Title:  Senior Policy Officer

About the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC)

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 Minister for Multicultural Affairs, as well as the Cabinet. Our vision is to be recognised and respected leaders in whole-of-government policy and performance.

The Land Justice Unit within the First Peoples – State Relations Group in DPC is seeking a talented and passionate Senior Policy Officer, to work on the Victorian Government’s nation leading work with First Peoples. The Land Justice Unit leads the Government’s negotiation and implementation of agreements under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic) (TOS Act) which resolve claims made under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).Reporting to the Manager, Traditional Owner Outcomes, as the Senior Policy Officer you will work closely with departments and Traditional Owner groups to successfully negotiate and implement agreements. You will analyse complex information, propose options to resolve impasses, form strong, respectful relationships and provide high quality written reports and briefings. Infrequent after-hours work and travel from Melbourne may be required. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

About you 

As our ideal candidate you will have: 

• Knowledge of native title, land rights, or equivalent processes and the broad issues affecting Victorian Traditional Owner groups and the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Victorian Traditional Owner groups and their representatives.
• Demonstrated policy skills, including analysing and critically evaluating information and assessing the potential implications and risks of proposed policy options.
• Demonstrated ability to manage the realisation of project and/or program benefits and outcomes through implementation and delivery phases.
• Highly developed interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, provide clear and accurate advice on processes and policies, as well as work effectively with, influence and negotiate with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. This includes the ability to prepare complex briefs, letters and other written products using clear, concise and grammatically correct language. Additionally, the ability to translate complex technical concepts clearly and in an engaging manner to a non-technical audience.

There are two Ongoing, full-time positions available.

For more details regarding this position, please see attached position description for the key selection criteria to address in application.

How to apply

Apply before the advertised closing date 11:59 pm on Thursday 19th March 2026. All applications should include:

• a resume
• a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within two pages)

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Other relevant information

The department is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act), to support this DPC has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DPC employees be fully vaccinated. 

Preferred candidates will be required to complete a Pre-employment Declaration and Consent form. Employment of successful candidates will be subject to a National Police Check.

DPC actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with disabilities. All roles at DPC can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.