POSITION SUMMARY

As a senior member of the Executive Leadership team at the APVMA, Director are responsible for the management of a portfolio within the Authority.

The successful applicant/s will have well-developed program management skills to support the process of managing multiple complex projects. From within an established legislative framework, Directors are required to provide detailed specialist advice on technical and scientific issues and address stakeholder concerns in relation to complex and sensitive matters.

Working with a high level of autonomy, Directors are required to make evidence-based decisions on issues that may significantly impact the APVMA, and to evaluate risks in a complex regulatory environment. The Director will also manage relationships with international regulators and internal and external stakeholders, including commonwealth, state or territory entities and non-government organisations.

This position is a security assessed position. The successful applicant will be required to undergo a security assessment to obtain a baseline clearance, and to maintain that level of clearance while in the role.

A merit list or merit pool created as part of the selection process may be used to fill similar vacancies for 12 months from the date the original vacancy was advertised in the Australian Public Service Employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

To be a strong contender for these roles you will be a resilient, flexible, process-driven leader with the ability to:

• Maintain an extensive understanding of the role and responsibilities of the APVMA, including an understanding of the Australian Public Service operating environment.
• Lead and manage a team. Directly supervise staff and be responsible for the performance and management of a section. Coach, mentor and develop capacity and responsiveness within the Section.
• Provide scientific/technical or specialist advice on the interpretation of data, reports, and policies and procedures within a regulatory framework across the agency.
• Apply risk assessment and management principles, and appropriately exercise delegations for decisions.
• Implement efficient work practices, with a focus on continual improvement of the relevant processes, in accordance with best practices, our risk management framework, and APVMA corporate goals.
• Develop and implement program management plans, and to be able to set and manage priorities effectively within the team, and manage complex interactions. Experience drafting briefs for executive leaders and ministerial correspondence about technical matters.
• Maintain well-developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills to represent the APVMA in a range of forums to present and advocate the APVMA’s position.
• Respond positively to imperatives for change and implement change management initiatives, as required.

SELECTION CRITERIA

To be considered for these roles you will need:

Essential:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline;
• A proven ability to provide impartial and forthright advice based on evidence, and challenge important issues when required;
• High-level analytical skills, expertise and experience in the interpretation and evaluation of scientific/technical information, preferably in the context of a regulatory environment;
• Ability to work independently, solve problems, pay attention to detail and make evidence-based decisions based on sound science and risk analysis, and prepare briefing materials on technical and/or scientific decisions;
• Highly developed communication skills to manage complex interactions with internal and external stakeholders;
• Awareness of the regulatory framework in which the APVMA operates, including the APVMA’s objectives and operational activities, and the ability to establish Section work tasks that align with these strategic objectives;
• Experience drafting decision and briefing documents, responding to inquiries;
• Demonstrated experience in building and sustaining collaborative relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, recognising shared issues and opportunities and how to use this knowledge to reach resolutions within timeframes;
• Demonstrated Section management capabilities and the ability to manage complex workloads, setting priorities and meeting deadlines; and
• Willingness to abide by the APS Values, Code of Conduct and Employment Principles, and a demonstrated commitment to applying the principles and practices of WHS, equity and diversity in the workplace.

Desirable:

• Relevant experience with Australian agricultural practices (including veterinary medicine or pesticide manufacturing) and a multidisciplinary background is highly desirable, as are postgraduate qualifications in a related discipline. The successful applicant will use their initiative and experience to analyse, plan, review and adjust priorities and work activities to proactively produce quality deliverables within timeframe; and
• Strong interpersonal, service, and communication skills.