Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: $113,022 - $136,747
Grade: VPS 5
Occupation: Policy
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: 8903
We create thriving places and connected communities. We bring together transport, planning, land use, precinct and policy functions in a single department to deliver the best outcomes for Victorians.
Together with our portfolio agencies, we are responsible for planning, building, operating and +maintaining Victoria’s transport, planning and land services for use by all.
We foster a safe, inclusive and constructive place to work.
Housing, Building and Land Delivery drives balanced urban growth by delivering zoned land for housing, jobs and infrastructure in State-led areas, a pipeline of government-owned land for development, and an improved building system.
About the role
*This is a Fixed Term Position until 31st March 2027*
Key Selection Criteria
The role requires an accomplished policy professional with strong influence and persuasion skills, capable of building support, shaping stakeholder views and leveraging expert input to achieve outcomes. You will demonstrate advanced capability in policy design, critical thinking and problem solving, formulating clear policy options, evaluating complex issues from multiple perspectives and delivering sustainable, high-quality solutions.
To access the Position Description, please click here.
Position accountabilitiesThe Department of Transport and Planning is seeking a highly motivated Senior Policy Officer to help shape Victoria’s regulatory and policy landscape across the building, plumbing and architecture sectors. This role offers the opportunity to lead and contribute to complex policy and regulatory projects that support government priorities and strengthen outcomes for industry and the community.
As a Senior Policy Officer, you will play a key role in developing, reviewing and evaluating innovative regulatory options. You will provide authoritative, evidence-based advice to Ministers and senior executives, ensuring all recommendations are timely, accurate and tailored to the intended audience. Your work will involve preparing high-quality reports, briefs, submissions and discussion papers on sensitive and complex matters, drawing on strong research capabilities and a clear understanding of policy, political and legal contexts.
Success in this role requires the ability to manage strong stakeholder relationships, both internal and external, to influence perspectives and support departmental objectives. You will demonstrate sound judgement when navigating contentious issues and work collaboratively across the business to deliver shared priorities. Maintaining a strong awareness of emerging issues affecting the building regulatory system, particularly proposed regulatory amendments and their implications, will be essential. You will contribute to shaping policy initiatives that deliver meaningful government outcomes, working flexibly and proactively in a fast-paced environment. A commitment to cultural safety is critical, creating respectful and inclusive spaces where people feel valued, safe and able to participate without discrimination.
If you are a strategic thinker with strong policy expertise and a passion for delivering high-quality regulatory and policy outcomes for Victoria, we encourage you to apply and help drive impactful change across the state’s built environment.
Qualifications and experience
Desirable
· A tertiary qualification in law, public policy, economics or a related discipline.
· Experience in the development and amendment of legislation and/or regulations in a State or Commonwealth public service setting.
Culture Value
We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds representing the community that we serve, including veterans, parents, carers, First Peoples, people with disability, multicultural, multifaith and LGBTIQA+ individuals.
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture. Through shared actions and behaviours aligned with our strategy and direction, we empower our people to thrive and meaningfully contribute to the department’s goals.
What we offer
Working at the Department of Transport and Planning provides people with the opportunity to contribute to creating thriving places and connected communities for all Victorians.
For further details please refer to Careers at the Department of Transport and Planning.
Pre-employment checks and employment conditions
All new appointments to the department will be subject to a National Criminal Records Check, Misconduct Screening, and a Qualification Check where there is a requirement for a mandatory qualification. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence consistent with the requirements of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.
Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.
Non-VPS applicants will be subject to a probation period of six months.
How to apply
Click the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application.
If you encounter any issues, refer to our Quick Reference Guide for step-by-step instructions.
Applications close at 11.59pm on Tuesday, 20th January 2025.
Please include both your resume and a cover letter. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we’re unable to accept email or manual submissions.
For further information about the role, please contact Belinda Tsering - Principal Policy Adviser via [email protected].
Important Information:
· If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us by phone or email. We're here to support you.