The Australian Chief Veterinary Officer (ACVO) represents Australia globally on animal health issues and is the primary advisor to the Australian government on matters relating to Australia’s animal health status and the systems that support it. The Deputy ACVO focusses on animal health and biosecurity threats across northern Australia, and deepening Australia’s engagement in the ASEAN region.

The Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer (OCVO) works with national and international governments and industry partners to maximise trade opportunities for Australian producers and reduce risk to the agricultural sector.

We ensure the international trading environment is operating appropriately and transparently, provide official declaration of Australia’s animal health status, represent Australia’s interests in the development of international standards for animal health, and fulfil Australia’s international disease reporting obligations.

The Australian Chief Veterinary Officer provides departmental leadership on foresight and intelligence gathering to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to emerging biosecurity threats; and work closely with health and environment agencies to mitigate emerging risks, including future pandemics of animal origin.

We also work closely with Pacific Island countries to strengthen animal health systems throughout the region and enhance regional cooperation and partnerships. 

The Job

Working directly with the Deputy Australian Chief Veterinary Officer and the office: 

• provide high-level administrative and project management support 
• liaise with senior internal and external stakeholders and senior officials in all tiers of government 
• assist with the preparation of communication and media materials including raising the profile of the Deputy ACVO via social media and other channels and
• manage emails and general correspondence, office diary requests, book travel, undertake procurement and credit card reconciliations and other administrative support for the Deputy ACVO and the office. 

This role requires initiative and the ability to make administrative decisions on behalf of, or in collaboration with, the Deputy ACVO. 

The key duties of the position include:

What we are looking for

Knowledge and experience

The Chief Veterinary Office is seeking a professional Executive Officer to support the Deputy, the Office and the Group by managing a range of corporate and administrative functions including: 

• travel, event and meeting coordination and providing financial support
• develop and maintain professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders including the Minister’s Officer, the Group and other agencies and
• have the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities while tracking work across the division to meet deadlines. 

This is a great opportunity for a professional Executive Officer to hone their skills in the public service and gain a wider understanding of the role of government. 

Skills and capabilities

• Do you have strong administrative support, project management and communication skills? 
• You will be organised, collaborative and manage changing priorities. 

With your excellent experience using the Microsoft Office suite of applications and organisational skills, you will work independently and as part of a team. 

Eligibility

Citizenship – To be eligible for employment with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry you must be an Australian citizen.

Security Clearance – This position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level. 

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, contact George Hughes at 02 6272 5300.