We currently have a volunteer opportunity for the following:
Business Feasibility Advisor – Hemp Processing Hub
Make an Impact and difference that people feel.
Join Australian Business Volunteers on our mission to positively change communities. Whether you are an individual or a business, you can create vibrant and viable communities.
What we do
ABV delivers economic change to communities across the globe through donated business expertise. We create self-reliance and resilience and leave a lasting economic impact – one that endures generations.
How we do it?
We offer meaning opportunities for skilled business professionals to volunteer their expertise across communities in Australia and the Pacific. We work with communities to understand their needs and work with our Skilled Business Volunteers to match them to projects, that bring the right skills at the right time to help deliver outcomes.
About the opportunity
Primary Purpose of the Position
The purpose of this role is to undertake a high-level feasibility assessment to determine the viability of establishing a hemp processing hub in Orbost, East Gippsland. The role will support local stakeholders to assess whether industrial hemp could provide a practical pathway for regional economic diversification following the transition away from native timber harvesting.
The assessment will consider how existing industrial infrastructure, including the former Parkside mill, could be leveraged to support hemp processing, value-added manufacturing and emerging market opportunities. It will also help inform whether the proposed hub could contribute to local job creation, industry development and long-term regional resilience.
The volunteer will undertake an initial feasibility analysis to assess the viability of establishing a hemp processing hub in Orbost. This will include reviewing the suitability of the former Parkside mill site and existing infrastructure, exploring hemp processing options and supply chain considerations, assessing market demand and opportunities in construction and manufacturing, and identifying potential business models, strategic partnerships, capital requirements, funding considerations and site access or acquisition requirements.
Selection Criteria:
- Experience in feasibility analysis and business case development
- Knowledge of industrial development, manufacturing, or processing industries
- Ability to assess infrastructure and site suitability
- Understanding of market analysis and commercial viability assessment
- Strong analytical, reporting, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Ability to deliver a practical, high-level assessment within a short timeframe.
Role information:
- Start ASAP
- Approximately 3 months, 8 hours p/week
- Online + Initial site visit - Victoria
Interested to Apply?
**Click APPLY. **
Please note, if you are interested in applying for the role, we will require you to meet the following criteria:
- 5 years professional experience in the relevant field
- Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident residing in Australia. Australian Citizens residing overseas may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Willingness to complete a National Police Check
- Willingness to complete a Working with Children Check
What will happen next?
Our volunteer recruitment team will be in touch with you to advise you of the next steps.
Find out what our volunteers love most about working with our communities:
Throughout our 40-year history, ABV has relied on our passionate and committed volunteers who use their impressive business skills to build marketplaces, mentor entrepreneurs, strengthen institutions and transform communities.
Visit our website to see more about what our volunteers have be involved in and view their stories.
ABV is an equal opportunity employer and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally & linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds are encouraged to apply for this position.