Principal Adviser

• Salary: $138,631 – $185,518 per annum (plus superannuation)
• Fixed Term up to 9 months
• Usual hours of work: Full time (flexibility may be available)
• Usual work location: 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne (flexibility may be available)

The Role

As a Principal Adviser within the Office of the Secretary, you will work as part of a small, high-performing team that supports the Secretary and senior executives to address complex and high-priority issues facing the State. The role provides expert, strategic and operational policy advice across a range of portfolios and works closely with stakeholders across the Department to support critical information flows and decision-making. This role suits an experienced and self-motivated adviser with strong judgement, excellent communication skills and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment while managing sensitive and confidential information.

Main Accountabilities

• Explain highly complex concepts, ideas and issues to executive (non-expert) audiences.
• Provide and receive highly complex, contentious or sensitive information requiring advanced negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Provide authoritative expert advice on complex issues within the functional area.
• Routinely advise senior stakeholders and senior levels of the organisation on policy issues and solutions.
• Initiate and manage negotiations with internal and external peers to gain commitment and deliver activities within timeframes.

The Team

The Principal Adviser position sits within the Office of the Secretary Group. The Office of the Secretary provides high-level advice and administrative support to the Secretary and senior leadership, and works across the Department to support the achievement of departmental objectives.

About You

You bring a collaborative approach and are skilled at building productive relationships across the organisation and with external stakeholders. You demonstrate strong critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities, considering issues beyond your immediate area of responsibility to develop sustainable solutions at senior and whole-of-government levels. You are adaptable, able to manage competing priorities, and contribute to the effective delivery of complex projects in a dynamic environment.

Further Information

For a confidential discussion, please contact Sophie Colquitt, Director, Office of the Secretary, on 0418 457 322 or sophie.colquitt@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.

Please note: 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, quoting the position number in the subject line.

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 11:59pm on 11 January 2026.