(1) About AARES The Australasian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society Limited (AARES) is a not-for-profit company founded in 1957. AARES is the pre-eminent society promoting research relevant to Australasia in agricultural-, environmental-, food-, resource economics and agribusiness. The company's charitable objective is to promote the development of agricultural, food, and natural resources and environmental outcomes through research and the dissemination of its research in Australasia.

The Society is over-seen by a volunteer board, comprised of AARES members who are typically employed at research, government and consulting organisations, or self-employed, across Australia, Recent Zealand, East Asia and North America.

The board includes an executive committee (President, Secretary, Treasurer, Manager of Promotion and Development, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, and Editor of the academic journal published by the society) as well as two early career research representatives, one representative from each of AARES 10 Branches and the chair of the local organising committee for the annual conference.

The major activities of the Society include:

1. Publishing the highly regarded Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, with four issues a year
2. Convening an annual conference with associated workshops each February
3. Convening research dissemination and networking events for members during the year such as seminars and symposia
4. Awarding prizes and travel grants to support research excellence and professional development
5. Publishing an electronic newsletter, AARES News and Views, several times a year with information about past and future events, calls for awards, and other AARES matters
6. Maintaining a website which provides information about AARES and events
7. Supporting a membership base of around 500 members.

(2) Overview of the role

- We are seeking expressions of interest from versatile and motivated professionals to join our team to support our secretariat functions, specifical the coordination of the annual AARES Conference
- We are seeking expressions of interest from professionals who can excel in conference coordination.




- This is an opportunity to work from anywhere in Australia as an established secretariat business service provider, sole-trader, or other arrangements by negotiation.
- A summary of the key features of the role is outlined below, and a more detailed list of the Terms of Reference is provided in Attachment A.

(3) Conference Coordination Services requirements

This role requires a minimum of 240 hours per annum, with the possibility of increasing to 410 hours, with flexible arrangements (e.g., October-March is the busiest time for this role due to the event occurring in February each year, while April-September is quieter)

- Assist in planning and executing conference logistics, including catering, venue arrangements, AV requirements
- Coordinate with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) in managing event communications, registrations, and on-site support during the conference
- Attend the conference as LOC support service each year in 1st or 2nd week of February in Australia
- Meet regularly with the LOCs (current and following) and attend AARES Board Meetings
- Liaise with sponsors, speakers, dignitaries, venue, suppliers
- Support with marketing, registration/submission forms, all communications with speakers and attendees

(4) Key attributes of applicants

- Flexibility & initiative: proactive, adaptive and self-organised, with initiative and leadership in delivering your work program.
- Strong organisational and project management skills: capacity to plan and coordinate a work schedule, manage diverse tasks, prioritise work, and maintain a high level of attention to detail.
- Robust professional communication skills: strong written and verbal communication skills and demonstration of professional communication skills and solid interpersonal communication skills.




- Experience with or ability to learn communication and finance software: experience in using or a demonstrated ability to learn a range of digital platforms, including:
- Sharepoint, Office 365 and Teams for file management, Canva
- An ability to work independently and as a member of a team: demonstrated skills in working independently and as a member of a team, with strong interpersonal communication skills.
- Reside in Australia: you will need to reside in Australia, but remote work will be supported.
- Interest in agriculture, natural resources, and the environment (desirable): demonstrated knowledge and interest in this field is desirable.

(5) Other

- Opportunities to collaborate with senior leadership and contribute to strategic initiatives
- A supportive and dynamic work environment where innovation and professional development are encouraged
- Applicants are expected to supply their own computer hardware and office consumables, however, it may be possible to support co-located office accommodation with an AARES Branch organisation, by negotiation
- All software and application subscriptions required for the role are provided
- Additional support to cover costs of travel conference for attendance will be provided
- Opportunity to work from anywhere in Australia as an established secretariat business service provider, sole-trader, or other arrangements by negotiation

How to Apply

Submit your expression of interest (EOI) which will include:

1. Your quote for services, considering the total hours indicated, with your hourly rate included too.
2. Your resume.
3. Cover letter of no more than 1,000 words with your Statement of Claims against the listed key attributes (under Section 5) and how these will support delivering of the key duties outlined in Section 3 and/or Section 4 (where relevant) (and outlined in more detail in Attachment A).
4. Names and contact details for two referees.

Email submissions to [email protected], by closing date of 14 September 2026, 11.59pm.

Contact Officer: For further information please contact Lyn Spiteri (AARES Central Office); [email protected]

📌 Conference Coordinator (Melbourne)
🏢 Australasian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society
📍 Melbourne