Senior Project Officer

• Salary: $113,022 – $136,747 per annum (plus superannuation)
• Tenure: Fixed term up to 30 June 2028
• Usual Hours of Work: Full-time (flexibility may be available)
• Usual Work Location: 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne CBD (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. 

The Role

An exciting opportunity exists to undertake the role of Senior Project Officer within the Aboriginal Economic Development Branch in Economic Policy, Programs and Services at the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR).

Reporting to the Manager, Aboriginal Business Programs, this role supports the design, delivery and evaluation of initiatives that strengthen economic opportunities for Aboriginal businesses and entrepreneurs across Victoria. The position plays a key role in assisting with the delivery of Aboriginal Business and Employment programs, including managing projects, milestones and funding agreements.

A core component of the role is developing and maintaining strong working relationships with Victorian Aboriginal peak bodies and businesses, and cultivating collaborative partnerships across DJSIR, government and industry. The role contributes to the department's commitment to Aboriginal self-determination by ensuring programs are culturally appropriate, well governed and impactful.

Main Accountabilities

• Lead and assist in the development, implementation and delivery of Aboriginal Business and Employment programs, including Economic Growth Statement initiatives, across the full project management lifecycle (tendering, contract management, risk and issue management, performance and financial milestones, budgets, reporting and evaluation).
• Drive a continuous improvement approach to program management, finance and governance processes, including reporting tools, to support high-quality outcomes across the branch.
• Use departmental business support and contract management systems (including Salesforce) to manage projects and prepare strategic advice, submissions, reports, briefings and correspondence for senior management and Ministers, including sensitive matters.
• Collaborate across the branch, DJSIR divisions, portfolios, government and external stakeholders to strategically align projects and initiatives that support Aboriginal Victorians' economic development in line with the Victorian Government's self-determination framework.

The Team

The Senior Project Officer is part of the Aboriginal Economic Development Branch within the Economic Policy, Programs and Services Group.

The Aboriginal Economic Development Branch leads work across the department to support Aboriginal self-determination through employment and economic development. The branch oversees implementation of Yuma Yirramboi (Invest for Tomorrow), Victoria's shared vision with Aboriginal communities to achieve economic parity within a generation and supports the department's engagement with the Treaty process and cultural governance reforms.

About You

You bring strong project management capability, with experience delivering programs or initiatives from design through to implementation and evaluation. You have excellent written and verbal communication skills and can prepare high-quality briefings, reports and advice for a range of audiences.

You work collaboratively in fast-paced environments, demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and take a reflective, accountable approach to contributing to an inclusive and respectful team culture.

Further Information

For a confidential discussion, please contact Emma Markwell, Manager, Aboriginal Business Programs, on 0438 530 381 or emma.markwell@ecodev.vic.gov.au.

The Department is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation and has zero tolerance of child abuse. Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check prior to commencing employment.

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.

If you require an adjustment to participate in any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the DJSIR Talent Acquisition Team on 0472 875 685 or via email at recruitment@ecodev.vic.gov.au, quoting 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 resume, and
• A cover letter addressing the key selection criteria outlined in the position description.

Applications close at 11:59pm on 19 February 2026.