Policy and Program Officer
Job Description
Exports & Veterinary Services Division
Canberra, ACT
Join the National Residue Survey (NRS), where we help ensure the safety and integrity of Australia’s animal and plant products. You will be part of a program that facilitates testing for pesticides, veterinary medicine residues and environmental contaminants, supporting compliance with the sampling requirements of our trading partners.
Why YOU are important to us and what impact will you have on the Exports & Veterinary Services Division and the departments’ goal.
We make sure Australian exports meet international standards through inspections, audits and certifications. Our work helps expand trade by negotiating technical access for food and other products. We also manage quotas under trade agreements and represent Australia in setting global food standards.
The Residues and Food Branch is responsible for policy development, implementation and regulation of dairy, fish and egg exporters, and non-prescribed food, organics, animal by-products exporters and imported food. This includes the development of operational policy and guidelines, instructional material, technical training and its delivery and reporting and engagement of industry and government stakeholders. The branch is also responsible for the National Residue Survey (NRS) which conducts animal and plant residue testing for participating industries.
The NRS assists with the maintenance of market access for participating industries through activities such as the development and implementation of residue monitoring programs, testing services, providing policy and scientific advice on related issues and providing support in the resolution of trade issues. NRS manages monitoring programs for a range of animal and plant industries.
This is where you play an important role.
Applications are sought from individuals with good judgement, strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to learn. The duties of the role include, but are not limited to:
undertaking research and analysis to inform policy and program development to support existing assurance functions and to address emerging issues
preparing and reviewing industry reports, policies, instructional material and stakeholder meeting papers to progress programs
engaging and maintaining relationships with a range of stakeholders including animal producers, processors and peak industry bodies, as well as other state/territory and commonwealth agencies and internal stakeholders
working across teams to deliver outcomes including understanding how your work impacts others
representing the department in various forums
developing and drafting communication products for both internal and external stakeholders
providing technical and professional advice relating to residue monitoring programs for animal products
assisting with finance and business tasks to support the corporate activities of the team, including preparing budgets, initial forecasting and maintaining the financial sustainability of the programs
managing financial reporting and analysis activities
provide consistent guidance, advice and support throughout the procurement and contract management lifecycle
supervising a small team.
Please note that this recruitment process will initially be used to fill one ongoing vacancy. The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.
The successful applicant will have:
experience in project management and implementing changes to operational programs
experience in the delivery of operational programs
experience engaging effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders and interest groups through a variety of forums
experience working with budgets, finance and contract management
export policy, program, legislation or agricultural industry experience (desirable but not mandatory).
The successful applicant will:
have strong written and verbal communication skills including an ability to communicate complex and/or technical issues effectively to senior executives, external stakeholders or clients
be a high performer who is motivated to work independently with limited direction and has a demonstrated ability to engage with other staff and manage significant issues or projects
be able to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve work area and agency goals and enthusiastically support the development of a learning and innovative team culture
have the ability to guide work priorities, both autonomously or as part of a team, and supervise staff
have the ability to develop and support complex relationships with a range of stakeholders
have the ability to work effectively across teams and supervise staff
have the ability to represent the branch in a professional and informed manner when providing advice to stakeholders or industry
have an awareness of and ability to anticipate and communicate the impacts of policy proposals to relevant stakeholders
have sound judgement and an ability to work in a team, prioritise tasks and produce high quality work within agreed timeframes.
VetPaths
The Australian Public Service (APS) values the unique skills, perspectives, and experiences that veterans gain during their Australian Defence Force (ADF) employment and encourage veterans to apply. Support may be available to veterans transitioning to meaningful APS careers through participation in VetPaths, which offers veterans an opportunity to participate in a six-month program offering formal learning and development, career mentoring and activities for wellness and peer support.
