Animal and Plant Health Agency
Veterinary Advisor - International Trade team
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Veterinary Advisor - International Trade team
Veterinary Advisor – International Trade Team
Location Options
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 enjoy applying your communication and problem-solving skills in a role that offers variety and flexibility?
If so, read on!
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an organisation where people are valued, encouraged to be their authentic selves, and given a voice. We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive environment that fosters innovation and better decision-making by embracing diversity and difference across all backgrounds.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer, offering equitable opportunities to underrepresented groups. Our mission is to build a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
Job Title & Team
We are looking for an experienced Veterinary Advisor to join our Centre for International Trade (CIT) team.
As a Veterinary Advisor for International Trade, your role will involve:
- Leading, managing, and advising the International Veterinary Team (IVT).
- Collaborating with CIT and APHA teams on import and export matters.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead and manage the International Veterinary Team, providing both strategic oversight and day-to-day leadership.
- Support performance, development, and people management to ensure high-quality delivery of work.
Expert Advice & Policy Support
- Provide authoritative veterinary advice on international trade to:
- IVT
- APHA and Defra policy teams
- Chief Veterinary Officer
- Assist in the development and implementation of trade policy, ensuring expertise remains evidence-based and aligned with organisational priorities.
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Border Control & Trade Development
- Work closely with the Veterinary Head of Border Control and Veterinary Advisor for Border Control Posts to:
- Shape and deliver policies for EU Border Control Posts.
- Address GB and international border challenges.
- Support new and evolving trade partnerships.
Collaboration & Culture
- Promote a strong “one team” culture by:
- Encouraging collaboration, cross-training, and sharing best practice.
- Partnering with peers and senior leaders to improve efficiency, resilience, and value for money across operations.
Operational Assurance & Delivery
- Oversee quality assurance of APHA certification work, ensuringaccurate and consistent advice for traders.
- Co-lead the Border Control Knowledge Forum and support trade activities against policy and performance expectations.
Resilience, Biosecurity & Crisis Response
- Support business continuity planning and play a key role in:
- Disease outbreak response.
- Crisis management.
- Influence Defra’s trade facilitation priorities while balancing national biosecurity and animal health protection.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Represent CIT and APHA at stakeholder events, strengthening relationships externally while ensuring internal insights inform decision-making.
Person Specification
Core Skills & Abilities
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Leadership & Decision-Making: Inspirational and values-driven leadership, with the capacity to make decisive, strategic decisions and model Civil Service behaviours during organisational change.
- Relationship Management: Outstanding interpersonal skills to build and maintain strong relationships with teams, partners, and customers.
- Performance & Improvement: Strong performance management, including:
- Setting clear expectations.
- Holding constructive performance discussions.
- Coaching teams and driving continuous improvement to meet targets.
- Resource & Organisational Management: Effective resource management in adaptive environments, coupled with exceptional prioritisation and organisational skills.
- Communication & Professional Credibility: Sharply honed verbal and written communication, with the confidence to represent APHA externally and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Governance & Quality Assurance: Ability to:
- Work within auditable systems and processes.
- Maintain control, quality assurance, and rigorous record-keeping.
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Qualifications & Membership
- Must hold a veterinary degree, qualifying the holder as a Member (M恋CVS) or Fellow (F恋CVS) of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons*.
Benefits & Remuneration
- Salary: £56,375 per annum.
- Pension Contribution: APHA contributes £16,331 towards your Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.
- Annual Leave: A minimum of 25 days, increasing by one day annually up to a maximum of 30 days.
- Professional Development: Extensive learning opportunities tailored to your role.
- Discounts & Lifestyle Benefits:
- Retail, travel, and lifestyle employee discounts.
- Recognition & Financial Benefits:
- Staff bonuses and a recognition scheme.
- Salary sacrifice options.
- Staff discount scheme.
- Volunteering Support: 3 paid special leave days per year for voluntary activities (prorated for part-time roles).
- Flexible Working: Comprehensive scheduling options to suit individual circumstances.
To apply, visit: [Veterinary Advisor - International Trade Team - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/animal-and-plant-health-agency/jobs/veterinary-advisor-international-trade ...)
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