Title: 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.
About the Branch
DPC’s Justice Branch provides high-quality, strategic analysis and advice on justice policy issues to support the Premier and Cabinet. The Branch also contributes to the development and delivery of key policies and priority projects from a whole-of-government perspective across the justice portfolio. This includes working within the policy portfolio areas of:
- Attorney-General, including legal policy and courts
- Youth Justice
- Corrections
- Community Safey
- Violence Reduction
- Victims.
About the Role
This role provides policy advice and analysis to the Premier, the Secretary, DPC executives, and senior officers on a range of strategic issues. It requires a proactive individual with a strong understanding of government processes, excellent policy, analytical and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and sensitive environment while engaging stakeholders across government.
As part of a high-performing team, you will review policy proposals, assess the impact of government decisions, and provide advice to senior leaders. The role involves close collaboration across DPC and the broader department, including support for Social Policy initiatives. A high level of confidentiality, accuracy, and the ability to deliver quality work within tight timeframes are essential.
About You
We are seeking applicants who have demonstrated experience from the following criteria:
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to deliver clear, concise, and solutions-focused briefings on complex issues for senior stakeholders.
- Strong policy, conceptual and analytical capabilities, including the ability to synthesise and critically assess information, evaluate the implications and risks of policy proposals, and identify emerging issues and effective solutions.
- Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with government stakeholders to progress government policy and priorities and achieve successful outcomes.
- Ability to contribute to the management of time-limited projects with limited direction, including keeping aspects of projects on track, and ensuring that emerging risks are mitigated and addressed.
- Sound professional judgment, including demonstrated ability to be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities to meet deadlines while working in pressured situations, and ability to implement efficient work processes and support continuous improvement.
Desirable requirements
- Experience in government is strongly desirable.
- Experience in social policy is an advantage, but not essential.
- A Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience, in a relevant discipline.
This role is a Fixed Term, Full-Time position until 8 January 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 7 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.
