AFSA is hiring a Paralegal

Role Type: Part-time – 0.1 FTE (approx. 4 hours/week)

About the Role

AFSA is seeking a paralegal to join its Legal Defence Fund (LDF)—a strategic initiative that supports small-scale farmers, artisanal producers, and communities through legal advocacy, policy reform, and casework assistance. This role is ideal for someone who is legally trained or in training, politically aligned, and committed to using the law as a tool for justice and system transformation rather than simple compliance.

The paralegal will work closely with the Chair of the LDF, the National Committee, and AFSA members to strengthen legal protections for small-scale producers, challenge unjust regulatory barriers, and advance food sovereignty across Australia.

This is high-impact work within a movement-led organisation. The role offers the opportunity to apply legal skills in a collaborative, community-facing setting while contributing to national advocacy for agroecological, just, and sovereign food systems.

About AFSA

The Agroecology & Food Sovereignty Alliance (AFSA) is a farmer- and First-Peoples-led civil society organisation working to transform Australia’s food and farming systems. We defend the rights of small-scale farmers, farmworkers, and communities to determine their own food systems through agroecology, solidarity, and self-determination.

AFSA:

• connects small-scale producers for farmer-to-farmer learning
• advocates for fair access to local markets, infrastructure, and resources
• pushes for scale-appropriate regulation across planning, food safety, biosecurity, and land governance
• supports First Peoples’ sovereignty, knowledge, and custodianship of Country
  participates in global movement spaces through La Vía Campesina, Urgenci, the IPC for Food Sovereignty, and the UN CFS Civil Society Mechanism

Our vision is for agroecological farms and communities to thrive through short, fair supply chains that protect human and planetary health, grounded in decolonial approaches to land, food, and justice.

Job purpose

The paralegal will support AFSA’s Legal Defence Fund by:

• maintaining and expanding AFSA’s Legal Guide for members
• offering initial legal guidance and support to AFSA members, especially small-scale farmers
• assisting the LDF Steering Committee with research, coordination, and governance

The role combines legal research, movement-facing advocacy, and practical support for farmers navigating regulatory systems.

Key Responsibilities

Legal reform and advocacy 

• Prepare materials for LDF Steering Committee meetings, attend meetings, take minutes, and follow up on actions.
  

Practical support for AFSA Members

• Monitor legal, policy, and regulatory developments relevant to small-scale producers.
• Respond to enquiries from farmers seeking assistance navigating food safety, planning, zoning, animal welfare, biosecurity, or other regulatory processes.
• Refer cases to volunteer lawyers or external support when appropriate.
• Help develop updates, resources, and communication pieces that keep members informed of legal issues and advocacy opportunities. This includes further development of the AFSA Legal Guide for Farmers.
  

Core qualities and values

Commitment to food sovereignty and agroecology

A deep alignment with AFSA’s values, including justice for small-scale farmers, First Peoples’ sovereignty, workers’ rights, and ecological stewardship. Although a sharp legal mind is required for this role, we’re looking for someone who is also deeply committed to our theory of change. 

Skills & Experience

• Strong legal research, drafting, and analytical skills
• Understanding of administrative and regulatory law (planning, food safety, animal welfare, biosecurity, environmental law)
• Confident in case tracking, document management, confidentiality, and deadlines
• Politically grounded understanding of how law shapes food and farming system

Qualifications

• Currently a law student at an Australian university or
• A law graduate awaiting admission or early in their legal career or
• A seasoned lawyer who is looking to use their skills and knowledge for the better!

Hours & Remuneration

• 0.1 FTE (approximately 4 hours per week)
• $10,000 per annum + superannuation
• Flexible work hours, with occasional responsiveness needed for urgent matters

Want to apply?

Please submit a cover letter and CV to admin@afsa.org.au by 3rd April 2026.

Applications will remain open until the position is filled. Start date is flexible, with immediate commencement welcomed.