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/720801
About the role:
This position is a Fixed-Term, Full-time role from 8 December 2025 until 10 April 2026.
Part of the Health Service Support and Improvement team, the Senior Program Adviser acts as the primary liaison between the Department of Health and a cohort of public hospitals and health services across metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria. The role has a strong focus on strategic engagement and proactive relationship management with health service executives and boards, to inform a deep understanding and provide advice regarding local health service needs, emerging priorities, and operational challenges.
The role is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a collaborative environment that requires systems thinking, excellent communication skills, and a drive to improve healthcare for metropolitan, regional and rural communities.
Please review 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 a highly skilled and motivated Senior Program Adviser to contribute to the design, delivery, and evaluation of key health initiatives. This role requires an innovative thinker who can navigate complexity and influence outcomes across diverse stakeholder groups.
As a Senior Program Adviser, you will apply strong conceptual and analytical skills to interpret complex issues, develop creative solutions, and connect innovative ideas to broader departmental goals. You will take a systems-based approach to policy and program development, identifying trends, challenges, and opportunities across the health landscape. Your ability to understand and define organisational systems will be critical to driving effective, sustainable change.
The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent influencing and negotiation skills, building support and consensus to achieve shared objectives. You will engage strategically with stakeholders, using a range of approaches to secure collaboration and commitment to policy and program priorities.
Strong self-management is essential in this role. You will be expected to plan and prioritise effectively to meet objectives, think strategically under pressure, and adapt thoughtfully to new challenges. Your ability to manage your own performance and anticipate the impact of your decisions will be key to your success.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping health policy and program outcomes that improve the wellbeing of communities across Victoria.
If you are an experienced professional who thrives in complex environments and is motivated by public impact, we invite you to apply and help advance the Department's vision for a healthier future.
Mandatory
A qualification in business, finance, accounting, project management and or working in government would be advantageous but not required.
Desirable
On a personal level, the candidate will be enthusiastic, committed, and proactive, demonstrating drive, initiative, and accountability in all aspects of their work. They will show flexibility under pressure, work collaboratively and respectfully with others, act with integrity and professionalism, and build strong, trusted relationships across teams and organisations.
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.
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence in line with our Privacy Policy.