Racing Australia National Equine Welfare & Traceability Executive (Sydney or Melbourne)

About Racing Australia

Racing Australia is the national industry body with offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Scone delivering a diverse range of services and integrity functions to the Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry across Australia.  With responsibility for the promotion and representation of the industry on a National and International level central to Racing Australia is developing strong working relationships with breeding and racing participants within relevant state and national bodies to further develop both the racing and breeding industry. With responsibility for adopting, amending and administering the Australian Rules of Racing, the Rules of the Australian Stud Book, Racing Australia provides a core integrity function. Racing Australia owns and operates the Australian Stud Book, Equine Genetics Research Centre, Registrar of Racehorses, National Service & Bureau Centre, Single National System software development, hosting and website services such as Racing Jobs.

About the Opportunity

Racing Australia is committed to ensuring positive outcomes are achieved for horses involved in the Australian Thoroughbred racing industry and fostering ongoing confidence in the industry.

In furtherance of that commitment, Racing Australia – together with the State and Territory Principal Racing Authorities – is in the process of strengthening its existing traceability framework and developing new strategies to improve its ability to provide effective equine welfare outcomes.

To achieve this, one of the steps Racing Australia is taking is to appoint a full-time National Equine Welfare & Traceability Executive.

The Racing Australia National Equine Welfare & Traceability Executive may be located in the Sydney or Melbourne Office of Racing Australia with the primary responsibility to implement world best practices safeguarding the welfare and traceability of Thoroughbred racehorses in Australia.

Working closely with the Principal Racing Authorities ideally you will have previous experience of business improvement and project management. The ability to build and maintain stakeholder relationships to achieve the best outcomes are essential.

Key Responsibilities of the role

Where approved/adopted by the Racing Australia Board:

National

• Provide support to the Racing Australia Equine Welfare Committee.
• Encourage public and industry confidence in Australian Thoroughbred Racing equine welfare practices and standards.
• Monitor and provide updates on Asian Racing Federation (ARF), International Federation Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) and other International Thoroughbred Racing jurisdictions welfare programs and initiatives.
• Monitor and report on State and Territory equine welfare standards and practices.
• Plan, develop and implement a national equine welfare communications plan.
• Represent Racing Australia on equine welfare matters with the media where authorised by the CEO.
• Represent Racing Australia on equine welfare matters at relevant forums, enquiries and conferences.
• Provide advice on Australia and International equine welfare matters to the CEO.

Strategy

• Establish and promote” best practice” equine welfare standards across the Thoroughbred industry.
• Undertake research and prepare reports, briefings and other correspondence promoting equine welfare practices.
• Deliver equine welfare strategy outcomes
• Monitor and review Racing Australia’s equine traceability strategy and programs.
• Ensure Racing Australia’s equine welfare practices align with Federal and State animal welfare legislation.
• Develop and implement equine welfare education material on the standard of care for Thoroughbreds for their entire life cycle.
• Develop and implement a central repository for complaint’s and non-compliance reporting.

Relationships

• Act as an advocate for Racing Australia building effective relationships with key stakeholders.
• Effectively communicate and promote Racing Australia’s equine welfare strategy.
• Establish effective working relationships with key animal welfare organisations.
• Provide the first point of contact within Racing Australia for animal welfare enquiries and complaints.

Selection Criteria

As the successful candidate, you possess the following:

• Tertiary qualification(s) and or proven experience in animal science or similar equivalent discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully implementing animal welfare strategies and programs preferred.
• Strong operational focus in delivering valuable outcomes.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously.
• Ability to build effective working relationships across all sectors of the industry.
• Competent computer skills including the Microsoft Office suite.

How do I apply?

Apply by submitting a Cover Letter addressing the Key Responsibilities and Selection Criteria along with a copy of your resume.

Applications close Wednesday 19 February 2020