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. Learn new skills, build meaningful connections and thrive alongside passionate colleagues united by a shared purpose.

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 Safety
• Victim Support.   

 About the Role

An exciting opportunity exists for a talented and passionate individual to join the Justice Branch in DPC, providing high-quality policy advice and analysis to the Premier, the Secretary, DPC executives and other senior officers across a range of issues within the justice portfolio, with a focus on Youth Justice, Corrections and Community Safety.

The role requires a proactive self-starter with strong knowledge of government processes, policy, analysis and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a complex, sensitive and fast-paced environment.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide clear, practical advice and reports to senior government leaders, assess the impact of major initiatives, monitor policies and programs to improve efficiency and achieve government priorities, and prepare well-informed responses to sensitive correspondence with discretion and confidentiality.
• Undertake policy analysis and coordination to inform the development of policy and specific projects within defined areas, including leading short-term policy projects as needed and managing timeframes and resourcing.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders across DPC and government, particularly DJCS and Treasury and Finance, to influence outcomes, negotiate effectively and represent DPC in interdepartmental forums.
• Contribute to the leadership of the branch, promoting a culture that supports cultural safety, learning and development, innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.

About You

We are seeking applicants who have demonstrated experience from the following criteria:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to express policy advice, complex information and key points clearly and concisely to achieve their purpose and meet audience needs.
• Demonstrated policy skills, including analysing and critically evaluating information and the potential implications and risks of proposed policy options, and keeping up-to-date with a broad range of contemporary issues.
• Sound conceptual and analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to synthesise information from a range of sources and events, including from outside own area of responsibility.
• A proven track record of successfully managing competing priorities by being flexible and adaptable, to meet deadlines while working in pressured situations

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

For more information, please see the  Position Description.docx

How to apply 

Apply before the advertised closing date 11:59pm on 04/11/2026. All applications should include:  

·       a resume; and  

·       a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within two 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.