Position Profile

POSITION PROFILE

Position Number: 99904

Classification: Executive Level 2 (RPM 2 or 3) non-ongoing specified task 5years

Salary: $125,003 – $156,628 plus super (please note a 3% salary increase will apply after 1 July 2012)

Title: Research Program Manager, Animal Health

Program: Research & Development Programs

Subprogram: Animal Health

Supervisor: Chief Executive Officer

Security Classification: Neg Vet 1

About ACIAR ACIAR’s diverse, high quality program of collaborative research, development and training, focused on the Asia-Pacific region and Africa, contributes to the goals of the Australian aid program and cultivates Australia’s research strengths. ACIAR’s program is developed and implemented in close collaboration with relevant Australian government agencies, especially AusAID and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, overseas and Australian research partners.

Operating under the ACIAR Act 1982, ACIAR is part of Australia’s development assistance program, fostering international agricultural research and development partnerships that will result in more sustainable agricultural systems, higher incomes and strengthened food security, particularly in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.

ACIAR’s headquarters are located in Bruce (Canberra).

Further information on our current projects, programs and priorities can be found on our website at http://aciar.gov.au.

About the position As one of two ACIAR programs focused on livestock research the Animal Health program employs preventative animal health control to maintain productivity of smallholder livestock, where clear pathways for adoption of the results of research by smallholders exist, and to underpin biosecurity in developing countries of Africa, the Asia-Pacific region and Australia. The second livestock program, Livestock Production Systems emphasises livestock production, markets and environmental issues in the regions.

The position has responsibility for managing a portfolio of research and development projects commissioned by ACIAR in animal health. The projects involve research institutions in Australia, developing countries and International Agricultural Research Centres carrying out livestock research and development within ACIAR's geographical mandate area. The position also plays a wider corporate role by working in small teams of managers contributing to activities in the research program including peer review of ACIAR projects, contribution to submissions and reviews, and contribution to internal committees. It is one of 13 senior research managers who share similar responsibilities and have accountability to ACIAR's Executive. The appointee will work in a small team supported by program administrative assistant/s.

Duties: Manage ACIAR's Animal Health program and contribute to ACIAR corporate activities through the following duties: 1. Identify, assess and prioritise problems in animal health, production and biosecurity, including aspects that affect human health and nutrition in designated ACIAR partner countries and the extent to which these can be addressed through scientific research, particularly where Australian expertise can contribute.

2. Develop, implement, monitor, review and evaluate a program of activities addressing animal health, production and biosecurity priorities, by:

producing original and innovative ideas for projects which involve research, development and capacity building in priority areas; assisting in the preparation and appraising proposals for research and development projects; having a key role in developing the scientific and technical basis of contracts for approved projects; coordinating and monitoring progress of implementation of the projects by contracted agencies; and analysing and evaluating the results of research in programs and projects, and identifying initiatives for the extension of project results to end-users.

3. Maximise the potential contribution of project findings to the solution of identified livestock health, production and biosecurity problems by facilitating the appropriate communication and implementation of the results of ACIAR projects to relevant research, development and extension services.

4. Where required, interact with other ACIAR program areas to develop multi- disciplinary projects and/or project clusters to address identified high priority issues.

5. Advise ACIAR and other agencies on matters relating to livestock health, production and biosecurity and maintain effective liaison and communication with ACIAR's clients and represent ACIAR as required.

6. Manage budget and reporting aspects of the program in a competent and timely manner.

7. Contribute to activities in the research program, including peer review of ACIAR projects, contribution to submissions and reviews, and contribution to internal committees.

8. Supervise program support staff in accordance with ACIAR’s Enterprise Agreement, Government policy and overarching legislation.

9. Contribute to the corporate development of ACIAR by assisting in the induction, training and mentoring of staff and participation in broader corporate activities.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Executive Level 2 Research Program Manager 2 or 3 Animal Health Position Number 99904

1. Postgraduate qualifications in a field relevant to animal health and/or production.

2. Very high level of achievement, experience and reputation in livestock research in Australia and internationally, including skills in animal health and biosecurity. This will include a demonstrated understanding of the inter-relationship between livestock and other biophysical, social, economic and environmental elements of farming systems, preferably in a developing country context and of the interactions between livestock, human disease and nutrition.

3. Ability to develop and promote a strategic vision for the program area in accord with ACIAR’s research priorities, the needs of partner countries and the Australian Government aid program.

4. High level of achievement and experience in research program management. This will include evidence of  the ability to effectively manage financial resources;  develop and maintain productive working relationships with research and development providers;  develop project proposals taking into account a range of issues, including those outside the scientific discipline;  implement, monitor, evaluate and report on progress of approved projects;  and provide logical, unambiguous and sensitive feedback to project proponents.

5. Capacity to represent ACIAR and to communicate with national and international stakeholders at highest management levels in government agencies and scientific establishments with sensitivity to cross cultural issues. This will include evidence of well-developed oral and written communication skills.

6. Ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships with others in ACIAR by participating in broader organisational activities and maximising benefits of collegiate collaboration on cross-program projects and issues. Excellent interpersonal skills, including good networking and influencing skills.

7. Proven capacity to work in a small inter-disciplinary team and to effectively supervise staff.

8. A client orientation and proven commitment to, and experience in, the transfer and adoption of the results of research.

Desirable

9. Experience in developing and executing private–public sector research partnerships and in fostering the involvement of commercial organisations in agricultural research and development. February 2012

NB: All ACIAR employees demonstrate a commitment to the APS Code of Conduct and Values, as well as to workplace diversity and work health and safety. It is also expected that ACIAR employees will have appropriate cross-cultural sensitivities.