Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $138,631 - $185,518
Grade: VPS 6
Occupation: Policy
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: 9975
About the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC)
We work for the people of Victoria by helping the Government achieve its strategic objectives. We do this by supporting the Premier, the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples and the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, as well as the Cabinet. Our vision is to be recognised and respected leaders in whole-of-government policy and performance.
About Us
The Treaty Negotiations and Strategy Branch within the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) is seeking talented and passionate individuals committed to progressing the Victorian Government’s nation leading work with First Peoples. This is a unique opportunity to work in new and innovative ways that recognise First Peoples as the self-determining drivers of Aboriginal affairs in Victoria. These roles will contribute to the ground-breaking work in the areas of truth, Treaty, self-determination and cultural rights.
The Principal Policy Officer will work within the Treaty Negotiations and Strategy branch to support the delivery of branch priorities, including the delivery of strategic advice on Treaty related matters and supporting whole-of-government Treaty reform.
This is a unique opportunity for a high performing and motivated Principal Policy Officer to work in a ground-breaking area with few precedents as the Victorian Government pursues Treaty in genuine partnership with Aboriginal Victorians. The Principal Policy Officer will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to deliver initiatives.
Reporting to the Manager, the successful applicant will possess excellent policy skills, as well as strong written and verbal communication skills and be adaptive in a dynamic work environment.
The successful applicant will take on people management within a team in the Treaty Negotiations and Strategy branch. Responsibilities will include commissioning, review and guidance to deliver high quality products (briefings, Cabinet Submissions, presentations, research papers, positions, draft agreements, project administration) along with staff professional development and capacity strengthening.
The successful applicant will be confident in managing projects and leading whole-of-government reform, as well as providing high quality strategic advice on complex policy issues to the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, the Premier, Cabinet and senior executives.
The Office of the Secretary recognises the invaluable contribution of existing Aboriginal staff and is committed to promoting Aboriginal leadership within the department. The Office welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and strongly encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people interested in this position to apply.
About you
As our ideal candidate you will have:
Desirable
For more information, please see position description
How to apply
Apply before the advertised closing date 11:59pm on Monday 9th March 2026. All applications should include:
Other relevant information
The department is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act), to support this DPC has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DPC employees be fully vaccinated.
Preferred candidates will be required to complete a Pre-employment Declaration and Consent Form. Employment of successful candidates will be subject to a National Police Check.
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. Please discuss in your interview process your preferences and individual needs.