Purpose

Meat & Livestock Australia are seeking expressions of interest from individuals with extensive professional experience in the red meat processing sector in Australia.

Relevant and necessary background

The National Livestock Genetics Consortium (NLGC) is a skills-based taskforce, established in 2016 by MLA. The NLGC acts in an advisory capacity and provides direction and support to increase collaboration, transparency, communication and investment in livestock genetics research, development and adoption (RD&A) for the benefit of Australian red meat producers. The primary aim of the NLGC is, through strategic research investments, to increase the rate of genetic progress for traits that drive value chain productivity and sustainability in the sheep and beef industries.

The outcomes of the NLGC 2030 Strategic plan are:

• An industry improvement of 2% in the rate of genetic gain annually through access to world leading genetic/genomic technologies

• Genetics is an established long-term enabler for achieving productivity and sustainability goals

• Genetic tools addressing sustainability outcomes are available to users across the supply chain

• Data platforms that enable genetic data to be leveraged in R&D to underpin continual data capture are established.

These will be achieved through supporting RD&A investments that align to one of the five strategic pillars outlined in the NLGC plan:

1. Enabling transparent and flexible investment

2. Continuous improvement of world leading genetic tools

3. Improved social, economic and environmental outcomes

4. Delivering direct impact of genetic investment to industry through adoption

5. Facilitating bold, collaborative and impactful R&D

3. Terms of Reference

The NLGC Taskforce are seeking an individual to represent the red meat processing sector who has an understanding of the application of genetics in a value chain, focusing on the processing sector.

The individual will also have the skills to ensure investments and strategic direction advised through the NLGC will deliver greater impact for livestock producers and the red meat value chain. Meat & Livestock Australia Limited │ ABN 39 081 678 364 │ Level 1, 40 Mount Street, North Sydney NSW 2060 Postal address: PO Box 1961, North Sydney NSW 2059 │ Ph +61 2 9463 9333 │ Fax +61 2 9463 9393 │ www.mla.com.au

The NLGC is currently seeking an individual with the following essential experience and skills:

• Current or preceding Processor representative in either a beef and/or sheep processing business

• Knowledge and understanding of livestock genetics and the application of this knowledge in the supply chain.

• Experience in guiding RD&A investments and/or implementing innovations within the processing sector

• Strong industry knowledge to be familiar with current trends and challenges in the red meat industry that can guide strategic decisions for investments in genetics.

• Ability to work collaboratively with other scientists, producers and industry experts to achieve common goals. Applicants with the following knowledge and understanding will be preferred:

• Industry experience in livestock production and/or genetics as it relates to the processing sector

• Involvement in strategic thinking and planning

• Experience reviewing and assessing project/investment applications

• Problem-solving skills