Assistant Director

EL 1 - $115,663 - $124,403 per annum plus superannuation
- AGVET Chemicals, Fisheries, Forestry & Engagement Division
- Canberra, ACT
- _Formulate the ideas and advice that will help Australia deliver the domestic wood and wood products that all Australians use _
- _Work in a motivated and professional team with a wide range of skill sets and backgrounds _
- _City based location with flexible work options_

**Who we are**
The AGVET Chemicals, Fisheries, Forestry and Engagement Division develops and implements policies that support continual improvement and innovation in managing and regulating AGVET chemicals, fisheries and forestry. We are also developing an AG2030 strategy, assisting with COVID-19 recovery and improving rural and regional activities. 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.

The AGVET Chemicals and Forestry Branch works to improve existing AGVET chemicals regulation, contributes to international and domestic AGVET chemicals policy and delivers policy advice and programs in support of Australia’s sustainable and internationally competitive forest industries. We develop policies that ensure our forestry industry remains competitive and sustainable to deliver products all Australian’s use. We provide advice and support to the department’s executive and Ministers (including an Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) on AGVET chemical and forestry issues. We are also responsible for actions to combat illegal logging and its associated trade and the development and implementation of government responses to independent reviews. The branch works with a wide range of stakeholders from industry, community, state governments, other Commonwealth agencies, foreign trading partners and multilateral organisations.

The Plantations and Innovation Section delivers policy advice and programs which support Australia’s sustainable and internationally competitive forest industries, particularly the delivery of domestic wood and wood products that all Australians use. The section works with a wide range of stakeholders from industry, First Nations people, community, state governments and other Commonwealth agencies.

**The Job**
This is a rewarding role for someone with the skills, attributes and willingness to work on policy aspects of Australia’s sustainable and internationally competitive forest industries, particularly related to stakeholder engagement on programs and policies which support Australian forestry issues. Working as part of a motivated team duties will include:

- interacting with stakeholders (departmental and ministerial staff, officers from other Australian Government agencies, forestry industry members, forestry industry associations, State and Territory Governments, and First Nations people) on issues regarding Australian forestry engagement, policy and issues
- interpreting and advising on forestry legislation, policy frameworks and Australian Government support mechanisms under these frameworks
- developing evidence-based policy options
- undertaking research and analysis to inform policy development for stakeholder consideration and government approval
- undertaking objective, critical analysis of complex issues considering the implications for key stakeholders, presenting logical arguments and drawing accurate conclusions
- consulting stakeholders regarding policy proposals
- preparing briefs and policy advice for the department’s executive
- contributing to the delivery of forestry based policies and programs
- participating in meetings and helping articulate and deliver Australian Government support for the Australian forestry industry

**Skills and capabilities**
- have demonstrated strong leadership and management skills
- maintain stakeholder relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- communicate effectively, in both written and oral communication
- have strong analytical skills and be able to problem-solve complex matters,
- have an understanding of forestry and a passion for promoting sustainable forest management practices,
- be able to achieve results while contributing to the positive culture of the branch.
- develop robust policy and/ or engagement options that are strategically focused, evidence-based and can be readily translated into practical outcomes and initiatives
- work as part of a team to develop and articulate and implement policy options relevant the Australian forest industries,
- present balanced and persuasive arguments (written and verbal) appropriately targeted to the intended audience
- write clear, concise and fluent material (including on complex technical issues) and to write about and discuss issues persuasively
- forge effective and purposeful partnerships with people at all