Why YOU are important to us and what impact will you have on the Exports & Veterinary Services Division and the departments’ goal.

We make sure Australian exports meet international standards through inspections, audits and certifications. Our work helps expand trade by negotiating technical access for food and other products. We also manage quotas under trade agreements and represent Australia in setting global food standards.

The Export Standards Branch (ESB) leads technical market access negotiations and engagement with Australia’s key trading partners for a range of exported agricultural and food commodities and certified products to help Australian producers get their goods—like meat, dairy, and seafood—into overseas markets. We also shape international food standards, support digital certification, and work with global partners to keep trade flowing smoothly and safely. ESB also pursues Australia’s interests internationally in multilateral food safety and trade related forums and leads technical trade modernisation initiatives and collaborative projects to grow closer ties in markets.

The key duties of the position include:

This is where you play an key role.

With multiple positions to be filled across the branch you could

- contribute to the strategic and specialised technical advice to achieve market access outcomes under relevant Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or
- support Australia's ongoing engagement in the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) - the international food standard setting body - developing policy advice and coordinating technical input.

The duties of the roles include, but are not limited to:





- supporting technical experts from across Government agencies to participate in Codex meetings and working groups,
- coordinating policy and technical input into Australian positions on standards under development by Codex,
- working on topical issues, critical for the future exports of Australian animal products,
- liaising, negotiating and effectively communicating with Australian and overseas government agencies, industry bodies, and other internal and external stakeholders in support of technical market access,
- providing specialist advice and guidance on matters relating to animal health, biosecurity and food safety,
- undertaking research and developing technical submissions and briefings in support of technical market access negotiations for Australian animal products,
- representing the department during engagement with international trading partners and Australian industry,
- providing input into the development of international standards for food trade,
- undertaking research and responding to issues of establishment non-compliance.

Eligibility

Who we are looking for

Knowledge and experience

- A demonstrated understanding of Australia’s food safety, food regulation, agricultural, and/or animal health systems.
- Previous experience with international trade, foreign policy, and/or international standard setting.
- A sound knowledge of Australian export legislation and its regulation of agricultural industries.
- An understanding of legislative frameworks and government decision-making processes and regulations including international standards development framework.
- Experience and/or knowledge in the assessment and/or management of agriculture and veterinary chemicals risk will be highly regarded.

📌 Assistant Director (Canberra)
🏢 Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
📍 Canberra