The Senior Regulatory Policy Officer role is part of the Animal Welfare Policy team that provides advice to the Minister for Agriculture and senior executive officers about animal welfare policy, regulation and reform. This position will be responsible for leading diverse, complex and challenging projects relating to state policy and regulation development with a focus on regulation review, development and drafting.

The successful applicant will provide timely, accurate and persuasive advice, underpinned by analysis, contextual awareness and stakeholder consultation to support sustainable improvements in animal welfare and understand the role of best practice regulation to achieve this.

The Senior Regulatory Policy Officer will work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment as well as drive their own work program. To be successful you will also need to be adaptable to change in a fast-moving operating environment and have capacity to actively contribute to developing a culture of excellence, collaboration and integrity. You will enjoy flexible work arrangements and undertake a wide range of work within the team and across the division.

Accountabilities

• Contribute to, and where appropriate lead, ongoing program of animal welfare policy and legislation to facilitate the efficient and effective implementation of Government policy.
• Provide timely and high-quality advice on complex and sensitive policy issues and proposals and prepare and review quality reports, briefings and ministerial correspondence as required for the Minister, policy manager, and senior management.
• Lead policy and regulation development, drafting, research and analysis projects. Prepare reports and develop robust policy advice about state and national animal welfare issues, including development and review of regulations.
• Actively lead and participate in the planning and delivery of important projects on time with a professional attitude and to a high quality. 
• Liaise, negotiate and collaborate across government and with a broad range of stakeholders and effectively represent the department in multi-jurisdictional forums and stakeholder consultations.
• Manage and support team members and work collegiately with peers to deliver advice and projects, and in doing so encourage collaboration, integrity and policy excellence.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary degree in law, public policy, veterinary science or animal science would be well regarded.
• Experience in regulatory policy and regulation drafting is desirable.

This is a fixed term position available until 30 June 2026. The work location for this position is Attwood 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 Monday, 16^th September 2024.

Other relevant information:

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