Senior Policy Officer

About Us

We work for the people of Victoria by helping the Government achieve its strategic objectives.  We do this by supporting the Premier, the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples and the Multicultural Affairs, as well as the Cabinet. Our vision is to be recognised and respected leaders in whole-of-government policy and performance. 

DPC upholds and demonstrates the values of the VPS and is the embodiment of VPS leadership.  DPC’s values are adopted from the Public Administration Act 2004: 

• Leadership 

• Integrity 

• Responsiveness 

• Impartiality 

• Accountability 

• Respect 

• Commitment to Human Rights. 

At the Department of Premier and Cabinet, we drive meaningful outcomes delivering real impact across Government and for Victorians. As a part of a central VPS agency supporting the Premier and Portfolio Ministers, you’ll be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that values flexibility and innovation.

About the Group

The Public Administration group supports the Victorian Government and the DPC Secretary with expertise in public sector governance, strategic communication, protocol and intergovernmental relations, and advice on legal issues and legislation. The group also provides whole of government leadership and coordination in these areas.   

The group gives special attention to the institutions and systems of Westminster government, including the operation of Cabinet and the Victorian Executive Council, and relationships with the Office of the Governor, Parliament, Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission, Chief Parliamentary Counsel, the Victorian Electoral Commission and the Victorian Public Sector Commission.

About the Role

The Public Sector Workforce team provides policy advice to the Premier and senior executives on whole-of-government workforce management issues for Victoria’s public servants and public sector employees, including executive employment and remuneration matters, and supports the work of the Victorian Public Sector Commission.

This is a unique opportunity to do interesting and important work to support the effectiveness of the Victorian public sector. There will also be opportunities to contribute to the longer-term strategic projects.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide thorough analysis and expert advice to the Premier, the Secretary and senior officers on a wide range of policy issues and major initiatives relating to public sector workforce policy development.
• Manage and contribute to strategic projects and policy analysis relating to the improvement of public administration and public sector workforce management in Victoria.
• Manage and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders within and beyond DPC, providing clear and useful advice and accurately representing the department’s views.
• Contribute to the leadership, positive culture and continuous improvement of Cabinet and Governance Branch, including team and branch/corporate development projects
• Other duties as directed that are not listed in the position description, but which are consistent with a position of this grade and skills requirement.

Key selection criteria

1. Policy development and design: Demonstrated policy development experience, including analysing information, assessing risks and implications, and developing effective solutions to complex policy issues.

2. Influence and persuasion: Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage decision makers, respond strategically to different perspectives and interests, and achieve agreement while maintaining key objectives.

3. Critical thinking and problem solving: Ability to prioritise and deliver objectives in a fast-paced environment, anticipate emerging issues and risks, and develop practical solutions.

4. Written communication: Highly developed written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise briefs and correspondence on complex and sensitive issues for different audiences.

5. Flexibility and adaptability: Ability to work independently in a dynamic and complex environment, adapt to changing priorities, embrace new ideas and approaches, and navigate ambiguity.

Desirable requirements

• Tertiary qualification in public policy, employment relations or law would be an advantage.

This is a fixed term position available until 30 June 2027. This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

For more information, please see the Position Description.

How to apply 

Apply before the advertised closing date 11:59pm on Tuesday, 27 October 2026. 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. DPC 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 DPC can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.