Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $113,022 - $136,747
Grade: VPS 5
Occupation: Policy
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/026792C
• Salary: $124,888 – $136,747 plus superannuation
• Tenure: Ongoing
• Usual hours of work: Full time (flexibility may be available)
• Usual work location: 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne (flexibility may be available)
The Role
The Senior Policy Adviser plays a key role in delivering high-priority projects that address critical issues facing Victoria. Working within the Priority Projects Unit, you will partner with policy teams across the department to provide strategic advice, undertake complex analysis and support the delivery of priority reforms. The role requires strong critical thinking, structured problem solving and the ability to produce high-quality briefs, reports and submissions that inform executive decision-making. You will work in fast-paced project teams, manage competing priorities and build strong relationships with stakeholders to deliver outcomes for the department's clients, including the Secretary and Deputy Secretaries.
Main Accountabilities
• Provide specialist professional services and policy advice on complex issues
• Formulate policy options and recommendations to support executive decision-making
• Develop briefs on highly complex issues, contributing to the development of final options for decision
• Initiate and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Manage and lead projects to deliver priority outcomes
The Team
The position of Senior Policy Adviser forms part of the Priority Projects Branch within the Economic Policy, Programs and Services Group.
The Priority Projects Unit supports the department with strategy development and priority reforms in collaboration with relevant branches and stakeholders. The unit delivers priority projects, coordinates cross-portfolio initiatives and provides advice to the Secretary and senior executives on strategic policy issues. Working in small, multidisciplinary teams, the unit applies strong project management, structured problem solving and impactful communication to deliver high-value outcomes in fast-paced environments.
About You
You will use your strong critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities to analyse complex policy issues, evaluate options from multiple perspectives and develop practical solutions. You bring experience in policy design and development, including clearly defining problems, developing policy options and communicating recommendations in a compelling narrative for decision-makers. You also have demonstrated experience delivering complex projects, establishing governance arrangements, managing risks and coordinating stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.
Further Information
For a confidential discussion, please contact Kate Roskvist, Senior Principal Adviser at [email protected].
The Department is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to taking the necessary steps to protect children from harm by adopting a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety in accordance with the Child Safe Standards.
Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check prior to commencing employment with the Department. For further information on the position, please refer to the attached position description.
Please note: We are committed to inclusive recruitment. If you require an adjustment to participate in any stage of the recruitment process or have a particular requirement to be communicated with by either telephone or email only, p lease notify the DJSIR Talent Acquisition Team on 0472 875 685, or via email at [email protected] with the position number in the subject line.
How to Apply
Please click the ‘Apply Now' button. As part of the application process, you will need to provide a copy of your resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria outlined in the position description.
Applications close at 23:59pm on 25 March 2026.