Food Industry Liaison Officer Salt Reduction

Transcription

1 Food Industry Liaison Officer Salt Reduction joan 0.6EFT Title: Officer Food Industry Liaison Reports to: Salt Project Lead and Campaign Manager Grade: 6 Team: Healthy Living Position type: Fixed term contract (0.6 EFT) to Sept 2018 Company: Victorian Division Hours per week: 22.5 Location: Heart Foundation Victoria Level 12/500 Collins Street, MELBOURNE. Effective date: June 2017 ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT The Heart Foundation is an independent charity whose purpose is to reduce premature death and suffering from heart, stroke and blood vessel disease. As a federation of nine companies (a national company and eight state/territory divisions) we work together to achieve a national strategic plan, For All Hearts Strategy under the auspice of a Federation Agreement and guided by shared organisational values: Visionary; Dynamic & Collaborative; Integrity; and Passionate. The Victorian Division, led by its CEO Kellie-Ann Jolly has a Fundraising, Cardiovascular Health and Finance team, all of which are supported by the functions of Media and Communications and Human Resources. The Cardiovascular Health (CVH) team in Victoria prepares an annual operational plan which aligns with the goals and objectives of the national For All Hearts Strategy And the Victorian Division Operational Plan. Our activities address key areas of prevention under Healthy Hearts (e.g. improving access to a healthier food supply, more active living and smoke free environments) and under Heart Care ( e.g. early recognition and detection; improved access; and better management of heart disease). We have a strong focus on addressing health inequity amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, those who are culturally and linguistically diverse, from low socio economic backgrounds and from rural and regional Victoria. The position of Food Industry Liaison sits within the Healthy Hearts team. The Healthy Hearts team works collaboratively with all other functions to ensure the Heart Foundation Victoria meets its strategic and operational objectives. Page 1 of 8

2 Position Purpose: Heart Foundation are members of the Vic Salt Reduction Partnership and are delivering a comprehensive campaign/project to reduce high consumption of salt in Victoria by 1 gram. Food manufacturers are major stakeholders which contribute to an environment that supports high population salt consumption. This campaign will focus on engaging with food manufacturers to encourage the production of healthier foods, influence the adoption of low salt practices and reduce sodium in processed foods. The position will be responsible for: Identifying and building connections with key food manufacturers. Educating and influencing food manufacturers to understand their contribution to high population salt intake and consider reformulation. Capturing positive cases studies which demonstrate successful reformulation efforts. Contributing to the broader salt reduction campaign using food industry insight and expertise. Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities Accountabilities/Responsibilities Major Activities Outcomes Responsible for the implementation of the food industry strategy. Include engagement and building networks with food manufacturers in here. Develop, implement and evaluate the influence of the project in instigating salt reduction strategies in food industry Monitor and review activities to determine effectiveness and inform future plans Thorough record keeping and evidence of effect to assist with future funding submissions Strategies implemented and evaluated, on time and on budget On-going activities adapted according to process evaluation findings project gains momentum. Written evidence of the effectiveness of the engagement with SME food industry which serves to secure long term sustainable strategies (funding or otherwise) Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities Accountabilities/Responsibilities Major Activities Outcomes Page 2 of 8

3 Accountable for contributing to the Salt Reduction Partnership communication plan and supporting the consumer awareness components of the campaign Accountable for the delivery of the food manufacturers expo Engage with relevant state agencies and regional economic development or industry networks to determine the best opportunities for reaching industry Engage with relevant manufactures based on initial scoping using appropriate channels and methods of communication Collaborate with Heart Foundation nutrition staff to raise awareness of importance of salt reduction at industry level Support food industry manufactures to reformulate using appropriate platforms Host an innovation showcase of food industry case studies to enhance motivation and collaboration Identification of target areas that are ready for reformulation, specific food products or geographical regions. Positive working relationship between Heart Foundation and target industry catering to the needs of all stakeholders Food industry partners motivated to be involved in program Food industry partners actively engaging in innovation and reformulation via their identified support needs Page 3 of 8

4 Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities Accountabilities/Responsibilities Major Activities Outcomes Responsible for liaising with key partners including VicHealth, the National Heart Foundation and all other state and territory divisions on Heart Foundation Food Supply activity Represent the Heart Foundation in progress meetings and discussions with VicHealth and other partners of the Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership Provide timely and relevant updates to internal partners including through the Food Supply Community of Practice Liaise with Fundraising and Media/ Communications to develop food supply messages that are appropriate for a range of audiences Partners are aware of program activities and actively supporting the work of the Heart Foundation with Industry. Input into working groups is demonstrated and documented. Key project messages have been developed to meet the needs of diverse audiences. Page 4 of 8

