Senior Technical Officer

• APS 6 - $88,408 - $100,378 per annum plus superannuation
• Plant & Live Animal Exports Division
• Canberra, ACT

• The role is responsible for reviewing and updating entries in the department’s external facing Micor database that relate to the export of live animals and animal reproductive material.
• Role also involves a range of other pre-export regulation activities necessary to facilitate the export of livestock.
• Seeking applications from individuals with good judgement, strong interpersonal skills, a flexible approach to their work and a willingness to learn.

Who we are
The Live Animal Export Branch (LAEB) regulates the export of prescribed livestock, live animals and animal reproductive material in accordance with the Export Control Act 2020 and the Export Control (Animals) Rules 2021. We deal with many different animals including cattle, buffalo, alpacas, dogs, cats, birds, zoo animals and aquatics such as coral. We ensure that animals leaving Australia meet the importing country requirements and their welfare is managed throughout the process. We are a team that works closely with others across the department and in other departments, as well as the export industry and other countries. We also work closely with the Animal Welfare Branch to develop legislation and standards, operational policies and guidelines, instructional material, technical training and reporting.

We are a motivated and professional branch with a wide variety of qualifications and backgrounds. We are a diverse group of people with extensive experiences and skills and come from a variety of backgrounds. We are technical and policy officers, veterinarians, scientists, lawyers, accountants, engagement and project officers and work from places located all around Australia. We value people with ideas, the ability to present them persuasively, and the drive and skill to see them adopted.

The LAEB is comprised of the following four sections:

The Operations and Independent Observer Deployment Section undertakes operational duties relating to the export of live animals and reproductive material, through the assessment and approval of export documents and providing stakeholder advice. The section also includes Independent Observers and the administration staff who support them prior to, throughout & upon return from their voyages. Observers perform assurance activities and reporting relating to the implementation and effectiveness of exporter arrangements to manage the health and welfare of livestock exported by sea.

The Governance and Business Management Section prepares budget and parliamentary reports, administers internal and external software systems, and manages the publication and governance of external communications. The team is also responsible for processing livestock export licence and veterinarian accreditation applications, renewals and variations. Ministerial correspondence and parliamentary requests are also managed by this section as well as contributing to cost recovery implementation statement activities.

The Operations Policy Section provides foundational support to the branch by developing policies, managing projects and networking with a range of stakeholders to deliver content that is evidence based. The team actively engages and collaborates with staff across the department, including the Animal Welfare Branch, to advise on the strategic direction of the branch and to inform policy development and implementation methods.

The Regulatory Performance Section undertakes functions related to the performance of regulated entities and the adherence to live export regulations. Activities in this section include investigations into alleged non-compliance of the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS), monitoring livestock voyage reporting, investigating notifiable mortality incidents, management of independent observer deployment arrangements and reporting, liaison with stakeholders to participate in market access discussions, overseeing the auditing of regulated entities and activities related to published reporting.

The Job
The main duties of the position include:

• providing timely and accessible mark-up and maintenance of web content for the Live Animal Exports Branch website and other related websites such as Micor (Manual of Importing Country Requirements)
• participating in, and providing advice on, best practice information management
• undertaking activities related to the regulation of live exports, including licencing and accreditation of relevant persons or businesses, the assessment and approval of export documentation and the management of exporter performance
• interpreting and applying legislation and standards related to live animal exports to review and assess reporting received, with a particular reference to animal welfare outcomes
• data gathering and analysis (using relevant programs such as Microsoft Excel and Power BI) to show trends and build reports
• liaising with policy and other operational areas within the department to coordinate and write content for a range of items such as instructional material and external policy documents
• engaging and collaborating across the department, including with regional offices and other agencies and stakeholders, to inform policy development and achieve outcomes
• drafting Ministerial and departmental correspondence and briefings
• participating in project work to ensure the livestock export regulatory environment is efficient, effective and transparent
• supervising staff, ensuring they maintain or develop necessary policy and technical expertise.

Please note that this recruitment process will initially be used to fill one ongoing vacancy in the Operations and Independent Observer Deployment Section. The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of 18 months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature. If an offer of non-ongoing employment is made, the successful applicant would be employed for an initial period of 6-12 months with the possibility of extension up to a maximum period of 3 years in total.

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

What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience

• Demonstrated policy and/or program experience.
• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory frameworks and standards that govern the plant and live animal export supply chain.
• Experience engaging effectively with internal and external stakeholders through a variety of forums and consultations.
• Knowledge of the opportunities and challenges facing the live animal export industry.
• Experience supervising staff.

Desirable

• Project management experience within an operational area.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of livestock management, husbandry and animal welfare.
• Previous experience in the regulation of exports.

For additional information, please read the Job Description below.