Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: $113,022 - $136,747
Grade: VPS 5
Occupation: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: 10076
We create thriving places and connected communities. We plan, build and maintain Victoria’s transport, planning and land services. We are committed to a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace.
We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where our people can thrive and do meaningful work.
The Treaty team, First Peoples Self Determination and Reform (FPSDR) Division.
FPSDR provide leadership, culturally sound advice, and strategic direction to guide and empower staff to genuinely partner and meaningfully engage with Traditional Owners and Victorian First Peoples. The Treaty team leads and coordinates Treaty-related work across the department.
About the role
This is a fixed term position until 30 June 2027
The Senior Policy Officer plays an active role within the Treaty team, providing expert policy analysis and authoritative advice to support Victoria’s Treaty process and broader self-determination reform agenda. This includes coordinating departmental input into State negotiation positions, supporting implementation of Treaty commitments, and ensuring alignment with related First Peoples policy initiatives.
Working in a complex and dynamic environment, the role collaborates closely with teams across the Division, the department and portfolio agencies, as well as Treaty counterparts in other departments. The Senior Policy Officer prepares high-quality briefings and strategic materials for senior executives and contributes to a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to advancing Treaty and First Peoples policy priorities.
What we’re looking for
Policy Design & Development: Demonstrated ability to design and communicate clear, evidence-based policy options and business cases, with strong analytical skills to define problems, set objectives and align proposals to strategic and community priorities.
Stakeholder Management: Proven skills in building and sustaining effective stakeholder relationships, identifying shared interests and responding to underlying needs to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Influence & Persuasion: Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to adapt style and messaging to diverse audiences, anticipate objections and gain support for key initiatives.
Partnering & Co-Creation: Ability to collaborate with users and subject matter experts to co-design, test and refine policies or programs, ensuring informed and timely decision-making.
Project Delivery: Sound project management skills, including planning, coordinating and monitoring work activities, guiding others and taking corrective action to deliver agreed outcomes.
Political & Organisational Context: Well-developed understanding of organisational dynamics, priorities and external pressures, with the ability to apply this insight to provide strategic, context-aware advice.
Click HERE to access the Position Description.
Qualifications and experience
Pre-employment checks and employment conditions
Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will be required.
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.
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.
Applications close at 11.59pm on Friday, 13 March 2026.
Please include both your resume and a cover letter addressing how your experience addresses each of the key selection criteria for the role. 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 Senior Treaty Coordinator, Andrew McKay via [email protected]
Important Information
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