Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: $97,955 - $111,142
Grade: VPS 4
Occupation: Policy
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/DE/SSSR/1913772
This is a Fixed Term position commencing 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029
About the Role
The Policy and Program Officer will support policy and program design and implementation activities undertaken as part of the Senior Secondary Pathways Reform Division (SSPRD).
Key responsibilities will include:
Experience in the education and training sectors, particularly in the design, delivery, and support of senior secondary vocational and applied learning, is highly desirable.
The SSPRD are looking to recruit to multiple VPS4 Policy and Program Officer roles across a range of functional areas to support the SSPRD achieve outcomes in the following areas:
Career Education
Exploratory work-based learning
Senior Secondary Certificates
Vocation Education and Training
School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Support for early school leavers
Tenures are for different lengths and role dependant and subject to candidate's suitability. There will be a preference process to match suitable candidates to roles.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
A tertiary degree in a related field is desirable.
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.
The 2024 Education State priorities sets the vision for the Victorian Education System, to deliver excellence in every classroom, in every corner of the state.
About the Division
Senior Secondary Pathways Reform Division (SSPRD).
The SSPRD was established to lead a generational reform agenda in response to the 2020 Review into Vocational and Applied Learning Pathways in Senior Secondary Schooling. These reforms will collectively support all Victorian secondary students to pursue high-quality and valued vocational pathways aligned to their strengths and interests and to finish schooling with the skills and capabilities they need for success in further education, training, work, and life.
The Senior Secondary Pathways Reform agenda is a high priority for the government. The SSPRD engages regularly with the Minister for Education and critical education, training, industry and community stakeholders.
How to Apply
Candidates are requested to submit a current resume together with a statement outlining suitability to the role - no more than 2 pages.
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 p ertaining to the role, please contact the SSPRD team via senior.secondary.pathways.reform.taskforce.business.services@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 Wednesday 25 March 2026.