Senior Policy Officer

The Senior Policy Officer will develop, coordinate, and deliver regulatory and policy inputs into Agriculture Victoria's Exotic Disease Animal Preparedness Program, particularly in relation to implications on animal welfare during an emergency animal disease (EAD) response. The focus of this work is on ensuring that the legislative framework and broader associated policies underpinning EAD responses are in place. The role will also include working closely with other areas of government to ensure intersections with other legislation are understood and considered in the preparation for a response.

The successful applicant will have demonstrated policy skills and experience, strong analytical ability and experience in stakeholder engagement and working across teams. This role requires the ability to work effectively as a member of a team but also be strongly self-motivated.

The role requires good knowledge of Victoria's animal industries (including livestock, pets, and recreational animals), animal welfare and the impacts that a response to an incursion of Foot-and-Mouth Disease or similar would have on those industries, government, and the community. It also requires an understanding of infectious disease control principles and their practical application at the population level, as well as likely broader animal welfare impacts.

Accountabilities

• Lead and support policy and regulatory projects, ensuring consideration of wider social, economic, animal welfare and environmental factors, to support an effective EAD response.
• Ensure effective project planning, delivery, governance, and risk management.
• Provision of timely and high-quality advice, including the development of briefings, submissions, and meeting papers for Ministerial and executive management consideration relating to animal biosecurity.
• Engage, consult, and work collaboratively with key partners across the department and the agriculture system to deliver project outcomes.
• Actively participate in a highly effective and high performing team while modelling a positive work culture that promotes the VPS values, is supportive of innovation and respects diversity.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the role that support the Animal Welfare Victoria and Agriculture Regulatory Policy Branch to deliver its requirements and obligations.
• Adopt and apply OH&S policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment and support the Department's role in emergency management.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A tertiary degree in veterinary medicine, veterinary science, agricultural science, or public/veterinary health policy is mandatory.
• Further studies in policy or animal disease or welfare will be highly regarded.

This is a fixed term position available for a period until 30 June 2026. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

Applications close at midnight on Monday, 9th September 2024.

Other relevant information:

For this particular vacancy, priority consideration applies to Victorian Public Service (VPS) and select employees of the Victorian Public Sector who apply through the .

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave.

For further information including the position description, key selection criteria and to apply visit