International Program Support Officer

APS 5 - $81,690 - $89,615 per annum plus superannuation
- Plant Protection & Environmental Biosecurity Division
- Canberra
- ACT

Multiple job opportunities are available within the ICDS and PEIPH sections for an APS 5 Program Support Officer. These positions are seeking officers who can work effectively in a dynamic team with a high level of liaison with government and international stakeholders, contribute to maintaining relationships with near neighbour and Pacific counterparts and support the ACPPO’s engagement in international plant health fora.

**Who we are**
The Australian Chief Plant Protection Officer (ACPPO) is the primary representative of, and an advisor to, the Australian Government on all matters relating to Australia’s plant health status and its supporting systems. The ACPPO supports and improves Australia’s plant health system to ensure it minimises the impacts of current and emerging plant biosecurity risks to Australia’s environment, agricultural production and trade, and helps meet relevant national and international obligations.

The International Capacity Development Section (ICDS) oversees and coordinates the delivery of biosecurity and trade related capacity development activities across the Asia Pacific Region, principally funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). We work closely with biosecurity, plant protection and agriculture stakeholders across the Asia Pacific region to support the design, delivery, and implementation of technical and operational capacity development programs. The work of the section enhances Australia’s contribution to regional Asia Pacific agricultural sector growth and food security through better market access and biosecurity outcomes. The Pacific Engagement and International Plant Health Section (PEIPH) coordinates and facilitates the ACPPO’s engagement in national and international plant health fora and supports the Australian Government’s leadership in these fora. PEIPH manages the point of contact into the department for international plant health related issues. PEIPH also manages the ongoing partnership with Australia’s near neighbours, specifically Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Timor-Leste. This partnership with our near neighbours coordinates the delivery of annual plant health surveys, capacity development programs and professional development opportunities in collaboration with our overseas government counterparts.

**The Job**
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- Assisting with the delivery and reporting of international capacity building projects.
- Contributing to the preparation of briefings, communication material, presentations and official correspondence to support capacity development initiatives.
- Assisting with planning and booking of domestic and international travel.
- Supporting procurement, contract management and financial reporting for projects.
- Developing and maintaining productive relationships with international counterparts, internal stakeholders and other relevant government agencies.
- Potential opportunities to travel domestically/internationally and participate in program activities (as appropriate).

**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 successful applicant will have:

- Demonstrated ability to support policy/program activities.
- Procurement, financial and contract management experience.
- Experience with scheduling and booking domestic and international travel.
- Experience in natural sciences, agricultural sciences or international policy and a knowledge of plant biosecurity issues would be desirable.