Policy Officer

APS 5 - $81,690 - $89,615 per annum plus superannuation
- AGVET Chemicals, Fisheries, Forestry & Engagement Division
- Canberra, ACT
- _Work in a fast-paced, professional and influential branch with flexible work options._
- _Deliver policy advice and programs in support of Australia’s sustainable and internationally competitive fisheries industry._
- _Engage with a wide range of stakeholders throughout Australia and internationally._

**Who we are**
The Agvet Chemicals, Fisheries and Forestry Division develops and implements policies that support continual improvement and innovation in managing and regulating Agvet chemicals, fisheries and forestry. The division engages with a wide range of stakeholders throughout Australia and internationally. The division delivers strategic policy advice and reform, delivers grants and industry assistance programs, undertakes legislative reform and plays a leading role in international negotiations. Roles with the division will provide successful applicants with the opportunity to make meaningful and influential contributions to key policy areas in the future of Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry.

The Fisheries Branch provides policy advice to the department’s executive and Ministers on matters regarding aquaculture and commercial, recreational and Indigenous fishing in Australia. The branch develops policies that ensure Australia’s fishing industry remains profitable and resilient, within the principles and parameters of ecologically sustainable development. The branch also leads Australia’s engagement with regional fisheries management organisations that are responsible for managing the sustainability of shared fish stocks. The branch works with a wide range of stakeholders from the fishing industry, state and territory governments, other Commonwealth agencies, multilateral organisations - and in particular, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, the portfolio agency with the legislative remit to operationalise fisheries policy. Our work with stakeholders also includes the intersection of Australia’s marine security agenda, and Australian fishing interests with domestic and international marine environment obligations and initiatives.

**The Job**
Under general direction, the key duties of the role will include all or some of the following:

- Contributing to well-researched policy and policy advice that aligns with the strategic objectives of the department.
- Researching and analysing to inform, develop and support evidence-based policy.
- Supporting Australia’s engagement in a range of international organisations and with key multilateral partners.
- Delivering well designed programs and project, program and grants management.
- Providing administrative and secretariat support, including assisting with the coordination of stakeholder meetings.
- Collaborating in small teams and across teams to maintain a productive working environment.
- Liaising with internal, external and international stakeholders and participating in committees and forums.
- Contributing to Ministerial correspondence, Ministerial submissions, briefing papers, discussion papers and reports.
- Providing advice on policy matters specific to the branch.

**Please note** that this recruitment process will initially be used to fill one current vacancy in the Multilateral, Aquaculture and Recreational Fisheries Section. 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 division where the duties are of a similar nature.

**What we are looking for**
**Knowledge and experience**
The successful applicants will have some or all of the following:

- Experience in policy, project, program or advisory positions.
- Experience in policy development, including the ability to investigate and source key information to support decision making.
- Experience with the legislative development process.
- Experience in stakeholder or partnerships engagement and management.