Veterinary Communications and Engagement Officer

Executive Level 1 (Veterinarian VO3) EL 1.06 - EL 1.08 - $129,257- $138,354 per annum plus superannuation
- Australian Chief Veterinary Office Division
- Adelaide, SA,Brisbane, QLD,Cairns, QLD,Canberra, ACT,Darwin, NT,Hobart, TAS,Melbourne, VIC,Sydney, NSW,Other
- _Help promote and raise awareness about Australia's animal health and biosecurity._
- _Flexible work options available._

**Who we are**
The Australian Chief Veterinary Officer is the primary advisor to the Australian government on matters relating to Australia’s animal health status and associated systems. The Australian Chief Veterinary Officer works to represent and influence Australia’s animal health interests globally, regionally and nationally to manage animal biosecurity risks and maximise trade opportunities for Australian producers.

The Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer (OCVO) supports the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer's leadership at departmental, national and international levels on a range of significant, high-profile and diverse issues. We work collaboratively with key stakeholders from within and outside government, and value diversity.

Key functions within the OCVO include anticipating, preparing for, and responding to animal health events of potential national significance; representing Australia’s interests in the development of international animal health trade standards and policies, and fulfilling Australia’s international animal disease reporting requirements, and representing Australia’s favourable animal health status; working closely with health and environment agencies to manage emerging One Health risks, including future pandemics of animal origin; and working closely with Pacific Island countries and other regional counterparts to strengthen animal health systems throughout the region and enhance regional cooperation and partnerships. The OCVO also has a strong focus on Northern Australia, working with northern Australia’s animal industry stakeholders and our near neighbours to strengthen animal health systems and improve emergency animal disease preparedness and capacities across the region.

**The Job**
As OCVO’s Veterinary Communications and Engagement Officer you will play an important role in stakeholder outreach activities. This includes developing communications materials and other activities to promote awareness of key animal health issues and the work of the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer and supporting strong professional relationships with key biosecurity stakeholders.

Key duties include but are not limited to:

- Developing, implementing, and evaluating OCVO engagement and communications strategies, plans and activities.
- Monitoring media and other sources for relevant issues, and proactively identifying, reporting on, and managing risks and opportunities relating to communications and engagements activities.
- Coordinating responses to media enquiries for OCVO and supporting stakeholder engagement and communications in the event of emerging issues or events.
- Actively managing external stakeholders’ relationships, including with other government agencies and industry partners.
- Collaborating across the department including with departmental communications and technical specialists to support positive stakeholder engagement outcomes across the various OCVO functions.
- Representing the department in a professional context as required.
- Assisting with the progress of, or reporting about, other OCVO initiatives as required.

**What we are looking for**
**Knowledge and experience**
Knowledge and/or experience in the following areas would be well regarded:

- Knowledge of and/or experience relating to animal health issues and associated government systems in Australia.
- Experience working collaboratively, engaging stakeholders, and delivering clear messaging to diverse audiences on complex animal health matters.
- Experience developing a range of high-quality written communications materials.
- Experience in project management, including delivering outputs in a dynamic work environment with short timeframes.

**Mandatory qualifications**
Applicants must possess a veterinary degree and must be currently registered or eligible for registration with a relevant Australian state or territory veterinary board. Further training or qualifications or experience in science communication is also required.