Veterinary Officer

APS 6 (Veterinarian VO2) - $95,381 - $124,609 per annum plus superannuation
- Plant & Live Animal Exports Division
- Canberra, ACT
- _Support agricultural productivity while maintaining high standards of welfare for exported livestock _
- _Work in a collegiate and collaborative team with veterinarians, scientists and researchers who are passionate about their work _
- _City based location with flexible work options_

**Who we are**
The Plant and Live Animal Exports Division works in partnership to support agricultural productivity, competitiveness and market access for the export of live animals, animal reproductive material, plants and plant products. The division is comprised of the Animal Welfare, Live Animal Export and Plant Export Operations Branches.

The Animal Welfare Branch continues Australia's leadership in standard setting for exported livestock, focusing on improving animal welfare outcomes in the livestock export supply chain. The branch analyses available data and science to inform the development and review of export conditions and the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL). The branch also considers international standards, validates and verifies the effectiveness of Australian standards and engages with industry, regulators, researchers and the community to promote evidence and science based regulatory practices, where animal welfare is integral to the regulatory system.

Two sections in our branch are recruiting. The Standards and Systems Validation Section conducts audits, validation activities and stakeholder engagement to validate and verify the effectiveness of livestock export standards and systems in achieving intended animal welfare outcomes. The section also conducts activities to increase stakeholder consistency in terminology for assessing and reporting against animal welfare standards, contributes to the update of the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL) and provides technical assistance and advice to internal stakeholders.

The Policy and Engagement section is responsible for coordination of stakeholder engagement, briefing to the executive and ministerial correspondence. In the context of improving animal welfare in live animal exports, we develop policy and review international standards. We provide administrative support for the branch including planning and finance.

**The Job**
Applications are sought from individuals with good judgement, strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to learn. Applicants should be innovative, collaborative and collegiate. Duties in the positions will include, but are not limited to:

- analysing of the latest animal welfare research, including literature reviews, and data analysis, to inform reviews and to develop and support evidence-based policy
- contributing to updating the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL) and delivery of the ASEL 3.3 update
- contributing to technical advice requests from internal stakeholders regarding livestock export animal welfare standards
- contributing to projects and verification/validation activities that improve the department’s regulatory approach to animal welfare for live animal exports
- representing the department in internal and external animal welfare forums
- developing and maintaining productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders on policy and technical matters relating to animal welfare for livestock exports
- preparing high quality ministerial correspondence, briefs and other written and verbal advice for managers and senior executives
- providing administrative and secretariat support, including the coordination of stakeholder consultation and meetings, and departmental website updates.

**Skills and capabilities**
The successful applicants will have the ability to:

- use evidence to support strategic thinking, develop policy options or advice, and perform high-level analysis of complex issues
- cultivate productive working relationships with external stakeholders
- work cooperatively with team members, show respect and share information towards agreed outcomes
- have well-developed written and oral communication skills
- have a flexible approach to work
- under limited supervision, be able to manage workloads, prioritise work and work to competing deadlines with attention to detail
- have a high degree of drive, initiative and be forward-thinking
- experience in PowerBi and excel would be an advantage for some roles.

**Knowledge and experience**
- An understanding of the live animal export industry, and the legislation and policies governing live animal exports would be beneficial.
- Knowledge of compliance with legislative frameworks, government decision-making and regulations.
- Knowledge of legislative development and implementation.
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders and interests.
- Experience in project management (including Agile project management would be beneficial).
- Lead auditor training w