Policy Adviser in Melbourne

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria – Melbourne VIC

The First Peoples Self Determination (FPSD) Division provides leadership, culturally sound advice, and strategic direction to guide and empower staff to partner and engage with Traditional Owners and Victorian First Peoples.

[If you identify as Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, please apply. We’ll give you priority consideration, as per the Special Measures provision of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. ]

About the role

This is a fixed-term position until 30 June 2027.

Join a team driving meaningful reform and supporting First Peoples self-determination across Victoria. As a Policy Adviser, you will contribute to strategic initiatives that support Closing the Gap commitments, the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework, and key portfolio priorities. Working within the Policy and Reform team, you will undertake research and analysis, develop policy advice, prepare briefings, and help shape policy options. You will engage with Traditional Owner groups, First Peoples communities, government agencies, and internal stakeholders, building strong relationships and delivering high-quality outcomes in a complex and fast-paced environment while advancing positive change across Victoria’s transport and planning portfolio.

Some of your accountabilities will include:

• Undertake research and policy analysis
• Prepare draft briefings, correspondence, submissions, and supporting materials
• Contribute to the development and review of policy options.
• Apply knowledge of policy concepts to defined tasks and contributes to the application of these concepts in new situations, working under the guidance of more senior team members on complex matters.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Traditional Owners, to support engagement, consultation, and partnership activities.
• Coordinate assigned project tasks and contributes to team workplans, monitoring progress against agreed timeframes and escalating issues where required

Whatwe’relooking for

We are looking for someone who can research, analyse information and help develop practical policy solutions. You will have strong written communication skills, with the ability to prepare briefs, reports and policy advice that is tailored to different audiences. You can build positive working relationships, collaborate with a range of stakeholders and work effectively as part of a team.

You will also be able to plan and manage your work, coordinate tasks, meet deadlines and adapt when priorities change. A commitment to continuous improvement is important, along with a willingness to share ideas, seek feedback and contribute to better ways of working. Experience working collaboratively with stakeholders to understand needs, gather insights and support informed decision-making will be highly regarded.

Qualifications and experience

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Victorian First Peoples cultures and societies, including Traditional Owner groups (mandatory).
• Knowledge of native title, land rights, or equivalent processes and/or knowledge of planning policy, Victoria’s planning system and the broad issues affecting Victorian Traditional Owner groups (desirable).
• Experience contributing to policy research, analysis, briefings or projects in a government, community, or comparable setting (desirable).
• Relevant tertiary qualification would be well regarded (desirable).

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will berequired.

Applicants must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a valid visa or work permit that allows them to undertake the position.

Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.

For further information about the role, contact Principal Policy Advisers: Hilary Willams at ***************@transport.vic.gov.au

VPS Redeployees

If you are a VPS redeployee, please state this in your cover letter and include your case manager’s contact details so your redeployment status can be appropriately considered.

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