Senior Policy Advisor

• Salary: $113,022 – $136,747 plus superannuation
• Fixed term role: until November 2027
• Usual hours of work: Full-time (flexibility may be available)
• Usual work location: 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne CBD (flexibility may be available)

This is a prioritised position for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in accordance with the Special Measures provision of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given priority consideration for this role.

The Role

As the Senior Policy Advisor in the Aboriginal Economic Development Branch, you will be responsible for providing authoritative policy advice based on robust research to strengthen Aboriginal economic development and industry engagement. The role requires strong policy skills, highly developed research and analytical skills, demonstrated government experience and excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Main Accountabilities:

• Provide authoritative policy advice and deliver key projects supporting implementation of the Yuma Yirramboi Strategy.
• Develop research and policy programs and promote opportunities through partnerships with Aboriginal communities, government, industry and the private sector.
• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships across government and Aboriginal stakeholder groups to inform economic development opportunities.
• Prepare high-quality briefs, reports and submissions for Ministers and Executive on complex issues.

The Team

This position sits within the Aboriginal Economic Development Branch (AED) in the Economic Policy, Programs and Services Group (EPPS).

The EPPS Group supports delivery of sustainable economic development and employment growth for Victoria, providing leadership in policy design, research, analysis, project management and evaluation. The AED Branch supports First Peoples self-determination by leading employment and economic development initiatives, coordinating engagement with the Yuma Yirramboi Council, and supporting culturally informed practice across the department and whole of government.

About You

You will be a strategic thinker and exceptional communicator, capable of providing timely, high-quality information, building and managing strong stakeholder relationships, and translating insights into practical solutions. The role suits a collaborative team player who is highly organised, adaptable, and proactive in engaging broadly with Aboriginal communities, government and industry stakeholders.

You bring strong policy and strategic capability, with experience developing and communicating public policy options and managing complex projects. You have high-level project management skills, including planning, monitoring progress and influencing stakeholders. Your communication skills enable you to deliver clear, well-structured advice and engage effectively with diverse audiences, including Aboriginal communities and senior stakeholders.

Further Information

For a confidential discussion, please contact Kelly Lehmann, Manager, Policy, on 0460 012 375 or kelly.lehmann@ecodev.vic.gov.au.

The Department is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to taking the necessary steps to protect children from harm by adopting a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety in accordance with the Child Safe Standards.

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check prior to commencing employment with the Department.

We are committed to inclusive recruitment. If you require an adjustment to participate in any stage of the recruitment process or have a particular requirement to be communicated with by either telephone or email only, please notify the DJSIR Talent Acquisition Team on 0472 875 685, or via email at recruitment@ecodev.vic.gov.au with the position number in the subject line.

For the purpose of employment in Aboriginal Designated or Aboriginal Prioritised positions within the Victorian public sector, candidates will be asked to provide Confirmation of Aboriginality. This can be confirmed by a Confirmation of Aboriginality form signed by an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation and affixed with the common seal of that organisation. Recognising that access to formal Confirmation of Aboriginality documents can occasionally be problematic, an alternative process can be discussed by emailing firstpeoples.workforce@ecodev.vic.gov.au. 

How to Apply

Please click the ‘Apply Now' button. As part of the application process, you will need to provide a copy of your resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria outlined in the position description.

Applications close at 23:59pm on 26 January 2026.