At Rabobank, our commitment to our employees and clients is at the heart of everything we do.
As the world’s leading specialist in food and agribusiness banking, one of our key strengths lies in our people who have a deep understanding of agriculture and are committed to adding long-term value for clients.
Our culture is unique, because every day our people work knowing that we are all playing our part in supporting our farmers to feed the world. We strive to create an open, balanced, and flexible workplace where people feel that they belong, can be open and honest, and are supported. We actively encourage collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous development, and we are focused on growing each other.
About the role:
RaboResearch is Rabobank’s global knowledge and strategic insights provider. Our global and regional network of analysts are trusted sources of insights for clients, colleagues, policymakers, the industry, and the media -known for independent insights, rigorous analysis, and clear communication on the forces shaping food and agriculture.
The RaboResearch Australia & New Zealand team is looking for a Commodity Analyst to cover some of today’s most dynamic and fast‑moving parts of the agricultural value chain. This role is designed for someone who enjoys learning, collaborating, and contributing ideas in a supportive, high‑impact environment. This is an opportunity to make a difference using your analytical and communication skills and your interest in the food and agribusiness sector.
Based preferably in Sydney (Melbourne or Brisbane might be considered), this role focuses on farm inputs, including fertilisers, agrochemicals, farmland values, and farm machinery—as well as fibres, with a particular emphasis on cotton and wool. These sectors sit at the centre of major structural change, driving price volatility and technology adoption (including AI), while being heavily influenced by geopolitics, climate risk, and evolving global demand.
This is a crucial and influential role supporting the bank and its rural and corporate clients in their short-and long-term strategic decision making. We are looking for a candidate who enjoys combining data, economics, and industry knowledge—and who is equally comfortable writing, presenting, and speaking publicly.
The Analyst will be required to:
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Deliver thought provoking, high‑quality market and industry research on (fertiliser/farmland prices/agrochemicals) and fibres (cotton/wool) for internal stakeholders and external clients across Australia and New Zealand
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Analyse key drivers such as price volatility, cost structures, technology adoption, regulation, sustainability, and global trade flows
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Contribute actively to RaboResearch’s global coverage team, partnering closely with colleagues across the world to produce consistently strong global insights and utilise those locally.
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Produce engaging research outputs, including thought‑leadership reports, podcasts, presentations, videos, and digital content, with support from colleagues and established processes.
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Act as the sector expert, building credibility and confidence when presenting insights at client events, industry conferences, field days, and internal strategy sessions across Australia and New Zealand
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Build a public profile as a trusted voice at a pace that suits your experience and career stage, engaging with print, radio, TV, and digital media on key market and industry developments.
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Work closely with Rabobank’s rural and corporate banking teams to support client conversations, identify commercial opportunities, and inform strategic thinking.
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Provide research input into credit policy, sector strategy, and risk assessment, including presentations to senior management when required.
You will be encouraged to take ownership of your research while being well supported by a collaborative, trans‑Tasman and global team that covers food and agri research across crops, livestock, and consumer foods. You will benefit from joining a diverse, respectful, and inclusive team of analysts.
To be successful in the role, you will have:
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Bachelor’s Degree in related field required.
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Deep industry knowledge, data literacy and technical skills, storytelling and communication and commercial mindset and ability to work across functions/geographies.
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A strong analytical mindset and genuine curiosity about how agricultural markets work
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Solid understanding of agriculture, agribusiness, or commodity markets gained through professional, academic, or lived experience—ideally with exposure to farm inputs (fertiliser/farmland prices/agrochemicals) and/or fibres (cotton and wool)
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Confidence working with large data sets, building models, and interpreting quantitative and qualitative information, with the willingness to keep learning and ask questions.
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The ability to translate complex analysis and results in clear messages and a memorable story that engage a wide range of audiences - from conferences and board rooms to kitchen tables on farm.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability (or ambition) to present to diverse audiences and engage with media.
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A client-focused and commercial mindset and the ability to take the perspective of the client and analyze the forces that shape the future of their business.
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High proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, and comfort using new technologies and data tools to enhance analysis.
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A strong collaborative mindset and willingness to connect the dots by leveraging our global and local network.
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Flexibility to travel regularly and represent RaboResearch at client and industry events.
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A desire to keep learning and to use technology—including emerging analytical tools—as a competitive advantage.
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A positive, open mindset and the confidence to challenge established thinking in a constructive and respectful way, and to deliver clear forward-looking messages and scenarios in times of high uncertainty.
This role is well‑suited for experienced commodity analysts. Equally, this could also be an opportunity for early‑career agricultural economists and data‑driven graduates with a farming background who are eager to deepen their sector knowledge and build a public profile.
If you are early in your career, you will benefit from:
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Working alongside experienced RaboResearch analysts in Australia and across our global network
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Hands‑on exposure to real‑world market analysis that directly informs client decisions.
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Opportunities to develop your writing, presentation, and media engagement skills.
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Ongoing coaching, mentorship, feedback and support from local and global peers
We value potential, curiosity, analytical thinking, and the right attitude as much as prior experience. If you’re excited by this role and you are motivation to keep learning, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement listed.
What we're proud to offer you:
Rabo@Anywhere is our hybrid way of working at Rabobank and for Australia, that means we have a blend of time working between the office and home.
Wellbeing leave. These leave days support greater work/life balance and is just another way we are helping our employees to lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
Education Assistance Program. Rabobank values the development of its people and has a great Education Assistance Program to assist with professional development.
Parental Leave that supports you and your family while giving you the freedom and flexibility to enjoy this special time (up-to 14 weeks paid leave)
Bonus and Additional Leave. We realise sometimes 4 weeks Annual Leave isn't enough! At Rabobank we provide an incentive for eligible employees to receive 1 extra week Annual Leave and an option to purchase another 2 weeks Annual Leave.
Extra Insurance. Rabobank recognises that employees need to protect their financial wellbeing, in the event of serious illness, injury, or even death. Rabobank provides eligible permanent employees with employer-funded Death, TPD and Income Protection Insurance.
Rabo Workplace Giving program. As part of Rabobank's global Corporate Social Responsibility, Workplace Giving aims to encourage employees to contribute to our community. Rabo Workplace Giving program matches employee donations to selected Social Partners.
Our Values:
Rabobank Australia values inclusion, belonging, and positive experiences for all. Our work environment, our benefits, and the way we live our values, “Client Driven”, “Responsible”, “Professional” and “Cooperative” make it a great place to work. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Please let our Talent Acquisition team know if you need any accommodations to make our opportunities more accessible to you.
Rabobank is not accepting submissions from recruitment agencies for this role.
Applicants must hold valid work rights for this role.
