Policy and Project Officer

• Salary: $97,955 - $111,142 (Plus Superannuation)
• Fixed term to 12 months
• Usual hours of work: Full time (flexibility may be available)
• Usual work location: 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 (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.

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.

The Role

As Policy and Project Officer, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Manager, Policy to support coordination on DJSIR's Self-determination agenda, specifically the supporting the functions of the Advancing Aboriginal Self-determination Implementation Plan.

The Policy and Project Officer will have the following accountabilities:

1. Develop briefings, correspondence and presentation materials on complex topics relevant to Aboriginal Economic Development, including regular executive briefing materials.
2. Under the direction of the Manager Policy, maintain strong project management disciplines and manage administrative duties under the Advancing Aboriginal Self-determination Sub-Committee.
3. Develop and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders across DJSIR, other departments and external organisations to build support for DJSIR self-determination reform projects and initiatives.

The Team

The position of Policy and Project Officer forms a part of the Economic Policy, Projects and Coordination group in the Aboriginal Economic Development branch.

The Economic Policy, Projects and Coordination group supports DJSIR ministers, the Secretary and Executive Board with evidence-based policy advice for sustainable economic development and employment growth, supported by expertise in project design and delivery, data analytics and evaluation.

The Aboriginal Economic Development (AED) branch supports First Peoples self-determination through the delivery of employment and economic development initiatives. It oversees coordination and engagement with DJSIR's peak First Peoples Partnership entity, the Yuma Yirramboi Council, and leads implementation of the Yuma Yirramboi Strategy(Invest for Tomorrow) – the State's shared vision with Victorian First Peoples communities to achieve economic parity between First Peoples and non-First Peoples in Victoria within a generation.

About You

1. Strong understanding of government decision-making mechanisms and processes, particularly in a whole-of-government context.
2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated experience preparing high-quality written executive level briefings in relation to complex policy projects in a time-pressured and dynamic environment.
3. Excellent organisational skills and a demonstrated ability to pro-actively assist with complex policy projects requiring coordination across a wide range of stakeholder groups.

Further Information

For a confidential discussion, please contact Kelly Lehmann, Manager, Policy on 0460 012 375 and 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. 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.

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.

Applications close at 23:59pm on 20 November 2025.