Principal Veterinary Officer

Executive Level 2 (Veterinarian VO4) EL 2.04 - EL 2.08 - $146,360 - $159,051 per annum plus superannuation
- Exports & Veterinary Services Division
- Canberra, ACT
- Australia exports over $35 billion worth of animal products annually to more than 100 countries. This includes some of Australia’s best meat, dairy, seafood, eggs, and other goods. In this role, you’ll directly contribute to supporting our valuable agricultural export industries, regional communities and farmers, and Australia’s economic growth. Make a difference working at the international forefront with ESB to grow and protect export markets, advancing Australian agriculture._

**Who we are**
The Exports and Veterinary Services Division regulates export of animal products and import of food products through the delivery of inspection and certification services including those related to live animal operations. The division develops strategies to gain, improve or maintain market access for a wide range of animal products. The division delivers the Australian Codex Alimentarius Contact Point and delivers the coordination and development of policy and technical input to international food standards. The division manages 63 tariff rate quotas. The division delivers the National Residue Survey for Australian primary industries. The division actively contributes to the department's digitalisation and regulatory reform agendas including implementing reform programs for dairy, cosmetics and other goods.

The Export Standards Branch negotiates technical standards and conditions with trading partners to maintain, improve or develop market access for the export of meat, fish, dairy, eggs, animal by-products and non-prescribed goods. The branch develops content for the Manual of Importing Country Requirements (Micor), provides chemical residue and microbiological expertise, laboratory oversight and manages the Codex contact point responsible for the coordination and development of policy and technical input into international food standards.

The branch has dedicated market access teams which negotiate with trading partners to maintain, improve, or develop new market access for the export of meat, fish, dairy, eggs, inedible animal products and processed foods. The teams negotiate conditions of trade, facilitate bilateral engagement with international trading partner authorities, assist in the coordination and organisation of audits of Australia’s export systems and establishments, develop Australian positions on international standard setting for trade, and develop content for the department’s Micor.

**The Job**
- Managing a team to undertaking research and analysis to inform policy and program development to support existing regulatory functions and to address emerging issues
- Preparing and managing briefing materials, correspondence, reports, and other products for the Minister, departmental executives, and for tabling at various forums
- 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, international trading partners and internal stakeholders
- Representing Australian government in domestic and international fora, the department on committees and in negotiations/discussions with stakeholders
- Providing advice and support to the senior executive and the minister
- Contributing to corporate activities including overseeing budget, instructional material and staffing activities
- Managing the work of a team and supporting staff.

**Please note**that 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 vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.

**What are we looking for**
**knowledge and experience**
- The ability to manage and support staff.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to develop, coordinate and deliver work programs with measurable outcomes under limited supervision.
- The ability to engage with stakeholders and build strong working relationships.
- Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to problem solve and exercise judgement to deliver outcomes.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver work under tight timeframes.

**Mandatory qualifications**
To be considered for this position you must have a veterinary degree from an Australian university or equivalent veterinary qualification recognised in Australia. You must be fully registered, or eligible for full registration, with the relevant Australian state/territory veterinary board and you must maintain this registration whilst employed by the department.