Key Responsibilities & Operational Scope

The core responsibilities and primary duties for this position within Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority include:

• The successful applicant will be experienced in regulatory policy development, management, and implementation. They will have people, project management, change management and negotiation skills. They will work collegiately with a broad range of stakeholders from industry, government, and the wider community.
• The Assistant Director Strategic Policy and Departmental Liaison is responsible for identifying how reforms might impact the APVMA and working with stakeholders to develop reform proposals. The Assistant Director, Reform will be responsible for:
• Undertaking strategic and regulatory policy and other reform initiatives across the APVMA, consistent with the APVMA’s objectives and strategies and the APVMA Board’s priorities. This may include coordinating internal proposals and settling an APVMA-wide position.
• Analysing and reviewing complex policy issues, identifying emerging issues, developing evidence-based options, and recommending and negotiating solutions to resolve problems and mitigate risks.
• Managing the APVMA’s contribution to, and consideration of, new and revised legislative, regulatory and policy proposals. This includes leading negotiations on regulatory policy and reform initiatives.
• Lead the consideration and implementation of innovative regulatory practices within the bounds of existing legislation, including ensuring that the APVMA’s legislative instruments are effective, efficient, and reflect modern regulatory practice.
• Providing high quality and strategic advice on strategic and regulatory policy and other reform matters, as requested by the APVMA Board or Executive.
• Developing and maintaining strong internal and external relationships to collaborate, consult, exchange information, and build consensus with key industry groups, community, other levels of government and other stakeholders to inform strategic decisions, as appropriate within the APVMA/DAFF Reporting and Cooperation Framework.
• Building, developing, and sustaining a strong team culture and capabilities. This includes supervising and developing staff.
• 1Demonstrated ability to develop, manage, influence and implement legislative, regulatory, and policy reform projects in a complex and sensitive environment.

Mandatory Eligibility & Security Clearance

Applicants must satisfy the following statutory and organizational requirements:

• Citizenship: Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, candidates must generally be Australian citizens to be eligible for engagement.
• Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain an Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) security clearance (Baseline, Negative Vetting 1, or Negative Vetting 2 as required by the agency).
• Probationary Period: Employment may be subject to a probationary period, character checks, and pre-engagement screening.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in law highly desirable, with experience in legal policy and regulatory reform well regarded.
• RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability. This initiative/program is only applicable where the successful applicant will be employed under the Public Service Act 1999. Similar conditions may apply when employed under other Acts. For clarification please contact the advertising agency.

Working Arrangements & Public Sector Benefits

Work Model: Flexible. Details: Flexible working arrangements (including working from home) are outlined under the APVMA's Enterprise Agreement 2024-27..

Australian Public Service positions provide comprehensive Commonwealth benefits including a standard 15.4% employer superannuation contribution, attractive leave provisions, and structured career progression pathways across the Australian Public Service.