Policy Officer

About Us

The Department of Government Services (DGS) was established on 1 January 2023 to improve everyone’s experience of doing business and interacting with the Victorian government.  We bring important day-to-day services together in one department to make things easy and seamless for Victorians and businesses.  We are doing this by connecting and digitising our systems and platforms across state and local government as well as streamlining our corporate and procurement services.  

You can find out more about our Ministers, leadership and entities here: Department of Government Services. 

About the Branch/Group

The Consumer Affairs and Local Government (CALG) group is responsible for improving how customers and businesses engage with government by developing strategy, policy, regulation, and programs, while delivering efficient, customer-focused regulatory services for Victorians. Within CALG, the Portfolio Strategy, Projects and Performance Division provides strategic leadership by developing evidence-based policy and reform initiatives, delivering priority projects, and providing expertise in governance, evaluation, project management, data analysis, and econometrics. Using a systems-wide approach, the division identifies emerging trends, measures outcomes, evaluates program impacts, and supports long-term strategic planning through a flexible matrix operating model.

The Group Strategy Projects Branch supports long-term reform across the Consumer Affairs and Local Government portfolios by developing strategic direction, monitoring emerging evidence and trends, and leading system-wide reform projects aligned with government priorities. The branch combines data, economic analysis, stakeholder insights, and jurisdictional research to inform strategy, evaluate outcomes, and support decision-making. It also strengthens strategic planning across CALG by providing expertise in facilitation, ideation, and options analysis, while identifying and maintaining a pipeline of reform opportunities to improve outcomes for consumers, local government, and Victorian communities.

About the Roles

The Policy Officer roles in the Group Strategy Projects team supports the development of evidence-based policy and strategic reform across the Consumer Affairs and Local Government portfolios. The position involves researching emerging trends, analysing evidence from across jurisdictions, supporting strategic projects, developing tools and frameworks for horizon scanning, and assisting with consultation and stakeholder engagement to improve outcomes for consumers and local communities across Victoria.

Working under the guidance of the Manager and Senior Policy Officers, you will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, contribute to the communication of strategic priorities, and support projects in a dynamic, team-based environment. The role is suited to a developing policy professional with strong research, analytical, project management, or data analysis skills, an interest in public sector innovation, and a willingness to build expertise in strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based policy development.

Key Accountabilities

• Interprets and applies business plans and policies to own area of responsibility 
• Defines the appropriate methodology in the analysis of policy or research options 
• Prepares reports, briefs and correspondence on complex issues that impact at program or organisational level  
• Develops and implements operational communication and consultation strategies on specific projects 
• Researches and applies advanced theoretical knowledge in a specialised field to operational problem solving 
• Develops and implements operational policy which impacts the immediate work area  
• Contributes to strategic policy development within a specific field of expertise 

About You

We are seeking applicants who have demonstrated experience from the following criteria:

Strategic Policy and Systems Thinking – Demonstrated ability to develop evidence-based policy, apply systems thinking, analyse data and emerging issues, and contribute to strategic planning that aligns with organisational objectives and delivers long-term outcomes.

Research, Critical Thinking and Project Delivery – Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct research, evaluate evidence, develop policy options, coordinate projects, manage priorities, and deliver quality outcomes within agreed timeframes.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration – Ability to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, collaborate across teams, engage users in co-design and consultation processes, and maintain a strong customer focus to achieve meaningful outcomes.

Personal Effectiveness and Adaptability – Demonstrated resilience, flexibility, and a commitment to inclusion, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities, communicate confidently and constructively, maintain a future-focused approach, and contribute positively in a dynamic team environment.

Desirable: A tertiary qualification in public policy or a related field, with experience in data analysis being highly regarded.

These roles are an ongoing position. These positions are only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

You must be an Australian citizen, as these role require a security clearance.

For more information, please see the Position Description  

How to apply 

Apply before the advertised closing date 11:59pm on Tuesday 28 July. All applications should include:  

·       a resume; and  

·       a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages).

Other relevant information

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing role is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.  Preferred applicants will be required to undertake pre-employment screening. DGS actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. All roles at DGS can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.