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/721134
About the role:
This position is a Fixed-Term, Full-time role from 19 January 2026 to 19 January 2027.
The Senior Policy Officer, Reform Design and Delivery, will support the identification, development and implementation of initiatives to reform the planned care systems (planned surgery and specialist care), whilst building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders who represent a workforce, consumer and government lens. Specifically, this position will contribute to specialist care system reform through supporting sector engagement and drafting the reform strategy. The position will also contribute to the implementation of Planned Surgery Reform Blueprint and supporting non-surgical pathway initiatives.
Demonstrating relevant experience and expertise in health systems, government processes, stakeholder consultation, policy design, and program implementation, this role will provide the opportunity to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and impart enduring reform in the healthcare sector.
To be successful in this role you will be a high performing team member comfortable working in complex policy spaces, with strong skills in policy development, written and verbal communication, analysis and problem-solving, project management and product development. The role requires someone who is a proactive self-starter with a strong understanding of government processes and an ability to lead work in a complex, sensitive and fast-paced environment. You are diligent, have high levels of adaptability, and are able to build positive relationships with stakeholders.
Please view position description for futher 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 motivated Senior Policy Officer to contribute to the development and delivery of high-quality public policy initiatives that support the health and wellbeing of Victorians.
In this role, you will apply strong policy expertise to analyse complex issues, develop practical and evidence-based recommendations, and clearly communicate policy options and implications to senior decision-makers. You will keep abreast of emerging trends and challenges across the health sector and identify opportunities to shape responsive and sustainable policy outcomes.
Your ability to manage projects effectively will be essential. You will plan, coordinate, and deliver initiatives within defined timeframes, monitor performance, and proactively manage risks to ensure objectives are met. You will engage and collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, building strong and constructive relationships to achieve shared goals and outcomes.
The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent problem-solving and written communication skills, producing clear, accurate, and well-structured documents, briefs, and reports. You will be skilled at analysing issues from multiple perspectives, identifying practical solutions, and evaluating their effectiveness to support continuous improvement.
A systems-thinking approach is vital, enabling you to recognise linkages, trends, and dependencies across programs, organisations, and communities, and to translate this understanding into effec tive policy and program advice.
This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic policy professional who thrives in complex environments and is passionate about improving public health outcomes. Join us and help shape policies that make a lasting difference to the health of all Victorians.
Desirable
On a personal level, the candidate will be analytical, creative, and detail-oriented, demonstrating strong conceptual thinking and the ability to generate innovative solutions. They will plan and organise work effectively, seek and act on feedback to enhance self-awareness, and collaborate respectfully and constructively with others to achieve shared goals.
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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