Policy and Program Officer

APS 5 - $78,548 - $86,168 per annum plus superannuation
- Exports & Veterinary Services Division
- Canberra, ACT
- _Manage the day-to-day operations of a team working in a regulatory environment._
- _Quals/experience related to regulation/food safety/animal production systems desirable but not essential._

**Who we are**
The Meat Exports Branch works in close partnership with internal and external stakeholders to develop and maintain national export inspection and certification services for meat (red meat, poultry, pork, sheep and game meat). This includes the development of legislation, operational policy and guidelines, instructional material, technical training development and delivery and engagement with industry and government stakeholders. The central office team manages the export certification system (EXDOC) and provides operational support to the department's technical service delivery streams who are responsible for inspection, verification and certification of meat and meat products across Australia. The branch also includes the division's certification integrity unit that evaluates the effectiveness of the division's export systems.

The Licences, Authorisations and Certificates Section regulates people (officers/individuals) and entities (companies) within the export supply chain who are authorised to undertake specific functions or activities. This includes meat export licences, the administration of the Australian Government Authorised Officer program and the Australian Government Authorised Halal Program under the
- Export Control Act 2020_. The program seeks to support those people and entities through a robust assessment process, and by supporting the certification system. Where required, regulatory actions against entities or individuals is undertaken. The section also has secretariat functions across several national committees and administers several significant policies.

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

- managing the day-to-day operations of a team working in a regulatory environment
- providing timely and accurate advice on complex meat export requirements to employees, stakeholders/clients and senior managers
- contributing to branch improvement initiatives and projects
- providing advice and education to both stakeholders and colleagues to increase their knowledge of legislation
- maintaining productive relationships and communicating professionally with internal and external stakeholders on policy and operational matters, including through varied mediums
- providing administrative and secretariat support, including coordinating and supporting meeting and engagement logistics for regular activities
- supporting research and analysis activities to inform, develop and support evidence-based policy including basic research and analysis (including data manipulation) using multiple data sources
- writing/preparing and reviewing instructional material to support section activities
- the development of briefs, ministerial correspondence, reports, presentations and other written and verbal advice
- representing and supporting the branch’s activities and personnel at high level meetings
- working collaboratively in a team setting, often in fast-paced and evolving environments.

**What we are looking for**

**Knowledge and experience**
The following is highly desirable but not essential for this role:

- An existing understanding or qualifications and experience related to regulation/food safety/animal production systems.
- Previous experience in the public service supporting policy or regulation or experience working in a program role.