Animal and Plant Health Agency
Veterinary Advisor - International Trade team
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Veterinary Advisor - International Trade team
Veterinary Advisor (International Trade) - Full Time/Part Time/Job Share/Flexible Working
Locations: Bristol, Cardiff, Carlisle, Carmarthen, Crewe, Exeter, Leicester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Nottingham, Perth, Preston, Winchester, York
About the Role
Are you someone who can lead and manage change in a challenging and dynamic environment? Do you want to apply your communication and problem-solving skills in a role that provides variety and flexibility?
If so, we would love you to apply!
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is a fantastic workplace where staff feel valued, have a voice, and can authentically represent themselves. We cherish diversity and inclusivity, as it fuels innovation and better decision-making.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer, offering fair opportunities to all. Our mission is to build a diverse workforce and welcome applications from every background—especially underrepresented groups.
Job Title
- Veterinary Advisor (International Trade Team)
Responsibilities
As the Veterinary Advisor for International Trade, you will provide expert leadership and advisory support across import/export matters. Core responsibilities include:
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Leadership & Team Management
- Lead and manage the International Veterinary Team (IVT), setting clear strategic direction while delivering effective day-to-day oversight.
- Support performance, development, and people management to ensure high-quality and consistent delivery.
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Expert Advisory & Policy Support
- Provide authoritative veterinary advice to IVT, APHA, Defra policy teams and the Chief Veterinary Officer.
- Facilitate practical, evidence-based policy development aligned with organisational priorities.
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Border Control & Trade Development
- Collaborate with the Veterinary Head of Border Control and Border Control advisory colleagues to shape policies for EU Border Control Posts.
- Address GB and international border challenges and foster new trade partnerships.
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Collaboration & Culture
- Promote a strong “one team” ethos by encouraging cross-training, knowledge-sharing, and best-practice adoption.
- Work with peers and senior leaders to enhance efficiency, resilience, and value for money.
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Operational Assurance & Delivery
- Oversee quality assurance for APHA certification work to ensure traders receive accurate and consistent advice.
- Co-lead the Border Control Knowledge Forum and drive delivery of trade activities aligned with policy and performance goals.
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Resilience, Biosecurity & Crisis Response
- Support business continuity and disease outbreak response.
- Influence Defra priorities balancing trade facilitation with national biosecurity and animal health protection.
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Stakeholder Engagement & Representation
- Represent CIT and APHA at stakeholder events, fostering external relationships while ensuring insights are shared internally.
Person Specification
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following skills:
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Leadership & Decision-Making
- Inspirational and values-driven leadership.
- Ability to make decisive, strategic decisions and drive Civil Service behaviours.
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Relationship Management
- Exceptional interpersonal skills to build and maintain collaborative working relationships across teams and stakeholders.
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Performance & Improvement
- Strong performance management capabilities, including setting expectations, coaching, and driving continuous improvement to meet targets.
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Resource & Organisational Management
- High-level resource allocation and time management, particularly in challenging environments.
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Communication & Professional Credibility
- Clear verbal and written communication skills with the credited authority to represent APHA.
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Governance & Quality Assurance
- Ability to operate within auditable systems and uphold high standards of record-keeping and process compliance.
Requirements
Qualifications & Professional Memberships
- A veterinary degree, making you eligible for eligibility as a Member or Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
- Good standing with the RCVS through membership or fellowship.
Salary & Benefits
- Base Salary: £56,375
- Pension Contribution: £16,331 contributed towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.
Additional Benefits Include: ✔ 25+ days annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year to 30 days max. ✔ Tailored professional development & training opportunities. ✔ Access to retail, travel and lifestyle discounts. ✔ Staff bonuses, recognition schemes, salary sacrifice options and employee discount programs. ✔ 3 days paid volunteering leave per year (pro-rata for part-time).
✔ Flexible Working – Options to help you find a work schedule that fits your needs.
For further details: Veterinary Advisor - International Trade Team
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