Policy Officer

APS 5 - $78,548 - $86,168 per annum plus superannuation
- Plant & Live Animal Exports Division
- Canberra, ACT

**Who we are**
Plant and Live Animal Exports Division is responsible for regulating plant and live animal exporters, registered premises and accredited veterinarians. The division manages policies underpinning the export of plants, live animals and genetic material from Australia.

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.

The Policy and Engagement Section leads the branch’s key policy development and engagement activities, including with industry stakeholders, states and territories and research organisations. The section develops relevant legislative instruments and coordinate the branch’s input into government business. The section leads several policy projects including the development and implementation of the new Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and others focussed on improving animal welfare outcomes for exported livestock. We also analyse international animal welfare standards and recommend where Australian standards can be improved.

**The Job**
Applications are sought from individuals with good judgement, strong interpersonal skills, a flexible approach to their work and a willingness to learn. Under general direction, successful applicants will provide policy and administrative support. The main duties of the positions will include, but are not limited to:

- undertaking research and analysis, including literature reviews and data analysis, to inform reviews and to develop and support evidence-based policy
- contributing to content of reviews and reports
- contributing to the development and implementation of the Inspector-General of Animal Welfare
- providing administrative and secretariat support, including assisting with the coordination of stakeholder consultation and meetings and departmental website updates
- representing the department in internal and external forums as required
- maintaining productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders on policy and operational matters
- drafting briefs and other written and verbal advice for managers and senior executives, and
- drafting ministerial correspondence, often in short time frames.

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

- use evidence to support strategic thinking, develop policy options or advice and can be readily translated into practical programs and initiatives for live animal export systems
- cultivate productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- use departmental IT systems effectively, including the Microsoft office suite (e.g. excel, Power BI), Micor and TRACE
- work cooperatively, show respect and share information in the pursuit of agreed outcomes
- have well-developed written and oral communication skills, high attention to detail and the ability to gather information from various sources
- under supervision, make sound judgements, manage workloads, prioritise work and work to competing deadlines, including seeking assistance where required.

**Knowledge and experience**
- An understanding of the live animal export industry, and the legislation and policies governing live animal exports, is highly desirable.
- Relevant technical knowledge, IT skills and practical experience will be highly considered.
- A working knowledge of being compliant with legislative frameworks, government decision-making and regulations.
- An understanding of the development and implementation of legislation.
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders and interest groups.
- Experience and knowledge of auditing processes is desirable.