Project Officer

• Salary: $97,955 - $111,142 (Plus superannuation)
• Fixed Term to 4 September 2026
• Usual hours of work: Full time (flexibility may be available)
• Usual work location: 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 (flexibility may be available)

The Role

 The Project Officer in the Contract and Grant Management team contributes to the strategic and operational engagement with training providers delivering government-subsidised training under the Skills First program. The Project officer will also support the management of a variety of grants programs, including the Reconnect program.

Working under the guidance of the senior staff, the Project Officer supports the end-to-end contracting processes for Skills First and grants programs including the provider selection process, as well as input for enrolment allocations, milestone assessment, contract variations, subcontracting and brokering arrangements. The role supports the team and branch's compliance and performance monitoring activities.

 Main accountabilities:

• Prepares reports, briefs and correspondence on complex issues that impact at program or organisational level
• Provides specialist administrative and corporate support expertise
• Conveys specialist concepts and policies to clients, staff and stakeholders
• Contributes expertise to a team working on complex projects
• Applies negotiation persuasion and motivation skills to manage staff and stakeholders
• Resolves operational service delivery problems consistent with program objectives Interprets and applies business plans and policies to own area of responsibility

The Team

 The position of Project Officer forms part of Training Operations and Assurance Branch which sits within Skills and TAFE Group. Skills and TAFE (S&T) focuses on enabling Victorians to access the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to participate in today's workforce, prepare for future jobs, and achieve their educational aspirations.

The Training Operations and Assurance (TOA) branch maintain and promote a quality training system through administration of VET Funding Contracts and grants, collaborating with providers so they understand and meet contractual and delivery expectations. Group-wide oversight of grants ensures alignment with Departmental requirements and development of best practice approaches to grants management.

TOA drive performance improvements and develop sector insights through provider engagement and assurance activity. As stewards of the S&T Group's data governance, TOA also designs and manages responsive, fit-for-purpose business systems that capture business intelligence, standard understanding of VET, and supports payments.

About You

 To be successful in this role, you will have the following main skills and experience:

•  Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Resolves issues through deep understanding/interpretation of existing guidelines. Where guidelines aren't available, analyses ideas available and takes action including in consultation with others to resolve problems.
• Project Delivery: Defines tasks to be delivered to meet agreed outcomes; Coordinates and guides others in the execution of work activities; Monitors progress of tasks against plans and takes corrective action when required. 
• Influence and Persuasion: Consistently adapts the content, style, message or tone of a presentation to suit the audience and plans how to tackle objections; Applies own ideas by linking them to others' values, needs and goals. 
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Accepts changed priorities without undue discomfort. Responds quickly to changes. Comfortable working in collaboration with teams outside of own organisation. 
• Interpersonal Skills: Sees things from another's point of view and confirms understanding; Tailors communications according to audience and/or audience preference. 
• Systems Thinking: Assesses situations and identifies the best systems tools for analysing, understanding the system and addressing problems; Can apply system archetypes to identify common dynamics that appear in different situations.

Further Information

 For a confidential discussion, please contact Aimee Bradley at aimee.bradley@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. To be eligible for this position you must hold the mandatory qualification as outlined in the position description. For further information on the position, please refer to the attached position description.

For Finance Roles:

The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry, and Regions is an accredited CPA Australia Recognised Employer Partner.

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.

Please provide a copy of your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Actions, Result), please include in your cover letter practical examples of your skills and experience in demonstrating at least 4 of the key selection criteria.

Applications close at 23:59pm Wednesday, 22 April 2026.