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 offers variety and flexibility?
If so, join the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)—where people feel valued, have a voice, and can be authentic. We thrive on diversity and inclusivity, knowing it drives innovation and better decision-making.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer, offering equitable opportunities to all individuals. Our mission is to build a diverse workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds and underrepresented groups.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Centre for International Trade (CIT) teams as a Veterinary Advisor.
Responsibilities
Your role will centre on leading, managing, and advising across APHA, Defra, and international veterinary teams on import and export matters. Key responsibilities include:
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Leadership and Team Management
- Lead and manage the International Veterinary Team (IVT), providing both strategic oversight and day-to-day leadership.
- Support performance, development, and people management for consistent, high-quality delivery.
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Expert Guidance on Trade Policy
- Provide authoritative veterinary advice to IVT, APHA, Defra policy teams, and the Chief Veterinary Officer.
- Develop and implement trade policies, ensuring advice is practical, evidence-based, and aligned with organisational priorities.
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Border Control and Trade Development
- Collaborate with the Veterinary Head of Border Control and Veterinary Advisor for Border Control Posts to address challenges related to EU Border Control Posts and evolving trade partnerships.
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Culture and Collaboration
- Promote a strong “one-team” culture through collaboration, cross-training, and sharing best practices.
- Work with peers and senior leaders to enhance consistency, efficiency, resilience, and value for money.
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Operational Assurance and Delivery
- Oversee quality assurance of APHA certification work, ensuring traders receive accurate and consistent advice.
- Co-lead the Border Control Knowledge Forum to support trade activities against policy and performance expectations.
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Resilience, Biosecurity, and Crisis Response
- Support business continuity and play a key role in disease outbreak response and crisis planning.
- Influence Defra prioritisation to balance trade facilitation with national biosecurity and animal health protection.
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Stakeholder Engagement and Representation
- Represent CIT and APHA at stakeholder events, fostering strong external relationships.
- Ensure insights and feedback are shared internally to inform decision-making.
Person Specification
To succeed in this role, you must demonstrate the following skills:
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Leadership & Decision-Making
- Inspirational and values-led leadership.
- Ability to make decisive professional decisions.
- Commitment to supporting organisational change and role-modelling Civil Service behaviours.
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Relationship Management
- Exceptional interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships across multiple teams and stakeholders.
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Performance & Improvement
- Experience in performance management with strong coaching and continuous improvement capabilities.
- Setting expectations and mentoring teams to achieve targets.
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Resource & Organisational Management
- Skilled in managing resources under pressure.
- Excellent organisation and effective time prioritisation.
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Communication & Professional Credibility
- Strong written and verbal communication.
- Ability to represent APHA confidently across diverse stakeholders.
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Governance & Quality Assurance
- Familiarity with auditable systems and commitment to high-quality processes.
- Strong record-keeping and quality control abilities.
Requirements
Qualifications & Professional Memberships
- A veterinary degree qualifying you as a Member or Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
- Must be a Member or Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Salaried Benefits
- Base salary: £56,375 per annum.
- APHA contributes an additional £16,331 towards membership of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Additional Benefits:
- Flexible Work: Varied schedules tailored to your needs.
- Annual Leave: Start with 25 days paid, increasing by one day each year to a maximum of 30.
- Development Opportunities: Extensive learning and professional development tailored to your role.
- Employee Discounts: Discounts with a retail, travel, and lifestyle programme.
- Salaries Sacrifice Scheme, Bonuses & Recognition: Bonuses, recognition initiatives, and salary sacrifice benefits.
- Volunteering Leave: Three paid days leave annually for volunteering (prorated for part-time).
- Flexible Working: A wide range of work schedule options to accommodate your circumstances.
Apply now: Veterinary Advisor - International Trade team - Civil Service Jobs
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