Senior Policy Advisor

Description:

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.
About the Division
The Early Learning Operations and Monitoring (ELOM) Division leads core funding, policy, operational and monitoring functions for funded three and four-year-old kindergarten in Victoria.
The Division consists of two branches:
* Early Learning Funding and Operations Branch
* Sector Monitoring and Support Branch
ELOM Division works closely with other divisions across Early Childhood Education, other central divisions including Performance and Evaluation Division, and early childhood staff in Regions and Areas. ELOM Division plays a key role in providing input and expertise into the planning and implementation of Best Start, Best Life reform activities as well as providing advice and support to Early Childhood Implementation Branches.
ELOM Division also works in consultation with key sector peak bodies and stakeholders.
About the Role
This is a fixed-term position, until 13th January 2026.
The Early Learning Operations Unit works across the Early Learning Funding and Operations Branch to identify and implement strategic opportunities that build on and improve current practices and ensure funding can be used as effectively as possible to drive positive outcomes for children.
Key functions of the Early Learning Operations Unit include:
* overseeing funding and policy arrangements to support a high quality, sustainable kindergarten sector that is accessible to all eligible children
* managing relationships with peak bodies and other key stakeholders
* coordination and quality assurance of internal and external reporting
* revising program guidelines in line with policy and regulatory changes and Ministerial expectations
* linking strategic policy to operational outcomes
The Senior Policy Advisor will lead a range of work relating to the design, development and implementation of strategic and operational policy for Victorian funded kindergarten services.
​Key responsibilities will of the role include:
* ​development and implementation of key policy projects for funded kindergarten, including to support the operationalisation of Best Start, Best Life reforms
* ​project management
* ​contribute to the culture of a high performing team
* ​liaising with regional offices, other Government Departments and key stakeholders
* ​prepare and source policy advice and information to support senior leaders with peak bodies, local government and the broader sector.
* ​contribute to priority projects across the Division, Early Childhood Group or the department.
​Attributes
The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator and emerging leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, adapting quickly to changing priorities while fostering collaboration and supporting others through complex challenges. They will bring strong critical thinking and policy expertise to drive meaningful outcomes and contribute to a high-performing team.
This role will be required to work collaboratively with internal, and as appropriate external, stakeholders. This includes DE Central office and Regional teams, Commonwealth Government agencies, Victorian Government Departments, local government representatives and other key community service organisations.​ The successful candidate will be a trusted collaborator who can translate complex infromation into well structured, compelling written materials and policy recommendations.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
A qualification in a related field, and knowledge of early childhood services.
Further Information
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in your 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.
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Jodie Douglas, Manager, Early Learning Operations via (03) 7005 1821 or jodie.douglas@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 on 10 April 2025.