Policy Officer

Description:

About the Role
We are looking for X 2 Policy Advisors with excellent analytical and conceptual skills to contribute to key education policy projects and support strategic decision-making about school reform (1 ongoing, 1 fixed term until 31 December 2025).
The Policy Advisor will:
* be an integral part of a small, friendly team working in a dynamic and sometimes fast paced environment
* undertake analysis focused on the complex system levers that drive quality school education
* produce high-quality, evidence-informed written advice, including presentations, reports and briefings
* build relationships and collaborate to ensure policy recommendations are informed by diverse perspectives and are supported by our key partners
* support project leads on the development and implementation of school policy, regulation and legislation reform, and responses to Parliamentary committee reports.
The Education Policy and Reform Division focuses on solving problems with creative and practical solutions, considering the bigger picture. We communicate complex problems and solutions with clarity and simplicity, in ways suited to each audience.
The division has 2 branches - the Education Policy and Reform branch and the Regulatory Reform and Projects branch. Both branches have a current vacancy. Placement of the ongoing and fixed-term role will be determined at the end of the recruitment process, with consideration of the successful candidates' skills and experience.
Both roles will sit within high-performing teams that are supportive and passionate about driving policy reform which will improve outcomes for young people. We support, coach and encourage colleagues in their work and career development, and contribute to fun and high-performing environment.
Attributes
We're seeking a dynamic and committed staff member who embodies the department's 'CORE Values'.
Your ability to produce effective written communication, build strong stakeholder relationships and identify innovative solutions to complex problems will be key to the success of this role.
This role would suit an experienced or aspiring Policy Advisor who enjoys working in a dynamic and high-profile environment and is prepared to take initiative and adapt to changing work priorities.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
The ideal candidate will have superior writing skills, a proven ability to respond quickly, take initiative and have sound interpersonal and stakeholder management abilities. While the position does not require detailed knowledge of the school system, this would be advantageous, as would prior experience in policy development or advice, data analysis, regulation/legislation and implementation design and planning.
About the Group and Team
The Policy Advisers are part of the high performing Education and Policy Reform Division within the Strategy and Secondary School Reform Group. EPRD are the driving force behind the strategic policy direction of the Department of Education, focusing on enhancing the learning, wellbeing, and development of school-aged children and young people. Our team supports high-level decision-making processes, aiding senior executives, ministers, and various governance bodies with expert policy advice and strategic insights.
We lead the way in setting the direction for Victorian education reform. Leveraging research and evidence, we tackle complex policy issues to secure the best outcomes for students. Our work involves crafting strategic policies, reform directions and initiatives thorough research, consultation, collaboration, planning and high-quality briefing to decision-makers ensuring everything we do supports departmental and government-wide goals.
The Strategy and Secondary School Reform Group will strengthen and expand existing senior secondary reforms to include the early years of secondary school while continuing a clear focus on intergovernmental relations, performance and evidence, and Education State strategy
About the Department
The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.
The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.
How to apply
So, what now?
If this sounds like you, and a team that you would like to join, please apply. Your application needs to include a resume and a cover letter (max 2 pages) that responds clearly but succinctly to the key selection criteria outlined in the position description. Please note in your application whether you are interested in both the ongoing and fixed term roles, or 1 specifically.
Full, part-time and job-share arrangements will be considered.
For a confidential conversation about the roles, please contact Kathryn Hilt, Manager, 03 7022 1746.
Further Information
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.
The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page
Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.
Applications close 11:59pm Friday 21 March 2025