5 CHALLENGES: The food manufacturing/processing industry is broad and understanding of the current business environment and its challenges is required in the initial stages of the project to drive the focus of target foods or industries. Nurturing the trust of food industry representatives to communicate productively and influence the adoption of Heart Foundation messages across a diversity of sectors other than health. Achieve a balance between meeting population health goals that underpin the project while recognising the importance of avoiding economic vulnerability and profit loss in food industry Working in a Federated structure and across multiple teams which can delay decisions and may restrict capacity to work independently. KEY COMMUNICATIONS: Internally: Healthy Living Manager Salt Project Lead and Campaign Manager Nutrition Advisor Media and Communications Advisor Policy and Campaigns Manager & Officer National Heart Foundation Externally: Food manufacturers Government departments (state) Food innovation and development organisations The Victorian Salt Partnership (The George Institute, Deakin University, National Heart Foundation and VicHealth) Health agencies (Nutrition Australia, Victorian Healthy Eating Enterprise) Media/PR/creative agencies Page 5 of 8

6 DECISION MAKING: Independently The position makes independent decisions on the implementation of project specific operational plans; and liaison with key stakeholder groups and representation on working/advisory committees With input The position consults with the Salt Project Lead before making decisions about the development of project specific operational and work plans; changes to strategic work priorities; budget expenditure Recommends The position provides recommendations to Salt Project Lead regarding decisions such as sign off for all submissions, funding proposals and contractual agreements; and to relevant Heart Foundation staff on food industry related messaging and directions Guidance Work is guided by internal policies and overseen by the Salt Project Lead Manager to ensure agreed outcomes are being achieved Qualifications: Food science/technology or relevant degree Qualifications in Public Health would be highly considered. Knowledge Extensive inside knowledge of the food processing and manufacturing industries and related policy Knowledge of nutrition principles desired Skills Evidence of project management skills Influencing skills Evidence of excellent organisational skills. High level of motivation combined with the initiative and ability to accept and assume responsibility. Negotiation and collaboration skills Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills The ability to work in a multi-disciplinary organisation with a commitment to teamwork Page 6 of 8

7 Key Selection Criteria: Extensive experience within the food manufacturing and processing industry specifically innovation and technology Demonstrated experience working in a fast-paced environment, implementing and evaluating projects Demonstrated experience in leading and developing partnerships with diverse external stakeholders Understanding of the current trends and challenges faced by food manufacturing and processing industry globally and locally Direct Reports (position titles): Indirect Reports: Budget Management: Nil Nil Nil Essential Competencies: Action Oriented: Enjoys working hard; is action oriented and full of energy for the things he/she sees as challenging; not fearful of acting with a minimum of planning; seizes more opportunities than others. Interpersonal Savvy: Relates well to all kinds of people, up, down, and sideways, inside and outside the organisation; builds appropriate rapport; builds constructive and effective relationships; uses diplomacy and tact; can diffuse even high-tension situations comfortably. Planning: Accurately scopes out length and difficulty of tasks and projects; sets objectives and goals; breaks down work into the process steps; develops schedules and task/people assignments; anticipates and adjusts for problems and roadblocks; measures performance against goals; evaluates results. Presentation Skills: Is effective in a variety of formal presentation settings: one-on-one, small and large groups, with peers, direct reports and bosses; is effective both inside and outside the organisation, on both cool data and hot and controversial topics; commands attention and can manage group process during the presentation; can change tactics midstream when something isn t working. Priority Setting: Spends his/her time and the time of others on what s important; quickly zeros in on the critical few and puts the trivial many aside; can quickly sense what will help or hinder accomplishing a goal; eliminates roadblocks; creates focus. Page 7 of 8

8 OUR VALUES Visionary We are able to see the big picture and articulate our vision of the future. We inspire each other to help turn this into reality. We are prepared to take calculated risks and feel empowered to make change. Dynamic & Collaborative We work together to achieve the Heart Foundation s vision. We communicate openly, debate the issues, and share our knowledge, expertise and experience so that we can utilise each other s strengths to best effect and learn from our mistakes and our successes. We are flexible and make timely decisions that enable us to shape and adapt to our changing environment. Integrity We will be respectful and transparent in all our actions. We accept responsibility and stand up for what is right. Passionate We believe in what we do and are proud to work for the Heart Foundation. Our energy and enthusiasm drives our performance and creates a positive and inspiring work environment. Approval: Manager Incumbent Name: Roni Beauchamp Name: Signed: Dated: Signed: Dated: Page 8 of 8