Senior Policy Advisor

Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority in Melbourne seeks a Senior Policy Advisor to lead strategic policy development and advise on regulatory matters, supporting reform initiatives across Victoria’s early childhood education and care landscape.

The role emphasizes strong research, analytical skills and cross‑agency collaboration to improve safety, governance and child welfare under National Law changes.

Qualifications

• Essential: Working with Children Check and a tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Desirable: Postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline and experience leading policy development.
• Desirable: Experience in regulatory environment reform and complex project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic projects and advise on intergovernmental regulatory policy.
• Develop policies and provide advice on governance and National Law changes.
• Collaborate across the organisation to support regulatory reform initiatives.

Skills

Regulatory environment

Strategic thinking

Policy development

Project management

Education

Tertiary qualification in relevant discipline

Job description

Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority – Melbourne VIC

Join VECRA as a Senior Policy Advisor to lead strategic policy development, advise on regulatory and governance matters, and drive reform initiatives that strengthen child safety and support quality early childhood education and care across Victoria.

Please note there are multiple opportunities available.

About the Branch

The Regulatory Strategy and Reform Branch leads VECRA's regulatory strategy and capability by driving evidence-led reform and continuous improvement to strengthen the regulator's ability to prioritise the safety, rights and best interests of children through effective regulation.

About the Role

The Senior Policy Advisor is responsible for developing policies and advice for the Victorian Early Childhood and Regulatory Authority (VECRA). This involves leading strategic projects, and advising on intergovernmental, regulatory policy and governance matters. The incumbent will use strong research, analytical and conceptual skills with extensive collaboration across the organisation. This role includes contributing to multifaceted operational and reform initiatives, including legislative and National Law changes.

Attributes

The Senior Policy Advisor will ideallyhaveexperience in a regulatory environment, bringing a strong understanding of the unique challenges for regulation in a reform context. They will demonstrate sound judgement, strategic thinking and the ability to navigate complex issues in a dynamic regulatory environment. They will show resilience, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement, while supporting an inclusive, high-performing team culture. Their ability to manage competing priorities, deliver outcomes, and drive reform and change activities will align with the behavioural expectations of a VPS5.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Essential: A valid Working with Children Check and a tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline
• Desirable: Post Graduate Degree in a relevant discipline, experience in a regulatory environment, and experience in leading policy development, complex project management and implementing reforms

Further Information

For more details regarding this position please see the attached position description.

VECRA 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 visit the VECRA website and our Diversity and Inclusion page.

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Information about VECRA's operations and employment conditions can be located on the VECRA website.

For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Emily French - Manager, Regulatory Strategy and Reform Branch via 03 9059 5*** or ************@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 VECRA 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 03 November 2026.