The Senior Policy Officer will develop, coordinate, and deliver regulatory and policy inputs into Agriculture Victoria's Exotic Disease Animal Preparedness Program and the broadening of that to include plant biosecurity responses. The focus of this work is on ensuring that the legislative framework and broader associated policies underpinning exotic animal disease (EAD) and plant biosecurity 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 (including livestock, pets and recreational animals) and plant (including horticulture, viticulture, cropping and forestry) industries and the impacts that a response to an incursion of the likes of foot and mouth disease or similar would have on those industries, government and the community. It also requires an understanding of infectious disease and plant pest control principles and their practical application at the population level. In the context of livestock, there is a need to understand 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 effective EAD and plant biosecurity responses.
• 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 and plant biosecurity.
• Engage, consult, and work collaboratively with key partners across the department and the agriculture system to deliver project outcomes, including training and building workforce capacity and capability.
• 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 relevant tertiary degree is mandatory.
• An understanding of EAD and plant biosecurity responses, agriculture, and/or biosecurity issues is required.

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 Tuesday, 15^th October 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 Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs board platform.

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 www.careers.vic.gov.au