Policy Officer

Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 101,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions in Melbourne is seeking a Policy Officer to research, develop, and evaluate policies within the National VET Reform agenda. You will analyse issues, formulate recommendations, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure policies are effective and aligned with strategic goals.

Reporting to the Manager, National VET Reform Policy team, you will gather data, draft policy proposals, and support evidence-based analysis to drive reform in education,

Qualifications

• Experience designing and developing policies and business cases.
• Ability to gather data and evidence and perform critical analysis.
• Experience in project delivery and coordinating teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to engage with stakeholders and present findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Advice and analysis contributes to policy formulation.
• Contributes to strategic policy development within a specific field of expertise.
• Drafts reports and recommendations by interpreting and analysing data.
• Develops guidelines within the work area.
• Conveys specialist concepts and policies to clients, staff and stakeholders.
• Prepares reports, briefs and correspondence on complex issues that impact at program or organisational level.

Skills

Policy design

Data analysis

Project delivery

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Systems thinking

Job description

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/101649

The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions is focused on growing Victoria’s prosperity, building the productive capacity of our economy and increasing participation – by creating more opportunities for people through skills and jobs; helping businesses and industries to thrive; and building vibrant communities and regions. For more information, see the DJSIR Strategic Plan 2023-2027.
Our work spans numerous portfolios, supporting departmental ministers and operating across metropolitan, regional and international offices.
The Department welcomes and encourages applications from diverse applicants, including First Peoples, refugees or asylum seekers, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, LGBTIQ+ people and people with disability. All roles at DJSIR can be worked flexibly and we offer reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities.

Policy Officer

• Salary: $100,894 - $114,476 (plus Superannuation)
• Fixed-term until 31 December 2028
• Usual hours of work: Full-time
• Usual work location: 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

The Role

Reporting to the Manager, National VET Reform Policy team, the Policy Officer researches, develops, and evaluates policies and plays a role in shaping policy by analysing issues, formulating recommendations, and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure policies are effective and aligned with relevant goals. Their role may involve:

• gathering data, analysing existing policies, and identifying gaps or areas for improvement, and contributing to the implementation of policies and monitoring their effectiveness.
• drafting policy proposals, reports, and briefing papers, ensuring recommendations are evidence-based and aligned with strategic objectives.
• collaborating with stakeholders to seek input and feedback on policy proposals.

This role offers the chance to contribute to impactful policy initiative - particularly in education, skills, or economic development - by supporting strategic projects, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based analysis. It's a great opportunity for someone early in their policy career to grow their capability, contribute to meaningful reform, and make a difference for the Victorian community.

Main accountabilities:

• Advice and analysis contributes to policy formulation
• Contributes to strategic policy development within a specific field of expertise
• Drafts reports and recommendations by interpreting and analysing data
• Develops guidelines within the work area
• Conveys specialist concepts and policies to clients, staff and stakeholders
• Prepares reports, briefs and correspondence on complex issues that impact at program or organisational level

The Team

The position of Policy Officer forms part of the Policy and Strategy Branch, which sits within Skills and TAFE Group.

Skills and TAFE (S&T) focuses on enabling Victorians to access the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to participate in today's workforce, prepare for future jobs, and achieve their educational aspirations.

Working in close partnership with the Victorian Skills Authority (VSA), S&T provides leadership and stewardship of a responsive, high-quality vocational education and training (VET) system. This includes oversight of the Victorian TAFE Network, led by the Office of TAFE Coordination and Delivery (OTCD), and the apprenticeships system, with a strong focus on aligning training with industry needs and strengthening pathways into the workforce.

S&T supports lifelong learning and inclusive education through Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) and the Learn Local network, helping adult learners progress into further study or work. S&T collaborates across government, industry, education providers, and communities to deliver skills-focused solutions that improve workforce outcomes and enable businesses to access a skilled workforce.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have the following main skills and experience:

• Policy Design and Development: Interprets and applies policies relevant to own work; Drafts policies and business cases using research skills and in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
• Policy Design and Development: Determines relevant data and evidence gathering approach; Conducts critical analysis on data and evidence collected.
• Project Delivery: Defines tasks to be delivered to meet agreed outcomes; Coordinates and guides others in the execution of work activities; Monitors progress of tasks against plans a nd takes corrective action when required.
• Communicate with Impact: Prepares and delivers logical and succinct presentations; Uses clear and concise language; Uses media appropriate to the audience and presents information to develop the understanding of the topic.
• Interpersonal Skills: Sees things from another's point of view and confirms understanding; Tailors communications according to audience and/or audience preference.
• Systems Thinking: Assesses situations and identifies the best systems tools for analysing, understanding the system and addressing problems; Can apply system archetypes to identify common dynamics that appear in different situations.

Further Information

For a confidential discussion, please contact Harley Flynn via email [e-mail]

The Department is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to taking the necessary steps to protect children from harm by adopting a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety in accordance with the Child Safe Standards .

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check prior to commencing employment with the Department. To be eligible for this position you must hold the mandatory qualification as outlined in the position description. For further information on the position, please refer to the attached position description.

Please note: We are committed to inclusive recruitment. If you require an adjustment to participate in any stage of the recruitment process or have a particular requirement to be communicated with by either telephone or email only, please notify the DJSIR Talent Acquisition Team on 0472 875 685, or via email at [e-mail] with the position number in the subject line.

Applications close Wednesday 11 November 2026 at 11.59pm