Animal Welfare Policy Committee Member

Animal Welfare Policy Committee Member - Wildlife To support the work of RSPCA Victoria's Animal Welfare Policy Committee (AWPC), we are looking for a volunteer Committee Member with expertise in wildlife science and/or management. Your knowledge and experience in wildlife welfare, research and/or management will help to inform our direct advocacy work, the development of our submissions to parliamentary inquiries, and other relevant consultations. Responsibilities Review relevant policies, position papers and Approved Farming Scheme (AFS) Standards from RSPCA Australia. Review National and Victorian reports, stakeholder consultation processes, codes of practice and legislation and formulate appropriate positions and responses. Formulate animal welfare policy and ethical positions as necessary. Advise industry bodies and government departments on animal welfare issues. Contribute to development of submissions in response to parliamentary inquiries into animal welfare matters. Set a pro‑active annual agenda regarding priority areas for review, research and action. Provide guidance on best practice animal welfare operations at RSPCA Victoria sites in accordance with RSPCA animal welfare policies, scientific evidence and ethical principles. Key Tasks Attend a minimum of 4 meetings per year (in person or virtual). Meetings are scheduled monthly, during business hours, on the first Wednesday of each month for the entire year except January and are cancelled if there are no items to discuss. In‑person meetings are held every second meeting at our Burwood East site. Review papers prior to scheduled meetings (papers are provided one week in advance). Occasionally items may be circulated to the Committee outside of scheduled meetings for review and comment. Act on behalf of and in the interests of RSPCA Victoria. Participate in discussions and raise any matters of interest and concern. You may be asked to lead a discussion if the item falls in your area of expertise, however this is optional. Provide constructive and objective feedback. Qualifications Essential A degree in either wildlife biology, ecology, management, veterinary medicine or a related field. Experience in wildlife research, and/or wildlife management (including invasive species management), in an Australian setting. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Attention to detail. Desirable Understanding of the Victorian legislative and governance framework regarding wildlife. Understanding of animal welfare. Previous experience on a committee. Understanding of the NGO/Charity sector. It is a requirement of this role that the successful candidate must become a member of RSPCA Victoria (which includes a small annual fee of $10). The successful applicant will also be required to comply with a code of conduct which includes a requirement to maintain confidentiality of all meeting papers and discussions. About RSPCA Victoria RSPCA Victoria is a non‑government, community‑based, not‑for‑profit organisation whose vision is ending cruelty to all animals. We are Victoria’s best‑known and most respected animal welfare organisation. Our purpose is to work with the community to achieve outstanding animal welfare through education, advocacy, and animal care and protection. RSPCA Victoria values clarity and accountability, respect and consideration, and expertise and collaboration. Volunteers are an integral part of the RSPCA Victoria team and play an active and vital role in helping to support our work to improve the welfare of animals and protect them from cruelty and neglect. Commitment Regular – more than 6 months. Up to 11 meetings per year (approx. 120 minutes each). Volunteer Committee Members are required to complete four online induction modules on appointment (volunteer agreement, induction module, health, safety & wellbeing module, and a privacy policy acknowledgement). Committee members are supported by the Policy & Advocacy team. Other Information Category: Animal Welfare Type of Work: Administration & Office Management, Governance, Boards & Committees, Research, Policy & Analysis. #J-18808-Ljbffr