Regulatory Policy Officer

• $88,408 - $100,378 per annum plus superannuation
• Exports & Veterinary Services
• Adelaide SA, Brisbane QLD, Canberra ACT, Melbourne VIC, Perth WA, Sydney NSW

These roles are an exciting opportunity to work with a professional and collaborative team in a fast-paced high-profile environment to support technical/regulatory activities and policy development aligned with legislative requirements.
Who we are
The Exports and Veterinary Services Division regulates export of animal products and import of food products through the delivery of inspection and certification services including those related to live animal operations. The division develops strategies to gain, improve or maintain market access for a wide range of animal products. The division delivers the Australian Codex Alimentarius Contact Point and delivers the coordination and development of policy and technical input to international food standards. The division manages 63 tariff rate quotas. The division delivers the National Residue Survey for Australian primary industries. The division actively contributes to the department's digitalisation and regulatory reform agendas including implementing reform programs for dairy, cosmetics and other goods.
The Meat Exports Branch works in close partnership with internal and external stakeholders to develop and maintain national export inspection and certification services for meat (red meat, poultry, pork, sheep and game meat). This includes the development of legislation, operational policy and guidelines, instructional material, technical training development and delivery and engagement with industry and government stakeholders. The central office team manages the export certification system (EXDOC) and provides operational support to the department's technical service delivery streams who are responsible for inspection, verification and certification of meat and meat products across Australia. The branch also includes the division's certification integrity unit that evaluates the effectiveness of the division's export systems.
The Licences, Authorisations and Certificates Section regulates people (officers/individuals) and entities (companies) within the export supply chain who are authorised to undertake specific functions or activities. This includes meat export licences, the administration of the Australian Government Authorised Officer program and the Australian Government Authorised Halal Program under the Export Control Act 2020. The program seeks to support those people and entities through a robust assessment process, and by supporting the certification system. Where required, regulatory actions against entities or individuals is undertaken. The section also has secretariat functions across several national committees and administers several significant policies.
The Establishment Oversight Section works in close partnership with internal and external stakeholders to regulate export registered meat processing establishments to ensure that production and storage of meat and meat products complies with the Export Control Act 2020 and meets importing country requirements. The Section manages the logistics of international audits and system verification activities and manages the Meat Exports Branch finances and various business administration activities. The Section also provides support to establishments to manage their approved arrangements and maintain country listings as well as exercise regulatory actions where non-compliance is identified, which may include suspensions of Approved Arrangements or sanctions.
The European Union Cattle Accreditation Scheme (EUCAS) and Operational Support Section oversees the certification of properties which meet the European Union's beef import standards, as well as assist in orchestrating the operation of the Branch more broadly. This team engages with producers, manages accreditation applications, maintains a comprehensive database, and works to develop and improve processes and policies which ensure a smooth accreditation process for our clients. The goal of the team is to work collaboratively with industry stakeholders to support Australian access to EU markets while upholding the global reputation of Australian beef. The section also has secretariat functions across several national committees, administers several significant official marks related policies and coordinates required updates to relevant legislation.
The Job

• Building, applying and maintaining an understanding of meat export regulatory frameworks.
• Providing and reviewing advice on legislation, policies, technical material and administrative processes.
• Providing technical/professional advice relating to export operations and supporting decisions to fulfil the department’s regulatory oversight.
• Analysing, interpreting, evaluating, and reporting on matters related to compliance with regulatory requirements and to inform, develop and support evidence-based policy development.
• Developing complex briefs, ministerial correspondence, reports, presentations and other written and verbal advice.
• Undertaking audit activities and implementation of regulatory review recommendations.
• Representing the department on committees and in negotiations/discussions with stakeholders including industry, other agencies and overseas authorities.
• Maintaining productive relationships and communicating professionally with internal and external stakeholders to inform policy development and support operational matters, including through varied mediums.
• Providing administrative and secretariat functions, including coordinating and supporting meeting and engagement logistics for regular activities.
• Undertaking and supporting procurement activities and contract management.
• Working collaboratively in a team setting, often in fast-paced and evolving environments.
• Processing and managing complex applications to support regulatory activities administered by the section.
• Leading office administration, work projects and reporting requirements, including but not limited to work/task schedule reporting, non-conformance reporting, monthly program reporting and performance management reporting.
• Overseeing writing/preparing and reviewing instructional material to support section activities.
• Supervising a small team.

Skills and Capabilities
To be successful in the role the candidate must demonstrate the following:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• A proven ability to analyse and research issues, identify problems and to make well-researched and sound recommendations and solutions.
• Being flexible, resilient and working well under pressure to set priorities, monitor own performance, exercise sound judgement in managing competing priorities to deliver work under tight timeframes.
• A strong understanding of regulation and the ability to interpret relevant legislation and adhere to overarching procedures and guidelines.
• The ability to operate independently or collaboratively as a team member under broad direction in a busy, dynamic and complex environment and to actively consult with others in decision making.
• Resilience to thrive in a high-pressure environment with integrity, initiative and a high level of personal responsibility.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to quickly establish and maintain collaborative and productive working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• The ability to represent the branch in a professional and informed manner when providing advice to stakeholders or industry.

Knowledge and experience
The following is highly desirable but not essential for the role:

• An existing understanding or qualifications and experience related to regulation/food safety/animal production systems.
• Knowledge and experience working with legislative frameworks and within government decision-making and agency guidelines.
• Experience in Regulatory Policy or programs roles.

Eligibility

• A tertiary education relevant to science, food safety, international relations or a related field is desirable.
• To be eligible for employment with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry you must be an Australian citizen.
• This position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

For additional information, please read the Job Description below.