Title:  Senior Policy Adviser

VPS5 $113,022 - $136,747 plus Superannuation 

Fixed term fulltime until 30 June 2026 

About Us

The Department of Transport and Planning oversees key planning, transport and land use policy decisions and management across the State. A life-cycle approach to planning, building, connecting and sustaining communities means our people can come together to improve services, deliver sustainable projects, focus on customer engagement, streamline regulatory approval pathways, facilitate community consultation and better realise local economic opportunities for more liveable communities across Victoria.

Housing, Building and Land Delivery is a Group within the Department of Transport and Planning, with the purpose to drive balanced urban growth by delivering zoned land for housing, jobs and infrastructure in State-led areas, a pipeline of government-owned land for development, and an improved building system. We do this by creating capacity zoned and available for development in designated areas, reforming the building system and building quality with a focus on consumer confidence in the building system and better design quality enabling development of government land.

Precincts is a Division within the Housing, Building and Land Delivery Group, with the purpose of translating transport and land use (visions, strategies, policies and plans) into practice.

We’re focused on outcomes that deliver more choice, connections and confidence in our travel, ensuring the whole transport network works as one to deliver better services and outcomes.

About the Role

This position is fixed term fulltime until 30 June 2026. The Arden and East Werribee team is responsible for the planning of two Priority Precincts that will support new housing and employment opportunities, consistent with government priorities.
and the role plays an important role in ensuring that the governance and policy environment for the Arden and East Werribee team and broader Precincts division runs efficiently and effectively. The Senior Policy Adviser works collaboratively with all members of the team, and more broadly across the Precincts and Precinct Delivery Divisions as well as key partners across government, ensuring a coordinated and integrated approach to precinct development and the provision of high-quality reporting and advice to government. Skills required for the Senior Policy Adviser role include the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders, undertake advanced policy research and analysis, support program governance, and preparation of briefs, reports and policy papers to communicate issues and recommendations to senior

To access the Position Description. Please click here

Position Outcomes /Accountabilities

Deliver high quality and timely advice to senior leadership on precinct policy issues.
Support precinct governance and reporting processes.
Lead development of policy options to support the planning, investment and delivery of whole-of-Victorian-Government and cross-portfolio precinct outcomes.
Draft high-quality papers, reports, briefings and correspondence, collaborating with relevant stakeholders for input.

Key Selection Criteria 

The Department of Transport and Planning is seeking a highly capable Senior Policy Adviser to join our team. This is a key opportunity to shape policy initiatives that directly impact Victoria’s transport and planning landscape. In this role, you will provide strategic advice, lead complex policy development, and support high-profile programs that influence statewide outcomes.

We are looking for someone with strong communication skills who can engage with impact, navigate sensitive topics, and convey complex ideas with clarity. Your ability to influence and persuade a broad range of stakeholders, including through indirect channels, will be essential to secure support and drive policy success. A deep understanding of stakeholder needs and the ability to build enduring, mutually beneficial relationships are crucial.

You will also demonstrate a solid grasp of project and program governance. This includes setting up and maintaining probity, lifecycle processes, and risk reporting frameworks that support accountable policy delivery. Your interpersonal skills and insight into individual motivations will be critical in achieving the best results for both people and the organisation.

If you are a strategic thinker with experience in complex policy environments and are ready to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply.

Qualifications and Experience

Mandatory

• Experience in state government decision making and processes highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience providing authoritative, high quality and timely advice on public and policy in a dynamic and complex environment.
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills, including demonstrated ability to apply multi-disciplinary analysis, quickly assimilate new concepts and information, and identify innovative solutions to complex policy issues.

Desirable

• A relevant tertiary qualification is desirable.

What we offer

Meaningful work making Victorian communities more accessible and liveable.
Professional growth and development opportunities across the department and the wider Victorian Public Service.
A hybrid working model focused on collaboration and teamwork.
Optimal work-life balance initiatives including flexible working arrangements.
We prioritise the development of a safe and inclusive culture.

Culture Value

We are an equal opportunity employer, embracing a diverse range of applicants such as veterans, and people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA community members, individuals with disabilities and/or health conditions, as well as those from varied faith and cultural backgrounds. At our department, we prioritize the development of a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture through shared actions and behaviours that align with our strategy and direction. This empowers our employees to effectively contribute to our goals.

How to Apply

Applications close 11.59PM on Monday, 16 June 2025. All Applications should include a resume and a cover letter.

For further information about the role please contact Caithleen J Jones, Director Precincts  and Investment via email caithleen.jones@transport.vic.gov.au

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know by phone or email if you need any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process. If you require the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print) due to viewing difficulties or other accessibility needs, we are happy to accommodate.

For help, click here for a Quick Reference Guide on how to apply.