Policy Officer (2 x positions)

• Salary: 97,955 - $111,142 (Plus Superannuation)
• Fixed Term positions until 31 December 2028
• Full Time (flexibility may be available)
• 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 (flexibility may be available)

The Role

We're looking for two motivated and detail-oriented Policy Officer with strong research and analytical skills, sound judgement, and experience supporting policy development. The ideal candidate will be a clear communicator, adaptable, and eager to learn.

This role offers the chance to contribute to impactful policy initiatives—particularly in education, skills, or economic development—by supporting strategic projects, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based analysis. It's a great opportunity for someone early in their policy career to grow their capability, contribute to meaningful reform, and make a difference for the Victorian community.

This role may involve:

• Gathering data, analysing existing policies, and identifying gaps or areas for improvement, and contributing to the implementation of policies and monitoring their effectiveness.
• Drafting policy proposals, reports, and briefing papers, ensuring recommendations are evidence-based and aligned with strategic objectives.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to seek input and feedback on policy proposals.

Main accountabilities:

• Advice and analysis contribute to policy formulation.
• Contributes to strategic policy development within a specific field of expertise.
• Drafts reports and recommendations by interpreting and analysing data.
• Develops guidelines within the work area.
• Conveys specialist concepts and policies to clients, staff and stakeholders.
• Prepares reports, briefs and correspondence on complex issues that impact at program or organisational level.

The Team

The positions of Policy Officer will work within Policy and Strategy Branch and sit within the 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.

Working in close partnership with the Victorian Skills Authority (VSA), S&T provides leadership and stewardship of a responsive, high-quality vocational education and training (VET) system. This includes oversight of the Victorian TAFE Network, led by the Office of TAFE Coordination and Delivery (OTCD), and the apprenticeships system, with a strong focus on aligning training with industry needs and strengthening pathways into the workforce.

S&T supports lifelong learning and inclusive education through Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) and the Learn Local network, helping adult learners progress into further study or work. S&T collaborates across government, industry, education providers, and communities to deliver skills-focused solutions that improve workforce outcomes and enable businesses to access a skilled workforce. S&T works with universities and collaborates with other Australian jurisdictions to advance national training and higher education reforms, drive innovation, and ensure consistent quality across a joined up tertiary system

About You

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

• Policy Design and Development: Interprets and applies policies relevant to own work; Drafts policies and business cases using research skills and in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
• Policy Design and Development: Determines relevant data and evidence gathering approach; Conducts critical analysis on data and evidence collected.
• 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.
• Communicate with Impact: Prepares and delivers logical and succinct presentations; Uses clear and concise language; Uses media appropriate to the audience and presents information to develop the understanding of the topic.
• Political and Organisational Context: Understands issues and pressures to which the organisation has to respond; Understands the reasons behind the organisational climate and culture.
• 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 Lucy Percival, Director, VET System Strategy via lucy.percival@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.

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, 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 Monday, 8^th December 2025