Overview
Executive Director, ABARES Jobs in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia at Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Title: Executive Director, ABARES
Company: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Location: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Who we are
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) leads the Australian Government’s efforts to support, protect and grow the country’s food and fibre production industries.
We play a pivotal role in helping our producers become more productive, profitable and resilient, increasing trade and international market access, developing and promoting Australia’s sustainable agricultural production practices and maximising economic opportunities for Australia’s First Nations peoples.
As a department, we deliver world-class work in areas such as agricultural economics, plant and animal sciences, and use digital technology to deliver better regulatory outcomes. We help keep Australians safe through effective biosecurity. Each day, we protect our industries, communities and natural environment from potentially devastating pests and diseases. We support every clean, safe meal that Australians sit down to enjoy.
Our work touches the lives of all Australians, particularly those living in regional and rural areas.
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) is the department’s hub of independent research, data, analysis and advice, holding a position of trusted adviser to both government and industry. The Bureau produces the evidence that underpins decisions shaping Australia’s agriculture, fisheries, forestry and water sectors, helping decision-makers respond to current challenges while preparing for future opportunities. With over 160 staff across three branches, ABARES’ work spans market and commodity forecasting, productivity and resilience analysis, sustainability and climate transition, farm-level insights, biosecurity systems and natural resources. By bringing together expertise in economics, science and data, ABARES provides high-quality analysis that supports practical, informed decision-making from the farm gate through to national policy and international markets.
The Job
As the Executive Director, you will lead ABARES and provide strategic, intellectual and cultural leadership across the division and department. Reporting to the Deputy Secretary of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Policy Group, you will guide ABARES’ strategic direction, ensure the delivery of high-quality and trusted insights, and strengthen ABARES’ contribution to government priorities and public debate.
As Executive Director, you will:
- Set and lead ABARES’ strategic research agenda, aligned to government, departmental and stakeholder priorities over the medium term.
- Ensure delivery of high-quality, timely and policy-relevant research, data and analysis, while maintaining ABARES’ professional independence and reputation.
- Oversee development and delivery of the annual ABARES workplan, balancing short-term policy demands with longer-term capability building.
- Lead ABARES’ contribution to major national conversations, including through the National Outlook Conference and public engagements.
- Drive uplift of data, digital and analytical capability, including governance, security and system modernisation.
- Strengthen collaboration across DAFF, central agencies, state government, industry and research institutions.
- Provide strong people and cultural leadership, building an inclusive, high-performing and agile work force.
- Represent ABARES and the department with ministers, senior officials, industry leaders, researchers and the media.
- Contribute to group, department and whole-of-government leadership, including strategic initiatives and priority reforms.
Mandatory requirements
To be eligible for this position you are required to hold a qualification in economics, science or related discipline.
