Policy Officer

APS 5 - $81,690 - $89,615 per annum plus superannuation
- Biosecurity Operations Division
- Adelaide SA, Brisbane QLD, Canberra ACT, Darwin NT, Melbourne VIC, Perth WA, Sydney NSW
- develop and provide advice that will help Australia meet its biosecurity challenges
- work in a motivated, professional and respectful team
- city-based locations with flexible work options

**Who we are**
The **Cargo & Conveyance Policy & Detection Capability Branch** is responsible for determining, developing and enabling the strategies, regulatory frameworks, tactics and interventions that manage biosecurity and other risks within the transport and trade pathways into Australia. This pathway brings together how the department detects and responds to biosecurity risk and non-compliance, including through deploying surveillance and verification tools and capabilities such as detector dog teams and x-rays. The branch sets operational policy for the biosecurity clearance of all air and sea cargo, conveyances and ports, seasonal pests and policy assessment related matters.

**The Job**
The duties of the position include, but are not limited to:

- supporting the development and implementation of first point of entry policy and projects
- contributing to the development and review of briefings, guidelines, industry notices and other material
- assisting in the assessment of airport and seaport operator compliance with first point of entry regulatory requirements
- supporting Senior Policy Officers in a range of work activities including developing, progressing, and implementing policy and project tasks
- assisting with communication and engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies and industry located across Australia
- working collaboratively and effectively as part of a team towards the achievement of goals, whilst actively fostering engagement, consideration and a positive team environment
- promoting a culture of safety, diversity, inclusiveness, respect, and high performance complying with the APS Values, APS Employment Principles and Code of Conduct

**Please note **that this recruitment process will initially be used to fill a single vacancy in the Hitchhikers and Ports Policy Section and that this role may be able to be performed from any of the locations listed above. 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.
- Skills and Capabilities_
The successful applicant will ideally have:

- well-developed analytical and organisational skills
- strong liaison, relationship-building and networking skills
- well-developed written and oral communication skills, including the ability to tailor communications to different audiences
- excellent research and critical thinking skills to investigate, analyse and interpret complex issues, and explain findings in a concise manner
- strong abilities to correctly follow legislation, policies, procedures and instructions, exercise judgement and take appropriate initiative to provide advice and make reasonable, evidence-based decisions
- the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a team, including virtual teams
- personal drive and the ability to prioritise work to ensure that quality results are delivered on time
- Knowledge and experience_
The successful applicant will ideally have:

- knowledge of, or an ability to quickly acquire an understanding of, the critical role biosecurity plays in protecting Australia’s agriculture, human health and environment; and the biosecurity risks associated with imported goods and international arrivals
- knowledge of, or an ability to quickly acquire an understanding of, the management of biosecurity risks, biosecurity facilities and biosecurity procedures
- an understanding of the Biosecurity Act 2015 and the biosecurity regulatory environment
- experience in policy development, program management or equivalent fields

**Eligibility**
Citizenship - To be eligible for employment with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry you must be an Australian citizen.

Security Clearance - This position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.