About Australian Veterinary Association (AVA)

The AVA is the peak professional organisation representing veterinary professionals and veterinary students across Australia. The AVA has been providing a united voice for the veterinary profession for over 100 years. AVA’s mission is to drive the success of the veterinary profession to benefit animals, the environment, the community, and our members. Our national office is located in St. Leonards Sydney.

Our members are experts in animal health and welfare and one of Australia’s most trusted and respected professions. Our organisation promotes and leads scientific progress and outcomes in the field of Veterinary Science.

About the opportunity

The Senior Advocacy Officer is responsible for developing and coordinating advocacy campaigns and communicating advocacy outcomes; engaging and managing assigned AVA Divisions to better coordinate advocacy efforts.

Participation in Member and Committee meetings outside of business hours will be required as part of this role.

Key responsibilities include:

• Contribute to the delivery of key strategic advocacy projects.
• Support Division and working groups proactive advocacy.
• Coordinate working groups, forums and committees to execute advocacy projects and meet advocacy projects targets, supervising other staff and/or volunteers as required.
• Support AVA’s reactive and ‘hygiene’ advocacy work, for example, Avian Influenza or bushfire response.
• Identify and develop policy responses to emerging issues relevant to the profession.
• Ensure that positions presented to government, media and the public accurately reflect AVA policy and key messages.
• Prepare and oversee the distribution of information to stakeholders.
• Write and review high quality content.
• Manage the preparation of submissions and other advocacy responses
• Assist in the development and implementation of annual Division advocacy plans.
• Provide governance and secretariat support to AVA committees and Divisional committees.
• Monitor member issues and trends affecting the profession in order to develop targeted advocacy strategies.
• Monitor state and federal legislation and regulations that may impact on animal health and welfare or the veterinary profession and mobilise organisational responses.
• Monitor developments in animal health, therapeutics, companion animals, animal welfare, and the veterinary profession.
• Represent the AVA on high level government and stakeholder committees as well as meeting with government Ministers and their advisory staff.

About You

• Tertiary qualification in a related field or equivalent experience
• Previous experience in a similar role
• Demonstrated campaigning skills, including organisation and practical execution
• Sound lobbying and advocacy skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Skilled in delivering presentations and oral communications
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines without compromising accuracy or detail
• Demonstrated innovative approach to problem solving
• Excellent stakeholder management skills
• Skills in influencing Committee and Groups
• Previous experience in the veterinary field is preferred but not required

Why you should work with AVA

• Flexible hybrid working conditions
• Collaborative, fun and supportive team

Visit our website www.ava.com.au for more information on The Australian Veterinary Association.

This is an opportunity to take your passion for education, events and administration, in a values-based organisation that supports one of Australia’s most trusted professions. You’ll become part of the AVA family, working in a friendly and positive employee culture and great team environment.

If you are confident that your skills and experience satisfy the above criteria and you are interested in working for a highly respected organisation, please apply by submitting your resume, a covering letter addressing your suitability and the criteria outlined in the advertisement. Please note that only candidates successful in gaining an interview will be contacted. No agencies please.