Title:  Benchmarking and Research Advisor

About Us 

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. 
  

About the role 
The role supports transport and planning research and benchmarking to provide high-quality evidence and comparative data for policy, strategy and investment decisions. It contributes to performance monitoring, organisational learning and consistent research practices, with a focus on the relationship between land use and transport planning.

Key responsibilities include coordinating research and benchmarking activities, identifying and analysing data, managing external research partnerships, and engaging internal and external stakeholders. The role also translates research findings into clear, targeted communications and provides evidence-based advice to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
 

What we’re looking for (Selection Criteria) 

You’re someone who: 

• Communicates with impact, identifying key messages and tailoring advice, content and style to suit different audiences and decision-making needs.
• Develops high-impact reports and visualisations, translating complex information into clear insights that support strategic and executive decision-making.
• Builds strong stakeholder relationships, understanding stakeholder needs and organisational contexts to develop mutually beneficial partnerships and achieve outcomes.
• Influences and persuades effectively, gaining support for ideas and proposals by building buy-in, leveraging relationships and engaging relevant experts.
• Thinks with an outcomes focus, connecting team priorities to broader organisational strategy and demonstrating how work delivers meaningful community impact.

Click here to access the Position Description. 

Qualifications and experience 

You’ll bring: 

• Relevant qualifications or experience in planning, integrated transport and planning, or a related field (mandatory).
• Research experience, including within a university or research organisation (desirable). 

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 Monday, 31 August 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 Taru Jain, Manager Research & Benchmarking at Taru.Jain@transport.vic.gov.au.  

Redeployees

If you are a VPS redeployee, please state this in your cover letter and include your case manager’s contact details. This helps ensure your redeployment status is appropriately considered. For more information on redeployment, visit the Victorian Government policy. 

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. We're here to support you.