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PROJECT COORDINATOR: Innovation for salt reduction
0.6EFT
Title:
Project Coordinator
Team:
Healthy Living
Reports to: Healthy Living Manager
Company: Victorian Division
Grade: 6
Location:
Position type:
18 month contract (0.6 EFT)
Hours per week: 22.5
Heart Foundation – Victoria Level
12/500 Collins Street,
MELBOURNE.
Effective date:
January 2016
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 2013-2017 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 Diana Heggie 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 2013-2017. Our activities address key areas of prevention under Healthy Hearts ( eg improving access to a
healthier food supply, more active living and smoke free environments) and under Heart Care ( eg. 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 Project Manager: Innovation for salt reduction 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.
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Position Purpose:
The Heart Foundation (Victoria), in conjunction with VicHealth and the Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership seeks to raise awareness of the
dangers of high salt consumption and reduce salt in the Victorian diet. This position supports the work of the Partnership through engaging
and assisting Victorian food processors and manufacturers in implementing industry driven strategies to reduce the levels of salt in processed
products. The focus of the project is to support and encourage small to medium enterprises (SME)s in Victoria to access up to date health
research and food innovation technology in order to achieve salt reduction targets. Through existing knowledge of and partnerships within the
food industry the Project Coordinator will facilitate an industry led salt reduction project that builds on existing initiatives and builds the Heart
Foundation’s networks.
This position will also:

Be responsible for all elements of delivering the project from refining the work plan, though to delivery and evaluation.

Develop a strong network of food businesses that are willing to work with the Heart Foundation on reducing salt intake in the Victorian
population.

Provide food industry expertise. (The position will have full access to the Heart Foundation’s nutrition team and as such is not
necessarily required to have extensive knowledge in Nutrition).
Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities
Accountabilities/Responsibilities
Major Activities
Outcomes
Responsible for the overall
effective delivery of the
Innovation for Salt reduction in
SMEs

Develop, implement and evaluate the influence
of the project in instigating salt reduction
strategies in food industry

Strategies implemented and evaluated, on
time and on budget


Monitor and review activities to determine
effectiveness and inform future plans
On-going activities adapted according to
process evaluation findings – project gains
momentum.

Thorough record keeping and evidence of
effect to assist with future funding submissions

Written evidence of the effectiveness of the
engagement with SME food industry which
serves to secure long term sustainable
strategies (funding or otherwise)
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Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities
Accountabilities/Responsibilities
Major Activities
Outcomes
Accountable for scoping the
most effective avenues for
engaging industry

Engage with relevant state agencies and
regional economic development or industry
networks to determine the best opportunities for
reaching industry

Identification of target areas that are ready for
reformulation, specific food products or
geographical regions.
Accountable for engagement of
food industry SMEs

Engage with relevant SMEs 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
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
Responsible for the uptake of
the Salt Reduction Pledge tool

Support food industry SMEs to reformulate
using appropriate platforms

Host an innovation showcase of food industry
case studies to enhance motivation and
collaboration

Encourage and support SMEs in setting targets
that align with the Heart Foundation’s salt
reduction targets and business motives

Work closely with PR/media teams to generate
ongoing media coverage and public awareness
of the project and its importance




Uptake of the pledge program by the target
group meets expected levels

Media coverage of campaign promoting
consumer advocacy and further pledges

Project compliments national targets and
partnerships
Understanding of the work of the Federal
Government’s Healthy Food Partnership and
the opportunities for integration.
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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

Partners are aware of program activities and
actively supporting the work of the Heart
Foundation with Industry.


Provide timely and relevant updates to internal
partners including through the Food Supply
Community of Practice
Input into working groups is demonstrated
and documented.

Key project messages have been developed
to meet the needs of diverse audiences.

Liaise with Fundraising and Media/
Communications to develop food supply
messages that are appropriate for a range of
audiences
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CHALLENGES:
KEY COMMUNICATIONS:

The food manufacturing/processing industry is broad and
understanding of the current business environment and its
challenges is required in the early stages of the project in order to
drive the focus of target foods or industries.
Internally:




Healthy Living Manager

Nutrition Advisor
Nurturing the trust of food industry representatives in order to
communicate productively and influence the adoption of Heart
Foundation messages across a diversity of sectors other than
health.

Nutrition Project Officer

Salt awareness campaign coordinator

Media and communications advisor
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
Externally:
Working in a Federated structure and across multiple teams
which can delay decisions and may restrict capacity to work
independently.

SME food processors and manufacturers

Government departments (state and federal)

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/creative agencies
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DECISION MAKING:
Qualifications:
Independently


Knowledge
The position makes independent decisions on the
implementation and evaluation of project specific operational
and work plans; and liaison with key stakeholder groups and
representation on working/advisory committees
With input

The position consults with the Healthy Living Manager
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 Healthy Living
Manager 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

Food science or technology degree

Extensive inside knowledge of the food processing and manufacturing
industries and related policy

Knowledge of nutrition principles desired
Skills

Evidence of project management 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
Work is guided by internal policies and overseen by the
Healthy Living Manager to ensure agreed outcomes are
being achieved
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Key Selection Criteria:

Extensive experience within the food manufacturing and processing industry specifically innovation and technology

Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing and evaluating food and nutrition 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

Knowledge of relevant government policies where they relate to small to medium food manufacturers
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.
Written Communications: Is able to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles; can convey messages
to diverse audiences.
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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:
Incumbent
Manager
Name:
Roni Beauchamp
Name:
Signed:
Signed:
Dated:
Dated:
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integrity
dynamic
collaborative
passionate
visionary