APS6 Communications Officer

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)

Our client, DAFF, is a large federal government department that develops works to enhance our agricultural, fisheries and forestry industries. They create new and maintain existing agricultural export opportunities, to provide gains for Australian agriculture. They also manage biosecurity risks to Australia to protect our multi-billion-dollar agricultural industries and our way of life.

With a reputation for having an excellent culture, combined with their subject matter expertise, you will really feel the impact of working here.
 
The Opportunity

There is an opportunity for an APS6 Communications Officer to join the Research and Innovation Section within the Biosecurity Strategy and Reform Division.
 
This team manages Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis (CEBRA) grant program, a longstanding biosecurity research initiative, which has been integral to the Australian and New Zealand government's response to biosecurity risks.

In parallel, the team serves as the department's central hub for promoting innovation and collaboration. With a focus on strengthening networks, the team guides and supports staff and external stakeholders in identifying, developing, and implementing innovative ideas to address future challenges. 

• Given you’ll be working with the leaders of innovation within the department, you’ll be encouraged to think outside of the box when developing and delivering communications content to stakeholders
• Join a high-profile division with an opportunity to establish and build stakeholder relationships, you will engage internally and externally with innovators from the business sector, universities, research entities, and industry
• Work to a collaborative, friendly and supportive senior executive group
• Enjoy the flexibility of working from home two days per week after an initial onboarding/training period 

If you are currently a permanent APS employee, you can be engaged on a temporary s26 transfer for 12 months. Non-APS employees will be engaged on a 12-month non-ongoing contract.
 
The Role

You will be responsible for:

• Contributing to the provision and maintenance of biosecurity innovation communications material including an innovation newsletter, research webinars, and external publications
• Translating technical research information into plain English when developing content for communications material
• Contributing to the effective management of the Centre for Excellence of Biosecurity Risk Analysis (CEBRA) grant program
• Helping to guide and influence the department’s investment and implementation of biosecurity research projects to strengthen the national biosecurity system
• Brainstorming with the team on ways to improve and innovate existing processes and procedures
• Establishing and maintaining strong working relationships with colleagues Australia-wide

 
The Ideal Person

The ideal person will have a background in communications within a government environment. You will also have an interest or experience in the field of biosecurity, science or research.
 
You will also have:

• Experience in preparing high quality written communication including correspondence, agenda papers, briefs, discussion papers, meeting minutes and reports and communication material
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to understand the audience and synthesise and present complex information in a variety of mediums
• Experience with stakeholder engagement, including liaising with internal departmental staff, industry, research organisations and universities
• Demonstrate a high level of attention to detail, self-drive and initiative 

To be eligible for this role, you must:

• Be an Australian citizen
• Have, or be willing to undergo, a Baseline security clearance
• Be willing to undergo a police check

 
Salary / Rate

• $88,408 - $100,378 + 15.4% super.
• If you are currently a permanent APS employee, you can be engaged on a temporary s26 transfer for 12 months. Non-APS employees will be engaged on a 12-month non-ongoing contract
• Candidates can be located in Canberra or Brisbane
• Ability to work from home two days per week

 
How to Apply

To apply online, please click on the appropriate link.
 
Alternatively, for a confidential discussion, please contact Liz Strachan on 02 6108 4*** quoting ref no. 19052.
 
HorizonOne is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and we encourage applications from people of all cultures, capabilities and backgrounds.