Policy Officer

Work Initiatives; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet is seeking a Policy Officer to operate at the heart of government, tackling high-impact policy issues with a collaborative team.

You will analyse complex public policy, provide written briefings and guidance, and work with senior executives across the department to improve public administration and governance arrangements. A tertiary qualification in public policy, governance or law is advantageous, and security clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Strong policy analysis skills and knowledge of public sector governance.
• Ability to prepare high-quality written briefings and advice.
• Excellent negotiation, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to determine priorities, plan and deliver outcomes.
• Adaptability to dynamic government environments.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Premier, Secretary and DPC executives on policy issues and governance matters.
• Contribute to projects and analyses for better public administration and entity governance, with clear briefings.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders inside and beyond DPC, presenting clear views.
• Support a positive, high-performing culture within the branch and department.
• Perform other duties as directed consistent with the grade and skills.

Skills

Policy analysis

Written communication

Interpersonal communication

Organisational skills

Adaptability & resilience

Education

Tertiary qualification in public policy, governance or law

Job description

The Public Sector Governance team provides an opportunity to work at the centre of government on topical, challenging, and high-impact issues, reforms and projects. As a Policy Officer in the team, you will work in a fast-paced and dynamic policy environment, among supportive and engaged peers, and across the broader Victorian Public Sector. The team values deep public administration expertise and includes specialists in areas including governance, integrity and law. Cabinet and Governance Branch provides a positive, supportive culture and a work environment that enables high performance.

To succeed in this role, you will have strong policy analysis skills, and a good understanding of public sector governance and public administration. Ideally, you will have a sound understanding and demonstrated experience in public administration, public policy, governance or law. In addition, you will have excellent negotiation, interpersonal and communication skills.

Key Accountabilities

• Advise the Premier, Secretary and DPC executives on a wide range of matters relating to policy issues and major initiatives relating to legal form and governance arrangements of Victorian government entities and Victorian government board appointments.
• Undertake and contribute to projects and analysis relating to the coordination and implementation relating to the improvement of public administration and entity governance including clear and accurate written and verbal briefings.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders within and beyond DPC, providing clear and useful advice and accurately representing the department’s views.
• Contribute to a positive organisational and high performing culture in the branch and broader department.
• Other duties as directed that are not listed in the position description, but which are consistent with a position of this grade and skills requirement.

About You

We are seeking applicants who have demonstrated experience from the following criteria:

• Policy skills: Demonstrated policy skills and experience, including the ability to interpret and apply policies, use critical thinking, conduct research, analyse ideas and evidence, consult with others and develop solutions to policy problems.
• Written communication skills: Demonstrated ability and experience in preparing high-quality written advice products that convey complex information clearly and concisely.
• Interpersonal and communication skills: Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, confidently communicate with people, and to collaborate with and support others in the pursuit of common goals.
• Organisational skills: Demonstrated ability to determine priorities, plan and undertake tasks to deliver outcome, communicate confidently and deliver logical and succinct presentations, and to monitor the progress of tasks against plans, taking corrective action when required.
• Adaptability and resilience: Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a dynamic and complex environment, including the ability to be flexible and adapt quickly to changes.

Tertiary qualification in public policy, governance or law would be an advantage.

This role is an ongoing position. You must be an Australian citizen, as this role requires a security clearance.

For more information, please see the Position Description https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/m3jchpxlkowllxmpa8f4t/VPS4-Policy-Officer-PSG-2.docx?rlkey=rwsd4vn90fbyxf9qtdw1efe7b&st=1e2t8op5&dl=0

Other relevant information

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing role is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. Preferred applicants will be required to undertake pre-employment screening. DPC actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. All roles at DPC can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.