Title:  Senior Policy Officer

Requisition ID:  7459
Work Type:  Ongoing Full Time
Fixed Term Period:  Not Applicable
Location:  Melbourne - CBD
Date Posted:  23 Jul 2025

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.

Network Design and Integration delivers transport priorities through the planning, development and maintenance of an integrated pipeline of projects and strategic initiatives that provide safe, efficient and sustainable outcomes to all Victorians.

Road Safety Victoria (RSV) is a Division the Department of Transport within the Network Design and Integration Group. RSV is responsible for leading the Victorian Government to achieve Zero road fatalities by 2050.

RSV has policy ownership, which includes research, analysis, policy development and evaluation functions that connect to regulatory and reform functions within the Department to deliver updates as required to the Road Safety Act 1986.

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

The Senior Policy Officer is responsible for undertaking policy development, project management and stakeholder engagement on specific initiatives in relation to government policies, objectives and priorities for Road Safety, with an emphasis on road user behaviour, safe access to the network, and licensing. Drawing on current research evidence and working closely with key stakeholders, the Senior Project and Policy Officer also provides specialist advice on the identification, development, implementation and evaluation of road safety policies and initiatives related to road user behaviour, safe access to the network, and licensing.  The ideal applicant will have a track record in developing and delivering successful complex projects in a road safety, public health or similar field.

To access the Position Description, please click here.

 

Position Outcomes / Accountabilities

  • Lead the development and implementation of significant road safety policies, programs and initiatives, and provide expert information, advice and recommendations on a range of road safety issues – particularly with regard to driver behaviour and licensing.
  • Apply well developed specialist skills to identify emerging issues and provide expert advice to senior management, other Government Departments, and DoT business areas on a broad range of road safety issues.
  • Exercise independent judgment to ensure projects are adequately researched, scoped, delivered and evaluated, and manage the preparation of relevant reports, including reporting key project milestones to the team leader.
  • Apply well developed specialist skills to identify emerging issues relating to road safety, and through regulation, promotion and education improve safe access to the system by all road users.
  • Negotiate with and influence key stakeholders to develop and maintain effective working relationships in order to develop and implement new road safety initiatives.

 

Key Selection Criteria

The DTP is seeking a highly skilled policy professional with demonstrated experience in developing impactful policies, solving complex problems, and delivering strategic projects that align with broader government initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess strong stakeholder engagement, communication, and influencing skills, with a proven ability to navigate sensitive topics and drive positive outcomes. A systems thinker and resilient team player, you will thrive in collaborative environments and contribute to a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

 

Qualifications and Experience

  • A tertiary qualification in the behavioural sciences or a related field (mandatory).
  • Project management experience (mandatory).
  • Experience working in the public sector (desirable).
  • Experience in project and policy development preferably in the road safety, public sector policy, social research or public health areas (desirable).

 

Culture Value 

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds representing the community that we serve, including veterans, parents, carers, First Peoples, people with disability, multicultural, multifaith and LGBTIQA+ individuals. 

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture. Through shared actions and behaviours aligned with our strategy and direction, we empower our people to thrive and meaningfully contribute to the department’s goals. 

 

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 Services
  • A hybrid working model focused on collaboration and teamwork
  • Optimal work-life balance initiatives including flexible working arrangements
  • Opportunity to work across multiple urban and suburban hubs
  • We prioritise the development of a safe and inclusive culture

 

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions  

All new appointments to the department will be subject to a National Criminal Records Check, Misconduct Screening, and a Qualification Check where there is a requirement for a mandatory qualification. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence consistent with the requirements of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. 

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. 

Non-VPS applicants will be subject to a probation period of six months. 

 

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.

If you encounter any issues, refer to our Quick Reference Guide for step-by-step instructions.

 

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Thursday 07 August 2025. 

Please include both your resume and a cover letter. 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 Elvira Lazar, Manager, Road User Behaviour via Elvira_Lazar@transport.vic.gov.au

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 by phone or email. We're here to support you.