Title:  Manager

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. 

The Treaty Negotiations and Strategy Branch within the Office of the Secretary in the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) is seeking talented and passionate individuals committed to progressing the Victorian Government’s nation leading work with First Peoples. This is a unique opportunity to work in new and innovative ways that recognise First Peoples as the self-determining drivers of Aboriginal affairs in Victoria. This role will contribute to ground-breaking work in the areas of truth, Treaty, self-determination and cultural rights.   

This is to back-fill leave arrangements in an existing position in Treaty Negotiations and Strategy branch. 

The Manager will work within the Treaty Negotiations and Strategy branch to lead key components of the State’s response to First Peoples’ Treaty aspirations through critical policy advice and people management. 

The successful candidate will take on management of a team within the Treaty Negotiations and Strategy branch.  Responsibilities will include commissioning, review and guidance to achieve high quality products (briefings, Cabinet Submissions, presentations, research papers, positions, draft agreements, project administration) along with team building, staff professional development and capacity strengthening.

Reporting to the Lead Negotiator, the successful applicant will possess strong leadership, as well as strategic policy and communication skills, and the ability to apply these skills in ground-breaking areas of treaty negotiation and strategy for the state of Victoria. You will be experienced in people management, confident in managing complex projects and leading whole-of-government reform, as well as providing high quality strategic advice. Key stakeholders will include the Minister for First Peoples, Premier, Cabinet and senior executives on Treaty and other related matters. 

The Office of the Secretary recognises the invaluable contribution of existing Aboriginal staff and is committed to promoting Aboriginal leadership within the department. The Office welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and strongly encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people interested in this position to apply.  

About you 

As our ideal candidate you will have: 

• A demonstrated ability to coordinate and lead a team of diverse policy advisers to deliver high quality, strategic, clear, evidence-based and solution-focussed policy advice and work outputs for the branch and departmental senior executives, Ministers and the Premier.  

• A demonstrated ability to initiate, manage and maintain close liaison and effective relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders, including First Nations representatives, and counterparts in other jurisdictions, and represent the Branch in cross-departmental discussions and other forums. 

• Proficiency in leading and managing a high performing team which is grounded in a current and deep understanding of systemic State interactions with marginalised or vulnerable groups, to develop and deliver negotiation positions, legal and policy outcomes which provides innovative and effective solutions without precedence. 

• A highly developed ability to effectively supervise, with a high level of autonomy, a whole-of-government approach to Treaty in Victoria, by leading a team of policy officers engaged in stakeholder engagement to ensure opportunities to progress Treaty are realised and ensuring stakeholder discussions and forums are effective and productive.     

• A demonstrated ability to lead a culturally safe, positive and collaborative organisational culture, supportive of learning and development, innovation and continuous improvement in a dynamic environment.    
• The ability to deliver duties and represent the State’s interests in negotiations with stakeholders and/or Treaty Bodies, in accordance with the Treaty Guiding Principles, and public service obligations to act in the public interest and support the government of the day. 

This is Fixed Term, Full-Time position until 26 February 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 Sunday 5th July 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