Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: $113,022 - $136,747
Grade: VPS 5
Occupation: Other
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/HHS/720963
About the role:
This is a Fixed-Term, Full-time role from 12 January 2026 to 12 January 2027.
The Senior Policy Adviser, Child Health Equity, contributes to the development of evidence-based child health policy and reform initiatives for the delivery of person-centred and integrated care within and across health services, community and social service providers. The team focusses on system improvement and reform that promotes and enhances equity and improves outcomes for vulnerable children and young people. A focus of this role will support the implementation of Victorian government investments for Children's Health and Wellbeing Locals and the Pathway to Good Health program to deliver health support for children in the child protection system.
The role requires strong project management skills, collaboration across government departments and the health sector to guide policy development and stakeholder communications, and where relevant, successful development and implementation of reform initiatives.
Please review the position description for further information about the role.
About us:
At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.
We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all.
About you:
The Department of Health is seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Policy Adviser to shape and deliver high-quality policy initiatives that strengthen Victoria's health system and improve outcomes for the community.
In this role, you will provide expert policy advice and analysis on complex issues, drawing on your understanding of emerging trends and system interconnections. You will develop and communicate sound policy options and recommendations, ensuring advice is evidence-based, practical, and aligned with departmental priorities.
You will lead and manage projects from conception to completion, establishing clear objectives, milestones, and performance measures. Strong planning and organisational skills will enable you to manage multiple priorities, assess risks, and deliver outcomes within timeframes. Your ability to collaborate across teams and with external stakeholders will be essential to achieving coordinated and effective policy responses.
The successful candidate will be a skilled problem-solver who can evaluate information from diverse sources, identify workable solutions, and adapt approaches based on results. Exceptional written communication is vital, as you will prepare briefs, reports, and correspondence that are clear, persuasive, and tailored to their audience.
You will demonstrate a systems-thinking mindset, recognising patterns, linkages, and dependencies across the broader health landscape to inform policy design and implementation.
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated professional with strong policy expertise and leadership skills to contribute to initiatives that make a meaningful difference to the health and wellbeing of Victorians.
Mandatory
On a persona l level, the candidate will demonstrate integrity, self-awareness, and strong analytical and creative thinking skills. They will approach challenges with innovation and sound judgment, work collaboratively and respectfully with others, and act with fairness, professionalism, and commitment to the public interest.
What we offer:
How to apply:
Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the ‘Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date.
We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at [email protected]. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.
If you have any queries in relation to recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email [email protected]. Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly.
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