Senior External Affairs Leader – Public Sector Communications

Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority in Canberra/Armidale invites an experienced external affairs leader to guide strategic external communications, stakeholder engagement and media management within the Communications team.

You will lead the agency's voice, respond to complex media inquiries, and work with scientists and stakeholders to explain regulatory decisions that protect health, animals and the environment. Flexible APS arrangements offered.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in communications, media or a closely related discipline.
• Extensive experience managing media protocols and highly sensitive issues, preparing ministerial briefings, and advising senior public sector leaders.
• Experience developing and implementing stakeholder engagement plans.
• Understanding of agricultural and veterinary sectors and their regulation, with knowledge of key stakeholders.
• Experience communicating complex scientific matters clearly and accurately.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment and deliver strategic outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain the APVMA Stakeholder Engagement Framework with regulated entities, industry and community groups.
• Monitor stakeholder, media and community sentiment, manage expectations and resolve issues.
• Provide media and stakeholder plans and advice to senior leaders.
• Identify proactive media stories and provide support for media interactions.
• Establish processes and planning mechanisms in line with APS best practice.
• Demonstrate leadership with experience in public sector agencies handling sensitive issues.
• Engage with scientific experts to highlight agency outcomes and engage on key priorities.
• Monitor and evaluate media impact and advise on strategic communication improvements.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Media relations

Strategic communications

Leadership

Education

Communications degree

Job description

Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority in Canberra/Armidale invites an experienced external affairs leader to guide strategic external communications, stakeholder engagement and media management within the Communications team.

You will lead the agency's voice, respond to complex media inquiries, and work with scientists and stakeholders to explain regulatory decisions that protect health, animals and the environment. Flexible APS arrangements offered.