About us 

The Department of Government Services (DGS) was established on 1 January 2023 to improve everyone's experience of doing business and interacting with the Victorian government. We bring important day-to-day services together in one department to make things easy and seamless for Victorians and businesses. We are doing this by connecting and digitising our systems and platforms across state and local government as well as streamlining our corporate and procurement services.  

About the role 

The Principal Policy Officer is accountable for leading a team in delivery of initiatives in the Consumer Affairs portfolio. 

The Principal Policy Officer leads and manages a team and prepare, supervise and organise activities and products to ensure that project goals align with the department's objectives and to make sure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.

The Principal Policy Officer requires the ability to proactively develop and maintain effective stakeholder relationships, using influence and negotiation skills, alongside effective written and verbal communication skills, to support the provision of accurate, timely and audience-appropriate advice in a dynamic environment and to manage and lead a team to also develop effective stakeholder relationships. Sound proficiency in managing a team of policy officers, project management, particularly in legislation, regulations and statutory reviews in government is a critical component of the work.

About you 

To be considered for the role, you must be able to demonstrate: 

• Formulates policy and legislative options and advice.
• Develops Cabinet and project briefs consistent with business plan direction
• Manages and leads complex policy and/or legislative reform priorities and programs
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex legislation and regulations, reviews, programs and projects
• Proficient with the use and application of project management methodologies and tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively and to enhance a positive culture, build relationships and communicate with influence.

Mandatory requirements

• A tertiary qualification in law, economics, or public policy is desirable or any related fields.

For specific responsibilities please review the attached position description. 

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

How to apply 

Apply before the advertised closing date 11:59pm on Tuesday, 29 April 2025. All applications should include: 

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

In accordance with the Jobs and Skills Exchange Policy, Victorian Public Service employees are required to apply via the JSE for primary consideration access. 

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 DGS has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DGS 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. 

DGS actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. All roles at DGS can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.