriculture sector to ensure that Australia's agricultural, fisheries, food and forestry industries remain competitive, profitable and sustainable.

Our work contributes to promoting agricultural productivity in our primary industries, supporting sustainable, high-quality natural resources to benefit primary producers and the community, and maintaining and improving market access for our primary producers. The Department has a network of overseas officers to manage the agricultural relationships with key partners and organisations.

About the position
Based in Rome and working under limited direction, the Senior Adviser works to support the Counsellor (Agriculture) on complex agriculture, fisheries and forestry issues to strengthen Australia's strategic engagement and partnerships with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and its Member States. This includes provision of specialised policy advice, analysis and reporting. The position also represents Australia's interests in various FAO Committees and processes and undertakes extensive liaison with key stakeholders as required.





This position will be required to work outside standard working hours from time-to-time depending on the FAO's schedule and visit programs.

Depending on your position, you may be required to undergo additional security and background checks and undertake specific Child Protection e-learning.

The key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Provide high-level policy advice, briefing and strategic analysis and take the lead on developing the Australian government's positions on agriculture, fisheries and forestry issues.

Undertake complex research to provide accurate, timely and strategic technical and policy advice to the Counsellor (Agriculture) and DAFF on matters relating to food security and agriculture within the mandate of the FAO by collecting, monitoring, analysing and evaluating information, papers and related materials.

Develop and manage effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders including FAO management and staff, FAO Members, Australian industry and research groups to progress key priorities.

In coordination with the Canberra-based FAO team in DAFF, support the Counsellor (Agriculture), or other senior officers, to represent Australia's interests in FAO meetings and processes, including through the preparation of high-quality briefings, statements and other materials. Independently represent Australia at FAO meetings,



negotiations and processes on behalf of the Counsellor/DPR, as required.

Represent Australia and act as a focal point on identified thematic issues with a high degree of independence, and report on key developments and emerging issues.

Provide support to the Counsellor (Agriculture) and DAFF including but not limited to: initiating or leading on the writing of cables, reports of meetings, records of conversations, presentations, talking points.

Coordinate or lead on preparations for FAO meetings including research, collating documentation, briefing, registration and administrative functions as required.

Organise and facilitate programs for visiting government officials, Ministers, Australian industry or research institutions, including meetings and other events.

Required Qualifications/Experience

Excellent analytical skills and subject matter expertise in relation to agriculture and food security issues and the role of the UN system.

Demonstrated experience with high-level liaison and representational experience in a multilateral setting and an ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with relevant stakeholders.

Strong understanding of agricultural policy including demonstrated strong capacity in public policy monitoring, analysis and implementation.

Ability to take initiative, set priorities and organise work effectively and efficiently, and to complete work with limited supervision.

A high level of written and oral proficiency in English with a proven ability to prepare written materials to document analysis and findings in a logical, succinct and persuasive manner.

Excellent teamwork, interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, including experie

📌 Senior Agriculture Adviser (Roma)
🏢 The Commonwealth Government of Australia
📍 Roma