An exciting opportunity exists for a talented and passionate individual to join the First Peoples-State Relations Group as Policy Officer to contribute to progressing the Victorian Government's nation leading work with First Peoples.

This is a unique opportunity to work in new and innovative ways that recognise First Peoples as the self-determining drivers of Aboriginal affairs in Victoria. This role will contribute to the ground-breaking work of the Group in the areas of truth, Treaty, self-determination and cultural rights.

The role of the Policy Officer is to support policy and project management in relation to Victoria's commitments under the National Agreement for Closing the Gap. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong policy, analytical and communication skills coupled with an ability to influence stakeholders and work effectively in a team environment.

The First Peoples - State Relations Group recognises the invaluable contribution of existing Aboriginal staff and is committed to promoting Aboriginal leadership as reflected in the Group's executive team. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and strongly encourage all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people interested in this position to apply.

We support flexible working arrangements and strongly encourage people living in both metropolitan and regional areas within Victoria to apply. We are committed to empowering staff from all diverse backgrounds, promoting cultural safety and supporting ongoing learning for all staff.

About you

As our ideal candidate, you will ha

• Understanding and awareness of Aboriginal self-determination reform priorities for Victorian Aboriginal communities.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering projects within agreed timeframes, with the ability to set clear project milestones, objectives and measures.
• Strong analytical, conceptual and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop policy advice drawing on best practice to inform and shape the development of government policy and positions.
• Proven written communication skills, including the ability to prepare complex briefs, correspondence, submissions and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct language.

Mandatory requirement

Experience working with Aboriginal communities and organisations.

Current VPS employees are strongly encouraged to apply via the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) platform.

The closing date is Sunday 15 September 2024.

Working with us, you can make a difference not just in your career, but in the community where you work and live.

How to apply

Apply before the advertised closing date. All applications should include:

• a resume; and
• a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages).

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Other relevant information

The department is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act), to support this DPC has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DPC employees be fully vaccinated.

Preferred candidates will be required to complete a Pre-employment Declaration and Consent form. Employment of successful candidates will be subject to a National Police Check. DPC actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace.

We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with disabilities. All roles at DPC can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.