Project Advisor - Thriving Kids

Department of Education; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Education in Victoria is seeking two VPS4 Project Officers to support the Kindergarten Inclusion Policy Reform Unit in delivering key inclusion reform initiatives and preparing the kindergarten sector for Thriving Kids implementation.

These fixed-term roles will strengthen inclusion capability and workforce capacity to support referrals to Thriving Kids across Victorian kindergarten settings, with duties spanning coordination, research, stakeholder liaison, procurement support,

Qualifications

• Strong organisational and project coordination skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder relationships.
• Initiative and problem-solving to contribute policy reform ideas and improvements.
• Collaborative and responsive approach across teams and priorities.
• Interest in contributing to policy reform strengthening inclusion in Victorian kindergarten settings.

Responsibilities

• Program and project coordination within the subject matter of kindergarten inclusion reform.
• Research and options analysis to inform policy development and implementation.
• Stakeholder engagement and secretariat functions with a wide network of external stakeholders including teachers, inclusion professionals, clinicians, peak bodies and families; cross-departmental and government colleagues.
• Procurement and contract management assistance.
• Support corporate functions and processes, including reporting, briefings and correspondence, and budget management.

Skills

Project coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Communication

Budget management

Education

Tertiary qualifications in public policy or early childhood

Job description

The Kindergarten Inclusion Policy Reform unit is seeking two VPS4 Project Officers to support the delivery of key inclusion reform initiatives, including preparing the Victorian kindergarten sector for the implementation of Thriving Kids.

The roles will contribute to strengthening inclusion capability and building workforce capacity to support referrals to Thriving Kids across Victorian kindergarten settings.

About the Role

The Kindergarten Inclusion Policy Reform unit is seeking two VPS4 Project Officers to support the delivery of key inclusion reform initiatives, including preparing the Victorian kindergarten sector for the implementation of Thriving Kids.

The roles will contribute to strengthening inclusion capability and building workforce capacity to support referrals to Thriving Kids across Victorian kindergarten settings.

Key duties include, but are not limited to:

• Program and project coordinationwithin the subject matter of kindergarten inclusion reform.

• Research and options analysis to inform policy development and implementation.

• Stakeholder engagement and secretariat functions, with a wide network of external stakeholders including teachers, inclusion professionals, clinicians, peak bodies and families; and cross-departmental and government colleagues.

• Procurement and contract management assistance.
• Support corporate functions and processes, including reporting, briefings and correspondence, and budget management.

An exciting opportunity exists for two passionate and driven Project Advisor's to join the KindergartenInclusion Policy and Reform Unit on a fixed-term basis until 30 June 2028!

Attributes

We are seeking motivated and adaptable team players who can demonstrate:

• Strong organisational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective stakeholder relationships.

• Initiative and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically, identify opportunities for improvement and contribute innovative solutions.

• A collaborative and responsive approach, with the ability to work effectively across teams and adapt to emerging priorities.

• An interest in contributing to policy reform and initiatives that strengthen inclusion in Victorian kindergarten settings.

Qualifications and Experience

• Required: Tertiary qualifications in public policy, early childhood or relevant field

About the Division

The Early Learning Practice and Participation (ELPAP)Division guides, supports, and inspires high quality educational practice that improves the learning and development outcomes of Victoria's young children in government funded early learning programs. The Division's work is underpinned by a commitment to ensuring that all children are able to access, be included in, and engage with early learning. ELPAP leads operational policy and program development to deliver high quality, inclusive kindergarten programs and to support participation for children experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage, those who stand to benefit most from early learning.

The Division is also responsible for the delivery of professional practice supports and quality initiatives for kindergarten and Pre-Prep aligned to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and National Quality Framework (NQF).

To carry out this work, the Division is organised into two branches: the Early Learning Participation Branch and the Professional Practice Branch. Together, these branches lead work across several key focus areas:

• Delivering practice quality enablers that improve workforce retention and recogniti on

• Developing and implementing participation and inclusion supports for all children

• Implementing needs-based funding for kindergartens

• Working with system partners to proactively identify and connect children who might otherwise miss out on kindergarten, ensuring their enrolment and attendance

This role sits within the Early Learning Participation Branch.

About the Department

The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.

The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.

Further Information

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.

For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Rosie Pizzi - Director Early Learning Participation, ***********@education.vic.gov.au

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g. large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close 11:59pm on 24th November 2026