Executive Officer

Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – Melbourne VIC

$146,942 - $170,725 a year

7d ago , from Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Policy; Agricultural Trade and Regulation; Biosecurity, Operations and Compliance; Strategy, Enterprise and Engagement

Who we are The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) leads the Australian Government’s work to support, protect and grow agriculture, fisheries and forestry for all Australians. We play a pivotal role in contributing to Australia’s health and economic prosperity by increasing agricultural trade and market access, developing and promoting sustainable agricultural production practices, keeping Australians safe through effective biosecurity and maximising economic opportunities for our First Nations peoples.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Policy Group provides advice on issues impacting agriculture, fisheries and forestry productivity growth, as well as geospatial analytics, economic and scientific data, analysis and research. The Group includes 5 divisions, which together focus on the departmental objectives, provision of independent data and advice for decision makers, regulatory oversight on fisheries and forestry industries and delivery of programs to improve productivity across sectors.

The Agricultural Trade and Regulation Group consists of the Trade and International, Exports and Veterinary Services, Digital Business, and Plant and Live Animal Exports, Welfare and Regulation divisions. The group maximises trade and market access opportunities for exports, supports agriculture productivity, drives digital change and supports our international posts. This is done by engaging in bilateral, multilateral and regional opportunities to advance Australia’s interests; managing export inspection, audit and certification services; improving agricultural import and export systems and fostering regulatory stewardship across the department.

The Biosecurity, Operations and Compliance Group manages the operational, policy and science aspects of biosecurity, as well as departmental compliance and enforcement matters and collaboration with First Nations people. The group includes 7 divisions and around 3,000 staff, which together work closely with domestic and international stakeholders to prevent, respond to, and recover from the pests and diseases that threaten our economy and environment. Our priority is to lower biosecurity risks to Australia and assist industry to accelerate towards a $100 billion agricultural sector by 2030.

The Strategy, Enterprise and Engagement Group supports the department’s work by delivering the department’s enabling services functions. The group includes 5 divisions that provide proactive advice and services to deliver high quality corporate governance and technology outcomes, promote best practice legal advice, human resource and financial management.

The Job As an Executive Officer, you will provide high level support to the Deputy Secretary on a range of sensitive and complex issues impacting the operations of the Group and broader Department. You will also work closely with colleagues and various stakeholders to ensure the timely delivery of outcomes and provide high quality, strategic support, and advice to the Deputy Secretary.

This will involve

Serving as a strategic advisor to the Deputy Secretary, sitting in meetings, challenging ideas, offering different perspectives and drawing connections between areas to identify risks or opportunities the Deputy Secretary may need to be aware of.

Providing expert advice on key issues facing the Group and anticipating issues and the needs of the Deputy Secretary.

Building collaborative relationships with the senior officials, and the Executive Officer network across the Department to deliver key outcomes for the Government.

Salary: EL2 – $146,942 - $170,725 per annum plus superannuation

Locations: Brisbane, QLD; Canberra, ACT; Melbourne, VIC

Key responsibilities

Providing high level authoritative advice, analysis, and options to the Deputy Secretary on a range of strategic, policy and management issues that are comprehensive, accurate and timely.

Identifying and analysing critical and emergent issues and provide strategic advice and high‑level support to the Deputy Secretary on a range of sensitive and complex issues impacting the operations of the Group.

Managing discrete projects aligned with the Group’s business outcomes and corporate goals.

Assisting the Deputy Secretary with preparations for key meetings, including Executive Board and other leadership fora, as required.

Preparing, managing and reviewing high‑level communications and correspondence including briefings, reports, submissions and notes to ensure the comprehensiveness, accuracy, and timeliness of written information.

Working with the Executive Assistant and key stakeholders to ensure emerging issues are identified, and requests are actioned in a proactive and coordinated way.

Working closely with the Offices of the Secretary and the Minister.

Actively mentors and supports executive support staff within the Group to strengthen ethical decision‑making, integrity, and capability development.

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.

What are we looking for As one of the first points of contact for the Deputy Secretary, this is a position of trust that requires emotional intelligence, excellent judgement, leadership, strategic thinking and discretion. The role works closely with the Deputy Secretary and Executive Assistant, senior executives and their support staff to ensure the efficient operation of the Deputy Secretary’s Office and the Group.

Be experienced in preparing strategic briefings and verbally briefing the Deputy Secretary ahead of key meetings (i.e. Executive Board), meetings with external stakeholders and meetings with the Minister’s office.

Be experienced in negotiating, anticipating risk, and anticipating the needs of Senior Executive Staff.

Have a proven ability to build a strong network of contacts across the Group, including relationships with the Secretary’s office and Minister’s office.

Be highly organised, proactive and anticipate issues while maintaining strong attention to detail to work in a fast‑paced environment.

Have a sound understanding of the Group’s work and priorities.

Be a self‑starter, who leads strategically, thinks critically, and understands the broader operating context.

Have an attuned ability to anticipate, identify and analyse current and emerging issues facing the Group and the ability to translate this into advice and solutions.

Have an excellent judgement and operate with a high level of integrity and professionalism.

Have financial acumen and ability to keep abreast of the Group’s budget and advise the Deputy Secretary of any key risks and opportunities.

Have a demonstrated ability to drive projects to completion.

Be committed to continuous improvement and a demonstrated ability to implement and respond positively to change.

Have a strong communication skill set, including accommodating a range of audiences and a range of styles (e.g. oral communication, reports, ministerial submissions and correspondence, presentations).

VetPaths The Australian Public Service (APS) values the unique skills, perspectives, & experiences that veterans gain during their Australian Defence Force (ADF) employment and encourages veterans to apply. Support may be available to veterans transitioning to meaningful APS careers through participation in VetPaths, which offers veterans an opportunity to participate in a six‑month program offering formal learning and development, career mentoring and activities for wellness and peer support. More information can be found here.

For additional information, please refer to the Job Information Pack below DAFF Executive Officer (EL2) – Job Information Pack

DAFF Candidate Information Package

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