Policy Officer- Designated Aboriginal Position

Agriculture Victoria; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Agriculture Victoria is seeking a Policy Officer for the First Peoples function to provide authoritative advice and leadership across the department and government. The role involves secretariat, reporting and engagement support for self-determination initiatives, plus promoting cultural safety and cross-team collaboration.

The successful candidate will have experience in coordinating committees, excellent organisational and communication skills, and a track record of delivering tasks on time.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Aboriginal culture and contemporary issues affecting Aboriginal Victorians is desirable.
• A relevant tertiary degree would be well regarded.

Responsibilities

• Provide secretariat, reporting and engagement support for self-determination and First Peoples committees and initiatives across Agriculture Victoria and government.
• Promote cultural safety and support related projects with the team and colleagues across Agriculture Victoria.
• Communicate Self-determination activities within the department.
• Demonstrate initiative, strong organisation and communication to deliver tasks and projects on time and to a high standard.

Skills

Aboriginal culture knowledge

Leadership/secretariat support

Education

Relevant tertiary degree

Job description

Policy Officer- Designated Aboriginal Position

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

An exciting opportunity exists to join Agriculture Victoria's Policy and Programs team.

This position is responsible for supporting the First Peoples function to provide authoritative advice and leadership to deliver relevant policy and projects across Agriculture Victoria and government. Key activities of this role will include providing secretariat, reporting and engagement support for self-determination and First Peoples committees and initiatives, relevant to the agriculture portfolio.

The role will also be required to promote cultural safety and support other related projects by working with immediate team members and colleagues from across Agriculture Victoria. The role will play a key role supporting the communication of Self-determination related activities within the department.

The Policy Officer - First Peoples will need to display a ‘can-do' attitude, be self-driven and able to demonstrate initiative, and actively contribute to developing a culture of excellence, responsiveness and flexibility.

The successful candidate will have experience and/or an interest in providing secretariat and administrative support and requires someone with excellent organisational and communication skills. A track record of completing tasks and projects on time and to a high standard would be well regarded.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Demonstrated skills, experience and knowledge of Aboriginal Culture and contemporary issues affecting Aboriginal Victorians today to deliver culturally informed government policies, programs and services is desirable
• A relevant tertiary degree would be well regarded

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

This position is designated for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people under s.12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Confirmation of Aboriginality will be required for appointment to this position. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

We recognise the significant responsibility to enable self-determination, be accountable to Traditional Owners and provide opportunities to strengthen First Peoples' connection to Country. We are committed to creating a culturally safe environment, where individuals feel safe, valued, and able to celebrate their culture, and spiritual and belief systems.

For general information about Aboriginal Employment at DEECA, please contact ***************@deeca.vic.gov.au.

We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave. For more information visit applying for a role with us

Applications close 11.59pm on Monday, 9 November 2026.