Who we are 
The Australian Chief Veterinary Officer (ACVO) represents Australia globally on animal health issues and is the primary advisor to the Australian Government on matters relating to Australia’s animal health status and the systems that support it. The office works with national and international governments and industry partners to maximise trade opportunities for Australian producers and reduce risk to the agricultural sector. We ensure the international trading environment is operating appropriately and transparently, provide official declaration of Australia’s animal health status, represent Australia’s interests in the development of international standards for animal health, and fulfil Australia’s international disease reporting obligations. We provide departmental leadership on foresight and intelligence gathering to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to emerging biosecurity threats; and work closely with health and environment agencies to mitigate emerging risks, including future pandemics of animal origin. We also work closely with Pacific Island countries to strengthen animal health systems throughout the region and enhance regional cooperation and partnerships.

The key duties of the position include:

The Job
We are seeking an experienced, focused and motivated individual with a strong technical background to support the strategic delivery of the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer (OCVO) Pacific Engagement Program. The successful applicant will contribute to strengthening Australia’s partnerships and presence in the region on animal health and biosecurity issues; and will be self-motivated, possess strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, and have a demonstrated ability to plan and deliver project activities. You will enjoy fostering collaboration opportunities and be able to think laterally to build and maintain positive relationships that achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Key duties include:
•     Contributing to the delivery of OCVO’s animal health and biosecurity engagement with Pacific island countries and near neighbours. This includes:
-     playing a key role in supporting the development and implementation of the animal health component of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) Pacific Biosecurity Strategy, including identifying opportunities for OCVO engagement.
-     supporting the design and implementation of animal health and biosecurity engagement plans tailored to specific country and regional needs, complete with specific deliverables and timelines.
-     contributing to identifying key technical and policy issues relevant to building animal health and biosecurity capacities offshore and opportunities for Australian/OCVO partnerships.
-     supporting collaboration and coordination with existing efforts across the department and Australian Government, and with other donors to the region.
-     assisting with the development of program and funding proposals, and supporting delivery and reporting of associated projects and activities.
•     Assisting the Manager of Pacific Engagement in developing strong working relationships at the official level and supporting the ACVO in forging new relationships with target country counterparts.
•     Contributing to the provision of technical and policy advice to the ACVO and DAWE Executive on regionally relevant animal health and biosecurity issues.
•     Liaising, negotiating and effectively communicating with internal and external stakeholders to influence international animal health policy settings and represent the interests of the department.
•     Supporting the development of Australia's contributions to relevant international fora.
•     Assisting with the supervision and management of contractors and/or service providers and the delivery of projects as required.

Work Location
This role is Canberra based. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements. To seek further information please speak with the contact officer prior to submitting your application.

Eligibility

What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
The successful applicant will have:
•     Sound understanding of Australia’s foreign policy objectives and Australia’s biosecurity and animal health systems.
•     Strong strategic planning abilities and demonstrable experience in delivering project activities within agreed timelines and to budget.
•     Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining strong working relationships and collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
•     Experience working with, or in support of, Australia’s near neighbour and Pacific Island countries, government veterinary services, or in the field of international capacity development will be considered an advantage.

Mandatory qualifications
Applicants must possess a veterinary degree and be currently registered or eligible for registration with a relevant Australian state or territory veterinary board.
In addition, formal qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant area, such as foreign policy, international development, international business, diplomatic relations, international trade and economics, and program management will be considered an advantage.

Notes

Please note: On 30 November 2021 the salary range for this position will increase to $125,492 - $134,324.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

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