Senior Policy Officer

Victorian Government; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Victorian Government in Melbourne is seeking a senior policy professional to support the Premier and senior officers with analysis on workforce policy developments.

You will manage strategic projects, engage stakeholders and contribute to Cabinet governance while advancing public administration reform in Victoria. Applicants with a tertiary policy or law qualification are encouraged, with a flexible, risk-aware approach.

Qualifications

• Policy development experience including analysing information and developing solutions.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to influence decision makers.
• Ability to prioritise and deliver objectives in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written briefs and correspondence for diverse audiences.
• Adaptability to changing priorities and ambiguity.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert analysis and advice to the Premier, the Secretary and senior officers on policy issues and initiatives.
• Manage strategic projects and policy analysis for public administration and workforce management in Victoria.
• Maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and represent the department’s views clearly.
• Contribute to leadership and culture within Cabinet and Governance Branch, including development projects.
• Undertake other duties consistent with grade and skills requirement.

Skills

Policy development

Influence

Critical thinking

Written communication

Flexibility

Education

Tertiary qualification in public policy, employment relations or law

Job description

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: 11927

About the Group

The Public Administration group supports the Victorian Government and the DPC Secretary withexpertisein public sector governance, strategic communication, protocol and intergovernmental relations, and advice on legal issues and legislation. The group also provides whole of government leadership and coordination in these areas.

The group gives special attention to the institutions and systems of Westminster government, including the operation of Cabinet and the Victorian Executive Council, and relationships with the Office of the Governor, Parliament, Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission, Chief Parliamentary Counsel, the Victorian ElectoralCommissionand the Victorian Public Sector Commission.

About the Role

Key Accountabilities

• Provide thorough analysis and expert advice to the Premier, the Secretary and senior officers on a wide range of policy issues and major initiatives relating to public sector workforce policy development.
• Manage and contribute to strategic projects and policy analysis relating to the improvement of public administration and public sector workforce management in Victoria.
• Manage 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 the leadership, positive culture and continuous improvement of Cabinet and Governance Branch, including team and branch/corporate development projects
• 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.

Key selection criteria

• Policy development and design: Demonstrated policy development experience, including analysing information, assessing risks and implications, and developing effective solutions to complex policy issues.
• Influence and persuasion: Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage decision makers, respond strategically to different perspectives and interests, and achieve agreement while maintaining key objectives.
• Critical thinking and problem solving: Ability to prioritise and deliver objectives in a fast-paced environment, anticipate emerging issues and risks, and develop practical solutions.
• Written communication: Highly developed written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise briefs and correspondence on complex and sensitive issues for different audiences.
• Flexibility and adaptability: Ability to work independently in a dynamic and complex environment, adapt to changing priorities, embrace new ideas and approaches, and navigate ambiguity.
• Tertiary qualification in public policy, employment relations or law would be an advantage.

This is a fixed term position available until 30 June 2027. This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Applications close Tuesday 27 October 2026 at 11.59pm

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.