Principal Adviser

• Salary: $138,631 - $185,518 (Plus superannuation)
• Ongoing position
• 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 Principal Adviser in the Office of TAFE Coordination and Delivery (OTCD), you'll have a unique opportunity to shape strategic thinking and drive outcomes across the group. We're looking for someone with sound judgement, technical capability and the ability to cut through complexity - someone who can confidently navigate ambiguity and provide trusted advice at the highest levels. You'll thrive in fast-paced environments, bring people together across silos, and spot opportunities for alignment and innovation.

 Main accountabilities:

• Provides authoritative expert advice on complex issues within own area.
• Accountable for achievement of established corporate objectives including the formulation and implementation of local business plans.
• Routinely advises senior levels of the organisation on policy issues and solutions within a functional area.
• Provides and receives highly complex, contentious or sensitive information where high levels of negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills are required.
• Develops briefs on highly complex issues that provide options for decision within an organisation
• Initiates and manages negotiations with peers (internal and external to work unit) to gain commitment to projects, and delivery of activities to meet timelines.

The Team

 This position a Principal Adviser forms a part of the Office of the Chief Executive Officer branch, in Skills and TAFE (S&T) group. Skills and TAFE (S&T) group 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 Office of TAFE Coordination and Delivery (OTCD) incorporating the TAFE Strategy, Systems and Tertiary Governance branch and the TAFE Performance, Finance and Infrastructure branch, plays a system leadership and management role for the Victorian TAFE Network (VTN) across Victoria.

The OTCD is primarily responsible for driving change in the way the Victorian TAFE Network responds to government priorities and provides training as a coordinated network, better serving Victorian students, employers and communities.

About You

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

 ​ Self-awareness: Builds strong commitment of others towards continued personal development. Establishes mechanisms that enable communication of honest and constructive feedback at all levels. 

• Resilience: Creates a climate which encourages and supports openness, persistence and genuine debate around critical issues. Provides sound explanation and argument for agreed positions.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Considers a broad range of topics (beyond immediate area of work), works across government and at senior levels to develop and deliver sustainable solutions. 
• Strategic Planning: Guides others through the strategic planning process, creating a shared vision for the future. Has a comprehensive understanding of external and internal issues that influence the strategic direction of the organisation.
• Systems Thinking: Establishes an integrated perspective of the organisation's systems and identifies the leverage points where intervention will add value. 

Further Information

 For a confidential discussion, please contact David Miller, CEO, Office of TAFE Coordination and Delivery via email david.x.miller@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. As part of the application process, applicants will need to submit a response to the Key Selection Criteria and attach their resume to be considered for the role.

Applications close at 23:59pm on 28 January 2026.