Description:
About us
The Department of Government Services (DGS) was established on 1 January 2023 to improve everyone's experience of doing business and interacting with the Victorian government. We bring important day-to-day services together in one department to make things easy and seamless for Victorians and businesses. We are doing this by connecting and digitising our systems and platforms across state and local government as well as streamlining our corporate and procurement services.
About the role
The Senior Policy Officer will contribute to the timely development and implementation of high-quality legislative and regulatory reform proposals, legal policy advice on a range of complex matters, drafting submissions, guidance, strategies and other policy documents.
The Senior Policy Officer will apply sound knowledge of relevant statutory frameworks to provide critical analysis and input to Cabinet processes and major DGS reforms from a Consumer Affairs perspective. To be successful in this role, you will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to liaise across DGS and with stakeholders and the ability to manage multiple tasks with limited supervision.
The Senior Policy Officer role provide authoritative policy advice informed by strategic thinking and analysing relevant evidence, supported by targeted stakeholder engagement and sound project management. The position performs a key role in assisting teams in the development of Cabinet submissions on policy and legislative issues related to the Housing Statement and the development of other regulations and legislative instruments.
In this role, the combination of contributing to a supportive, high-performing team culture and assisting colleagues and managers is crucial. Strong interpersonal skills and a dedicated commitment to collaboration are fundamental in successfully delivering the position's objectives.
Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to collaboration are essential in the delivery of the position's purpose.
About you
To be considered for the role, you must be able to demonstrate:
- E xperience in providing strategic and legal policy advice in a government context on complex and sensitive matters.
- Demonstrated expertise in formulating policy and in drafting regulations, legislative instruments and other legislative options and advice.
- Experience in developing Cabinet and Parliamentary documents, including Legislative Impact Assessments and/or Regulatory Impact Statements, that align with government priorities
- Proficiency in the use and application of project management methodologies and tools to oversee complex legislation, regulations, reviews, programs and/or projects
- A bility to work collaboratively, foster a positive work culture, build relationships, and communicate with influence.
- Ability to effectively communicate, build relationships, and consult with relevant internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
Mandatory requirements
- A tertiary qualification in law, or other relevant qualifications from a recognised tertiary institution is desirable
- Knowledge of government legal policy, legislative and regulatory frameworks, requirements and processes is desirable
Key accountabilities
- Develop policy and legislative reforms in relation to the Housing Statement and consumer property and fair-trading legislation and regulations.
- Provide high quality, authoritative and comprehensive advice to the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Ministerial office, the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Executives and Senior Officers on policy issues arising in Regulation Policy
- Manage designated projects and activities to deliver statutory reviews, develop evidence-based reform proposals, undertake research and public consultations, and analyse and evaluate public policy options to address consumer and fair-trading issues and deliver on government priorities.
- Prepare or assist in the preparation of Cabinet submissions, Parliamentary documents, reports, briefing and options papers, Legislative Impact Assessments and/or Regulatory Impact Statements, regulations, legislative instruments and correspondence for a variety of audiences, including responding to letters received by Ministers.
- Initiate, manage and maintain effective relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders.
- Effectively negotiate and liaise at senior levels in both public and private sectors when undertaking public policy development or review projects.
For specific responsibilities please review the attached position description.
This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.
How to apply
Apply before the advertised closing date 11:59pm on 1 st June 2025. All applications should include:
- a resume; and
- a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages)
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 DGS has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DGS 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.
DGS 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 DGS can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.