The Scaling Seeds and Technologies in Africa (SSTP) is a US$47m initiative between AGRA and USAID working to get improved technology to smallholder farmers.As the Communications Consultant, I work with the Chief of Party and country teams to enhance SSTP's communications efforts.My work has included:- Conducting field mission to collect and write case studies and success stories;- Preparing briefs for senior management including USAID representatives- Preparing and leading media tours to highlight SSTP's work and outcomes- Managing the production of videos promoting SSTP's work.

This is a volunteer position coordinated through the Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) Program.Through the AVID program I am currently on a 12 month assignment in the Communications Unit at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).AGRA is a Non-Government Organisation with a goal to reduce poverty and increase incomes in Africa by focusing on improving the productivity of Africa's smallholder farmers.My work in the Communications Unit is about building the capacity of staff members in the unit, however, this role has also enhanced my own skills, knowledge and confidence in the areas of communications, stakeholder management and public relations.Current projects and activities undertaken in this role include:- Enhancing the look and feel of monthly e-communications and moving them to an online platform to assist in their measurement and evaluations.- Development and implementation of a social media strategy- Planning and coordination of media events for major announcements- Drafting articles for use in internal and external communications- Presenting to AGRA grantees on how to communicate effectively

The role of Industry Relations Manager, is to manage and engage Australian Wool Innovation's key industry stakeholders.Reporting to the Group Manager – Corporate Affairs & International Market Access, the Industry Relations Manager ensures key stakeholders are regularly updated on AWI's activities.The role also supports the Group Manager, as required, in managing AWI's Government stakeholders and AWI's statutory requirements.Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) is the Research Development and Marketing organisation for the Australian wool industry.

Australian Wool Innovation Limited engages in initiating, commissioning, and delivering research and development services to woolgrowers in Australian. It also provides trade development and market intelligence services on behalf of woolgrowers.Working within the wool production team, my role is to liaise with internal and external project managers in regards to the development, execution and day to day management of projects. This includes developing proposals and contracts contracts as well as following up and reviewing milestones for AWI project managers.Utilising my agricultural communication skills I am responsible for working with AWI communication staff to identify suitable communication opportunities to promote on-farm achievements to a wider audience.

To Provide policy, research and administrative support to the Chief Executive of NSW Farmers' Association.The role also covers project work to support the Chief Executive.While at NSW Farmers' Association I coordinated the running of the Rebuilding the Regions Workshop in Dubbo NSW. This workshop saw the NSW Liberals & Nationals meet with policy stake-holders with an interest in policy in rural and regional NSW.I also worked on the Families Needing Farmers campaign launched by NSW Farmers Association in 2010.This role also saw me working with NSW Farmers' Association commodity groups such as Pork, Oysters and BEAT.

Casual on-going rural reporter in NSW and the ACT

Supervising 100 boarding students on the Wolaroi site.Provided a point of contact for parental concerns and providing a safe and healthy environment for all patrons and visitors.Aided Headmaster and head of boarding in day-to-day operations of boarding house.Administrative duties.

Administration work for the Network.Organised the Future Planning forum and AGM.

Research and write stories for a monthly publication as well as online.