Expression of Interest: Inaugural Stewardship Panel – Harmonised Australian Retail Produce Scheme (HARPS)
Hort Innovation is seeking expressions of interest from suitably experienced persons for the role of Independent Chair and Panel Members for the inaugural Stewardship Panel – Harmonised Australian Retail Produce Scheme. For further information about this program, see here.
About the role
The Stewardship Panel provides objective governance and oversight to the HARPS program on behalf of the scheme owner (Hort Innovation) and was identified by an industry working party as a key need following an independent evaluation of the HARPS program.
The Stewardship Panel supports the work of the Operational Committee, Technical Committee and liaises closely with the HARPS Manager (One Direction ANZ).
What we are looking for
- Independent Chairperson with strategic experience and governance skills
- Retailer representatives (3) with a commercial and stakeholder background from current users of HARPS
- Production industry/supply chain representatives (3) with an understanding of HARPS and strategic understanding of the fresh produce supply chain.
Skills, knowledge, and experience relevant to Australian horticulture are required, such as an understanding of the:
- Horticulture fresh produce landscape; and
- Commercial drivers and stakeholder landscape from production to retail.
The Independent Chair and Panel Members will be recruited for an initial period up to four years with potential to extend. It is anticipated that four meetings will be held annually, with occasional extraordinary meetings at short notice should the need arise.
Key responsibilities
- Consider recommendations and advice from the Operational Committee regarding The HARPS Standard (including associated technical documents) and provide consensus approval or seek further feedback
- Monitor the cohesiveness of both the Technical Committee and Operational Committee and ensure intended objectives of each committee are being met
- Provide a clear, succinct communication and collaboration framework to support greater cross-Committee engagement
- Provide a framework for selecting members of all committees
- Liaise with relevant industry networks, peak industry bodies, and businesses to communicate the strategic direction and intent of The HARPS Standard and to garner understanding and support for The Standard
- Oversee the HARPS Manager operational framework, strategic goals of The HARPS Standard and documents including the Management Agreement and milestones.
- Oversee the Cost Structures Principles and financial oversight
- Approve Communication Strategy and annual implementation plan
- Provide an annual report on HARPS program activities to industry
- Be the main point of contact for The Standard’s governance matters.
Commitment and tenure
This is an initial appointment for up to four years, with a time commitment of 6-12 days per annum, including travel. Meetings will be held virtually or face-to-face up to four times annually. Full secretariat support and travel expenses will be provided.
Interested candidates should submit a response outlining their motivation, relevant experience, and supporting documentation using the Expression of Interest form. The closing date for applications will be 3pm (AEDT), Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
For further details or to obtain the full Terms of Reference, please contact Anthony Kachenko by email or Bianca Cairns by email.
Hort Innovation provides the same benefits and opportunities to everyone without discriminating due to protected characteristics such as age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, religion, disability, colour and carer status.