Senior Policy Advisor

Victorian Government; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Victorian Government in Melbourne seeks a senior strategic adviser to support Ministers and senior executives with high-quality policy insights across transport and planning priorities. You will contribute to strategy development, monitor performance, and drive transformational change while coordinating cross-agency efforts.

The role requires delivering strategic advice, leading projects, and building strong stakeholder relationships to achieve better public outcomes.

Qualifications

• Strategic advice experience for Ministers or senior executives.
• Tertiary qualification in Urban Planning or relevant discipline.
• Understanding of policy issues in Victoria's land-use planning system.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to strategy development and performance measurement.
• Provide high-quality advisory support to senior leaders and Ministers.
• Lead and monitor projects and programs across transport and planning priorities.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Project leadership

Relationship building

Adaptability

Education

Urban Planning degree

Job description

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: 11983

About Us

We create thriving places andconnectedcommunities. We plan,buildandmaintainVictoria's transport,planningand land services. We are committed to a safe,inclusiveand high-performing workplace.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where our people can thrive and do meaningful work.

About the role

The role contributes to strategy development, performance measurement and transformational change, while providing high-quality advice to senior leaders and Ministers. It leads and monitors projects and programs, translates complex information into clear insights, and supports effective decision-making across transport and planning priorities.

What we're looking for (Selection Criteria)

You'resomeone who:

• Thinks strategically and systemically, using critical analysis to understand complex issues, assess impacts and develop effective solutions.
• Drives continuous improvement and innovation by using stakeholder insights, evidence and technology to improve services, processes and outcomes.
• Leads projects and initiatives effectively, coordinating others, monitoring progress and taking action to deliver agreed outcomes.
• Builds strong relationships across senior stakeholders, teams and organisations, bringing people together and overcoming barriers to collaboration.
• Is adaptable and outcomes-focused, challenging existing approaches when needed and building support for new strategies that deliver better results.

Qualifications and experience

You'llbring:

• Demonstrated experience in delivering, at a senior level, high impact strategic advice for Ministers and senior executives. (Mandatory)
• Tertiary qualification in an Urban Planning or relevant discipline (Mandatory)
• Understanding of policy issues and reform in the context of Victoria's land-use planning system.

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will berequired.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.

Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 1 November 2026.

Please include both your resume and a cover letteraddressing how your experience addresses each of the key selection criteria for the role. All applications must besubmittedvia the online portal,we'reunable to accept email or manual submissions.

For further information about the role, please contact Adam Henson Executive Director, State Planning Major Projects via email at [e-mail]

Redeployees

If you are a VPS redeployee, please state this in your cover letter and include your case manager's contact details. This helps ensure your redeployment status is appropriately considered. For more information on redeployment, visit the Victorian Government policy.

If you require any adjustments to fullyparticipatein the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us.We'rehere to support you.

Applications close Sunday 1 November 2026 at 11.59pm