- Lead post-market regulatory science programs impacting public health & safety
- Drive innovation & excellence through expert leadership & collaboration
- Armidale or Canberra based role with relocation assistance on offer
- Open to all applicants.
Position summary
Would you like to shape science policy, drive quality systems & guide expert teams?
Established under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Act 1992, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is the independent statutory authority responsible for regulation of agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals in Australia. Our purpose is to regulate agvet chemicals to protect the health and safety of people, animals and the environment, and to support primary industries, biosecurity and international trade for all Australians. The APVMA also licenses and audits veterinary medicine manufacturers, manages an Adverse Experience Reporting Program (AERP), monitors the market for compliance, and reviews and takes regulatory action on products through its chemical review program when required.
The Science and Assurance Branch is responsible for building community confidence in the regulatory decision making of the APVMA by leading our post-market regulatory functions, including chemical review, recalls, AERP, hormonal growth promotions (HGPs), and manufacturing quality and licensing (MQL) programs. As one of three science branches, the Science and Assurance Branch will work closely across the Agricultural Chemicals and Veterinary Medicines Branches to lead our science policy work to ensure our regulatory tools and scientific approaches are contemporary and adaptive to new opportunities and risks, and that our staff and stakeholders have access to up-to-date guidance and instructional materials that reflect our regulatory scientific approaches.
As a senior leader at the APVMA, supporting the Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Director Science and Assurance will be expected to deliver strategic outcomes by developing and implementing a business plan aligned with APVMA’s corporate planning and reporting documents while drawing on strong project, risk, and financial management skills, and building effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. The Executive Director Science and Assurance will provide strong leadership by modelling the APS leadership behaviours set out in the Secretaries’ Charter of Leadership (DRIVE Behaviours), leading high-performing technical teams to deliver meaningful results while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusion. The Executive Director Science and Assurance is required to be the Delegate for making decisions regarding Proposed Regulatory and Final Regulatory decisions as part of chemical reviews. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Executive Director Science and Assurance will also contribute to organisational strategy, culture, and performance by actively engaging in agency and whole-of-government priorities.
More information on the position can be found in the Candidate Information Package below.
Our Ideal Candidate / Selection criteria
To be considered for these roles you will need the following essential criteria:
- Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and develop high-performing regulatory science teams while setting strategic direction, managing complex workloads, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Proven experience in applying scientific judgments in a regulatory context, including acting as the formal delegated decision making to deliver risk-proportionate, evidence-based decisions within a complex legislative framework.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret complex scientific data, apply technical expertise in a regulatory context, and the capacity to broaden technical expertise to meet evolving regulatory needs.
- High developed interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels to support collaboration, problem-solving, and shared regulatory outcomes.
- Strong organisational and project management skills, including a strong record of prioritising and delivering results in fast-paced, resource constrained environments.
- Sound understanding of public sector governance, risk management, financial accountability, and process improvement, ideally withing a regulatory science setting.
- Demonstrated commitment to model the APS Values and APS Employment Principles; and promote compliance with the APS Code of Conduct and the Secretaries’ Charter of Leadership.
The following desirable criteria will also be assessed:
- A PhD in a relevant discipline from an Australian University or qualification of equivalent standard from an Australian or overseas university, or other qualifications appropriate to the duties of the position.
- Relevant experience working in and/or knowledge of Australia’s agvet chemical regulatory scheme.
Contact Us
At the APVMA, we value your skills and potential. We provide a collaborative and growth-oriented environment where your contributions are recognized and appreciated. If the prospect of working for a world-class regulator sounds like you and you're ready to take the next step in your career, apply for this position today!
For further information on the position, please contact Mr Scott Hansen, Chief Executive Officer on 02 6770 2310 or scott.hansen@apvma.gov.au.
We look forward to receiving your application and exploring the possibility of welcoming you to our team!
The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised, may also be used to fill future similar ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies.