Program and Policy Advisor

• Salary: $113,022 - $136,747 (Plus Superannuation)
• Fixed Term position to 30 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

As a Program and Policy Advisor, you will support the Policy and Coordination Unit to undertake a broad range of priority policy and project management functions, ensuring that activities are strategically aligned, and that risks and opportunities are understood and managed in accordance with Ministerial and government directions.

This role plays a central part in the successful coordination and delivery of the Victorian Government's Regional Package, supporting the governance and reporting of major projects, including the Regional Sport Infrastructure Program (RSIP). The Program and Policy Advisor will work across a diverse fast-paced portfolio, applying strong policy and project skills to drive progress, identify risks, and support government decision-making.

The Program and Policy Advisor will also provide clear, engaging and timely advice and support for core government processes and stakeholders, in collaboration with the Policy and Coordination Unit and the wider Department of Jobs, Skills, Industries and Regions.

Key accountabilities include:

• Support governance and reporting processes for the Regional Package, including tracking project progress, preparing governance documentation and supporting timely decision-making.
• Provide strategic advice and policy input on issues emerging from project delivery, aligning with broader government priorities and objectives.
• Liaise on a regular basis across internal teams, delivery partners ad central agencies, facilitating alignment between delivery and policy promoting clear and consistent communication.
• Support the Policy and Coordination Unit with advice on priority policy matters, ensuring that activities are strategically aligned, and that risks and opportunities are understood and managed in accordance with Ministerial and government directions.
• Actively contribute to the development of a positive and high-performing team culture, including by identifying and implementing opportunities to improve teamwork practices.
• Lead or contribute to monitoring and evaluation activities that develop and enhance the evidence-base for initiatives delivered through Sport and Recreation Victoria, including in relation to SEE Group's contribution to delivery of the Regional Package.

The Team

The position of Program and Policy Advisor will work across Sport and Recreation Victoria branch, which sits within Sport and Experience Economy (SEE) group.

SEE group is comprised of Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV) and Tourism and Events (T&E).

SRV aims to create greater sport and active recreation participation opportunities for all Victorians in order to maximise economic, social and health benefits and enhance Victoria's liveability.

This is achieved by supporting the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events and the Minister for Community Sport in the management of major sports facilities, administering grant programs that develop community facilities, strengthening the capacity of sport and recreation organisations, developing more active recreation and other innovative options to increase overall participation rates, reducing barriers to participation for specific population groups, supporting world-class sporting events and Victoria's high performance sport sector, and reinforcing the role that sport and active recreation plays in growing the Victorian economy, supporting jobs and building stronger communities.

About You

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

• Project Management: Strong project management skills, including planning, tracking milestones, risk identification and delivering outputs in line with government requirements. Experience working across multi-stream programs or in government project delivery is highly valued.
• Policy Skills and Strategic Thinking: Extensive experience contributing to policy formulation and the provision of expert advice, and/or the implementation of large-scale, whole-of-government projects in complex environments. Ability to analyze and understand data and information collected from initiatives and apply strategic insights to interpret information, which includes consideration of the broader strategic direction of the organization. Ability to prepare
• Stakeholder Engagement and influence: Proven ability to build positive relationship and work across teams with confidence in navigating ambiguity, different operating styles and varying levels of engagement. Establish and maintain relationships with people at all levels; promoting harmony and consensus through diplomatic handling of disagreements. Promote useful partnerships with people across business areas, functions and organizations; builds trust through consistent actions, values and communication.
• Judgement and adaptability: Strong problem-solving skills with the capacity to exercise sound judgment, respond flexibly to change and balance strategic intent with practical delivery.
• Collaboration and responsiveness: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and work under different projects, contribute to team culture, and deliver high-quality work to support the priorities of the Policy and Coordination Unit.

Further Information

For a confidential discussion, please contact Paola Vanegas, Manager, Assurance and Oversight on 0411 593 747 or paola.vanegas@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 accredited as a Disability Confident Recruitment (DCR) organisation and 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 Recruitment Team on 0472875685, or via email at recruitment@ecodev.vic.gov.au with the position number in the subject line. For additional contact details for our team please review the attached Position Description, located under Job Attachments in the right hand menu.

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 cover letter.

Applications close at 23:59pm on Sunday, 13 July 2025.