Senior Policy Officer

Salary: $116,413 - $140,849 plus superannuation

Fixed term / Ongoing role: Ongoing

Usual hours of work: Full time (flexibility may be available)

Usual work location: 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne (flexibility may be available)

The Role

We are looking for a highly skilled and collaborative Senior Policy Officer to lead a diverse range of projects supporting the delivery of Local Jobs First. The role supports the day-to-day operation of the Local Jobs First Policy and provides high-level policy advice to senior management, the Executive, the Minister and a range of industry stakeholders. With a strong focus on the effective implementation of significant reforms to the Local Jobs First Act 2003, the role requires strong analytical and conceptual skills, excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and project management capabilities. Experience understanding legislation and regulatory frameworks, along with an adaptable and collaborative approach, will be highly valued.

Main Accountabilities:

• Formulate policy options and advice.
• Provide advice and analysis that influences policy development.
• Apply complex concepts to policy development or research.
• Initiate and maintain relationships with peer and senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage and lead projects.

The Team

The position of Senior Policy Officer forms part of the Industry Development, Construction, Manufacturing and Talent Branch within the Industry, Trade and Investment Group.

The Industry, Trade and Investment Group works closely with businesses locally and globally to grow Victorian jobs, drive innovation and increase Victoria's international competitiveness. The Group develops Victoria's priority sectors, boosts trade activities, enhances productivity and contributes to economic growth.

The Industry Development, Construction, Manufacturing and Talent Branch is responsible for shaping and ensuring the delivery of the Victorian Government's industry development agenda. The Branch develops policies and delivers programs that drive sustainable economic growth and workforce inclusion, including creating opportunities for local SMEs and employees to participate in government projects and supporting strategic industry sectors, productivity and workforce outcomes.

About You

You will have demonstrated experience formulating and communicating public policy options and recommendations, including developing clear policy narratives, problem definitions and objectives. You will understand how policy impacts strategic plans, community needs and complementary programs and policies across the service. You will also be able to identify and respond to stakeholders' underlying needs, using an understanding of their organisational context to achieve outcomes.

Further Information

For a confidential discussion, please contact Leslie Sorensen, Manager Local Jobs First Policy, on leslie.sorensen@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.

For further information on the position, please refer to the attached position description.

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 with 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 23:59pm on 10 September 2026.