Early Childhood Performance And Planning Advisor

Description:

This role is 0.5 FTE, fixed term from 28th May 2025 – 4th July 2026
About the Department
The role of the Department of Education is to support Victorians to build prosperous, socially engaged, happy and healthy lives. It does this by supporting lifelong learning and healthy development, strengthening families and helping to equip people with the skills and knowledge for a 21st century economy and society.
About the Group
Schools and Regional Services (SRS) offers central, regional, and local expertise to enhance learning and development outcomes, supported by a diverse and geographically dispersed workforce. It comprises 17 areas within 4 regions, backed by 5 central office divisions, all collaborating to deliver improved outcomes for early childhood services, schools, communities, and learners, in line with Education State commitments. SRS regions serve as a bridge between the central office, schools, and service providers, ensuring smooth transitions for learners and achieving the department's ambitious targets. Each region includes divisions specialising in school performance, student wellbeing and early childhood support, working with area-based teams to tailor local interventions and practices. The 17 areas provide crucial insights into local trends and issues, facilitating effective policy and program development and driving child and learner outcomes across all services and programs.
This role is located in the Early Childhood Improvement Branch, Barwon Area, South-Western Victoria Region, SRS. The Early Childhood Improvement Branch implements key government Early Childhood policy, initiatives, reforms, and strategies at a local level.
About the Role
The Senior Early Childhood Performance & Planning Advisor has a focus on ensuring that all children and families have access to, and participate in, high quality early childhood education and care. The role builds partnerships with key stakeholders, provides advice and support to local government, community service organisations and early childhood providers. A key responsibility of the role is managing service agreements between the Department of Education and funded organisations. The role will require high-level interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills, along with experience in project management.
The role may lead and supervise a team of Performance & Planning Advisors and be required to clearly define role expectations, monitor performance, provide timely and constructive feedback and facilitate employee development to further enhance their contribution to the area team.
Attributes
To be successful in this role the ideal candidate will have the following attributes and capabilities:
* Ability to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to provide innovative solutions to complex issues
* Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
* Excellent data analysis and written communication skills
* Strong project management skills
* People management experience
* Ability to work proactively and collaboratively within a team
Qualifications and Experience
* Desirable: A relevant tertiary qualification in Early Childhood education or a related discipline.
The successful applicant will be required to provide a current Working with Children Check.
How to Apply
Applications should include:
* a resume and
* a cover letter that outlines why you are suitable for the role with reference to the requirements of the role, attributes and Key Selection Criteria (no more than three pages)
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.
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Danielle Cogley, A/Manager, Early Childhood Improvement Branch, Western Melbourne Area via danielle.cogley@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 May 7th, 2025