Trust for Nature Board Appointments

The Minister for Environment, Ingrid Stitt MP, is seeking expressions of interest for five trustee positions for the Trust for Nature Board.

Trust for Nature works with communities and private landholders in Victoria to permanently protect and enhance the diversity of our natural flora and fauna and is established under the Victorian Conservation Trust Act 1972.

As set out in the Act, the Trust was established for public, scientific and educational purposes to encourage and assist in the:

• preservation of areas which are ecologically significant, of natural interest or beauty, or of historical interest;
• conservation and creation of areas for scientific study; and
• conservation of wildlife and native plants.

Two central functions of Trust for Nature address the fact that 62% of Victoria's land is privately owned and contains a high proportion of endangered species and habitat. The Trust has the power to work with willing private landowners to place a voluntary, enduring conservation covenant on their land to protect it forever. The Trust is also able to purchase land and receive land gifts into a revolving fund which it then resells after attaching a covenant to the land.

These activities make a significant contribution to increasing the hectares of land under permanent protection in Victoria and contribute to achieving the targets in the Victorian Government's plan Protecting Victoria's Environment - Biodiversity 2037.

The full scope of Trust for Nature's functions is set out in the Act.

The Board and its committees regularly meet in the Melbourne office and/or online. Remuneration is fixed at $367 per day for official duties

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. We encourage applications from women, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQ+ people, applicants from rural and regional Victoria, and people of all ages.

The terms of the trustee positions will be between two and four years and are due to commence on 9 December 2023.

Applicants will be shortlisted based on skills, experience and knowledge in one or more of the following areas:

• conservation, ecology and environment;
• Aboriginal and cultural heritage;
• senior corporate business planning;
• financial management;
• public administration and corporate governance;
• law and compliance;
• corporate directorships;
• agribusiness;
• fundraising and philanthropy; and
• marketing and public relations.

Candidates with expertise/experience in the following areas would be particularly valued:

• Ecology, biodiversity and conservation science;
• Practical knowledge of new and developing mechanisms to protect biodiversity and address the impacts of climate change;
• Strong financial acumen and experience combined with a commitment to the natural environment;
• Experience and qualifications in finance and investment, possibly including the application of ESG decision-making tools and parameters, conservation finance markets, and/or philanthropic trusts/wealth management; and
• Experience and qualifications in law and compliance.

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. We encourage applications from people of all ages, Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and LGBTIQ+ people. We will provide adjustments to the recruitment process upon request.

You do not have to disclose any personal information if you do not want to, but it can help us understand how we can support you through the recruitment process and beyond. We invite you to tell us if you identify as Aboriginal, a person with disability, from a culturally or linguistically diverse background, LGBTIQ+ or a young person, aged 25 years old or less. If you identify as any of the aforementioned, we will welcome the opportunity to contact you and discuss how we can support you through the recruitment process. Sharing this information will help you access support should you need it and will also help us to better understand the impact of our work.

Applicants are required to apply online via the Board website: www.boards.vic.gov.au (search under vacancies). Here you will find further information regarding the recruitment process, the positions and information on Trust for Nature.

Applicants are invited to look at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) support modules for its agencies to learn about how DEECA recommends candidates for board membership and other recommended reading: On Board - Governance guidance (deeca.vic.gov.au)

Expressions of Interest close COB Tuesday 19 September 2023

If you need assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the application or interview process, please contact the department on the details below.

To receive this information in an alternative format, please contact DEECA’s Biodiversity Division Governance team on 136 186 or shani.packiyanathan@deeca.vic.gov.au. You can also contact the team via the National Relay Service on 133 677 or https://www.accesshub.gov.au/about-the-nrs

www.deeca.vic.gov.au