Project and Policy Officer

• Salary: $97,955 - $111,142 (Plus superannuation)
• Fixed-term position for 2 years
• Usual hours of work: Full time
• Usual work location: Melbourne CBD

The Role

Reporting to the Manager, National System Engagement and Reform Unit, the Project and Policy Officer provides policy and project support across all aspects of the Unit's work.

The Project and Policy Officer will support the delivery of initiatives in the Unit, contributing to research and policy development for a range of initiatives and supporting delivery through sound project management. The role supports the unit through policy advice informed by critical thinking, research and analysis and project support for the Unit's work.

The Project and Policy Officer will have strong research, critical thinking and policy skills and excellent communication skills. They will need to be flexible, able to adapt and respond to changing priorities, and learn and apply new skills as needed.

Main accountabilities:

• Undertake research, analysis and evaluation of policy options to deliver on the Unit's priorities, providing high quality, well-researched and evidence-informed advice to senior officers on skills reform and national skills system issues.
• Manage designated skills reform projects and national engagement activities including through project management tools, with monitoring of timelines, expenditure and deliverables, making recommendations to senior officers where required.
• Prepare or assist in the preparation of ministerial briefings, cabinet submissions, parliamentary documents, reports, policy proposals and options papers, and correspondence for a variety of audiences.
• Build and maintain effective and positive relationships with peers and stakeholders, and convey information clearly and accurately, in a professional, sensitive and respectful manner.
• Coordinate delivery of stakeholder activities, meetings and events as needed.
• Identify, implement and maintain efficient project administration systems.

The Team

The position of Project and Policy Officer forms part of the Engagement and Skills Reform Branch, which sits within Victorian Skills Authority (VSA).

The Victorian Skills Authority (VSA) provides evidence-based planning and solutions to meet current and future skills needs in Victoria. We are an administrative office led by a chief executive officer and supported by an advisory board of key stakeholders.

We report directly to the Minister for Skills and TAFE and work closely with the Office of TAFE Coordination and Delivery and the Skills and TAFE Group within DJSIR.

Our role is to gather and analyse industry data, identify where there are current and emerging skills shortages in Victoria's workforce, work with stakeholders to develop strategies to fill these gaps and drive engagement, collaboration and innovation across Victoria's skills system.

The VSA has 4 branches - Engagement and Skills Reform Branch, Services Branch, Analysis and Insights Branch and Executive and Corporate Services Branch.

Find out more about the VSA at skills.authority.vic.gov.au

About You

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

 ​​Policy design and development: uses research and analytical skills; seeks information to improve knowledge and application to support policy development; contributes to and provides a support role in policy design and development.

• Project management: produces detailed project plans where objectives are clearly defined and action steps for achieving them are clearly specified; monitors performance against objectives; keeps accurate records; manages project risks and issues; ensures project objectives are met.
• Critical thinking and problem solving: Seeks resolution of problems through policy or process guidelines; seeks guidance by providing information and ideas relevant towards resolution of problem; nderstands concepts enabling improvements in critical thinking and problem solving.
• Written and verbal communication skills: prepares briefs, letters, emails and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct language; edits written communications to ensure they contain the information necessary to achieve their purpose and meet audience needs; ensures appropriate style and formats are used.
• Working collaboratively: Cooperates and works well with others in pursuit of team goals; shares information and acknowledges others' efforts; steps in to help others where required.

Further Information

For a confidential discussion, please contact Jodee Price – Manager, National System Engagement and Reform Unit on 0407 474 472 / jodee.price@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, please provide a:

• Cover letter demonstrating how you meet each of the Key Selection Criteria outlined in the position description
• Current resume

Applications close at 23:59pm on Wednesday, 6 May 2026.