Senior Policy Officer

Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – Brisbane QLD Why You Are Important Our team ensures Australia's plants stay healthy by tackling pests and diseases that threaten crops, trade and the environment. We lead policy and support national strategies that protect our natural ecosystems, agricultural production, and way of life—while keeping up with international expectations. We’re the national hub for plant biosecurity, guiding how Australia protects its crops and environment from pests and diseases. By shaping strong policies and fostering collaboration across government and industry, we help maintain Australia’s healthy plant status and open doors to markets worldwide. Role Overview We are seeking suitable candidates to fill two roles in our National Border Surveillance Policy team within the Surveillance Section. Our team has the responsibility for the day-to-day coordination of the design and delivery of the department’s National Border Surveillance operations and supporting initiatives. This includes leading the design, review, and implementation of the National Border Surveillance Policy and Operational Plan; analysing biosecurity, surveillance, and ecological data to develop work instructions and promotional materials; prioritising surveillance activity, monitoring operational delivery, the program, and preparing reports through close collaboration with the operational delivery team. Key Duties developing and deliver evidence‑based policy and program advice informed by technical expertise, analysing and reviewing complex scientific, and technical information and data into clear, actionable messages tailored for diverse audiences, developing clear and concise correspondence, agenda papers, submissions, briefs, discussion papers, and reports, applying analytical tools and methodologies (e.g. data validation, quality assurance frameworks, statistical modelling) to assess data integrity & quality, set standards, and support department’s evidence-based decision-making capability, identifying, source, and critically analyse data to guide national surveillance priorities and inform proactive risk mitigation strategies, fostering strong partnerships with government, non-government, and National Border Surveillance network stakeholders—including Biosecurity Officers located across Australia—to support national surveillance, enable data sharing, harmonise practices, and coordinate biosecurity responses, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, government process, and agency regulations, providing scientific and technical advice, training, and instructional materials to Biosecurity Officers in partnership with the Operational Science Surveillance network. Please note that the merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature. Eligibility and Qualifications Our ideal candidate will have: Possess experience in pest surveillance, entomology, plant pathology, ecology, or botany. Have knowledge of the Australian biosecurity system including exotic pests, diseases, and weeds. Experience in establishing and maintaining strong networks with a range of government and non-government stakeholders. Be capable of working independently and collaboratively in a nationally dispersed team, focused on achieving collective outcome. Willingness to learn, ask questions, and be curious. Be someone with sound reasoning and logical analysis skills who can use scientific evidence and technical information to develop and drive outcomes. Proficient in developing program-specific reporting tools using platforms such as Power BI to support regular reporting needs. Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage clearly and succinctly with diverse internal and external stakeholders across a range of formats such as briefings, ministerial correspondences, talking points, submissions, and presentations. Self-motivated and organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities, support team productivity and deliver high-quality outputs within timeframes. Eligibility statement: Applicants must meet Australian full-time public service requirements (the usual minimum employment criteria). #J-18808-Ljbffr