The Gene Technology Regulator (the Regulator) is a foundational leadership appointment shaping Australia’s national framework for regulating genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Appointed by the Governor-General as an independent statutory office holder, the Regulator plays a critical role in safeguarding the health and safety of Australians and protecting the environment.
Supported by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) within The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, you will oversee the national system for assessing and managing risks associated with GMOs.
As the Regulator, you will provide authoritative, independent decision-making under the Gene Technology Act 2000 and corresponding state and territory legislation, collectively known as the National Gene Technology Scheme. You will champion best-practice regulation, ensure that transparent and evidence-based decisions are made, and foster confidence in Australia’s gene technology framework.
The Regulator has specific responsibility to protect the health and safety of people, and to protect the environment, by identifying risk posed by or as a result of gene technology, and managing those risks through regulating certain dealings with GMOs.
The key duties of the position include:
The Regulator’s responsibilities include:
* Providing trusted, accessible information to the public about the regulation of GMOs.
* Offering strategic advice to the Gene Technology Ministers’ Meeting on the effectiveness of potential legislative reforms.
* Promoting the harmonisation of risk assessments of GMOs and genetically modified products by regulatory agencies.
* Monitoring global regulatory practices and maintaining active relationships with international organisations and agencies.
As an officer under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act), you will lead OGTR’s strategic direction, operational performance, governance and resource management. You will ensure OGTR remains responsive, capable and aligned with government priorities, while upholding the statutory independence required of your office.
This includes:
* Providing clear leadership to build and maintain organisational capability.
* Ensuring OGTR adapts to new technologies, emerging risks, evolving community expectations and international developments.
* Embedding principles of regulatory stewardship and risk-based, evidence-driven decision making.
* Strengthening OGTR’s culture of professionalism, integrity and transparent engagement.
This is a rare leadership role which aims to ensure that the National Gene Technology Scheme is well positioned to respond to policy changes while protecting people, the environment, and Australia’s international reputation as a trusted regulator.
Eligibility
* Citizenship – to be eligible for appointment, applicants must be an Australian citizen.
* Security clearance – this position requires a Negative Vetting Level 1 security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
* Conflict of Interests – applicants must not have any interests, pecuniary or otherwise, that conflict or could conflict with the proper performance of the Regulator’s functions.
* Applicants must not have at any time during the period of 2 years immediately before the period of appointment, been employed by a body corporate whose primary commercial activity relates directly to the development and implementation of gene technologies.
Please note this is a non-ongoing position for a 3 - 5 year appointment.
Notes
* Applications close 11:30pm AEST.
* Applicants are asked to quote reference number 26-OGTROGTRDIV-31184 to assist when making an enquiry.
* For more information, please.
Getting to know the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is focused on achieving better health and wellbeing for all Australians. If you would like to join our team, and can meet our job requirements, we invite you to apply for a position with us to build better health, better care and better quality for all Australians. The department is committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals are valued. We actively encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and cultures, so we can better represent the community we serve. The department welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, mature age people, people who identify as LGBTI+, and people with parenting and/or caring responsibilities.