Head (SFA Operations Centre) will lead a team which plays a critical role in anticipating, identifying and analysing emerging trends, risks and opportunities in the food safety and security landscapes; and provide timely, data-driven decision support for SFA incident management and response.

This position requires a candidate with strong analytical capabilities, interpersonal effectiveness to muster whole-of-agency resources during ambiguous and developing situations, as well as a strong understanding of (i) political, economic and regulatory environments, (ii) global food supply chains, and (iii) emerging technologies, to provide strategic insights and recommendations to support SFA’s mission.

Scope/Duties

• Lead a multi-disciplinary and dynamic team to manage the day-to-day operations of SFA’s Ops Centre , which serves as the nerve centre to coordinate, sense-make and run SFA operations. This includes providing timely, effective and data-driven decision support, informed by agency incident management protocols; and daily live operations monitoring and surveillance of food safety and facilities systems allowing for assessment and swift response to potential threats.

• Lead/Support in special operations or crisis management situations to ensure and secure a supply of safe food

• Lead the team to rejuvenate and refresh the Ops Centre , taking into account emerging operational needs.

• Lead the team to strengthen the agency’s horizon scanning framework to monitor and analyse political, economic and regulatory developments, emerging trends, and technologies that may have impact to food safety and security. This includes local and foreign developments that may have a direct or indirect relevance to food safety and food security; as well as emerging trends, potential risks and opportunities, to facilitate informed decision-making

• Lead the team to provide strategic insights and recommendations to inform policy development, risk management, and resource allocation

• Lead the team to develop clear and concise data-driven reports , presentations, and briefings on horizon scanning findings for various audiences

• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to (i) to enable appropriate data collection, aligned with organisational mission and goals, and (ii) gather intelligence on emerging issues and provide actionable insights

Qualifications/ Other Experience

• Highly self-motivated, able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Have effective leadership competencies to manage, motivate and grow an inter-disciplinary team
• Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesise complex information
• Good degree, with a preference for candidates with at least 6 years of relevant work experience
• Strong understanding of political and economic factors affecting global food supplies, including trade policies, climate change, and geopolitical events and their impact on SFA’s mission
• Prior experience in horizon scanning or strategic foresight will be an advantage
• Proficient in both written and oral communication, capable of conveying intricate concepts effectively
• Skilled in the use of data analysis and visualisation software to enhance the interpretation and presentation of data
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with relevant experience in engaging relevant stakeholders within and outside organisation
• Ability to work independently and as a team player within the Divisional / Departmental context