About the Department of Education

The Department of Education (the department) provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.

The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.

About the Division

The Koorie Outcomes Division (the division) sits within the First Nations Strategy, Policy and Programs Group and leads the department's strategic agenda for First Nations education and early childhood education. This includes developing, coordinating and evaluating policy and service initiatives to improve outcomes for First Nations learners. This includes coordinating the implementation of Marrung: Aboriginal Education Plan 2016-2026 (Marrung), Victoria's ten-year plan that aims to improve learning, development and educational outcomes for Koorie Victorians.

The division provides strategic leadership across the department to ensure policy, programs, services and curriculum are inclusive of First Nations learners and builds leadership and supports workforce capacity to enable the implementation of quality learning and development programs for First Nations learners.

The division actively works with providers and stakeholders to develop advice, resources and targeted programs and services to improve learning, development and transition outcomes of First Nations Victorians. This includes building partnerships with the First Nations community and working collaboratively across government to build strong networks to enable wide participation in the development and delivery of First Nations programs and initiatives.

About the Role

The Senior Policy Advisor works within the Policy, Strategy and Governance Branch of the Koorie Outcomes Division. The Senior Policy Advisor sits in the Policy Coordination and Governance Unit, which is responsible for coordinating the governance of Marrung and supporting the department's representation on a number of interdepartmental First Nations governance forums and internal and external decision-making bodies. The Senior Policy Advisor will support regular reporting on First Nations education initiatives and learning and wellbeing outcomes and will contribute to the coordination of policy work coming into and out of the division, including briefings, correspondence and cabinet submissions.

The Senior Policy Advisor will have strong policy skills and experience, developed political and organisational awareness and experience working in the First Nations policy or community sectors is highly desirable.

This is a prioritised position for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  While the position is open to all applicants, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply and will be given priority consideration during the shortlisting process in accordance with the Special Measures provision of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). 

Attributes

The Senior Policy Advisor will have a strong policy skills and experience, developed political and organisational awareness and experience working in the First Nations policy or community sectors is highly desirable. This role requires extensive stakeholder consultation and co-design with First Nations communities and organisations, Traditional Owners Groups, schools and regional staff. 

Please see the attached position description for further detail on the role requirements and capabilities.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Essential:  Demonstrated understanding of First Nations self-determination and ability to engage effectively with First Nations people.
• Desirable: Relevant tertiary qualification education, public policy, or related discipline.

Further Information

Any queries about this position can be directed to Ken Lee - Manager, Policy Coordination and Governance via email at ken.lee@education.vic.gov.au

The Department of Education values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page

Please let us know if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g. large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements. Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Applications close 11:59pm on Sunday, 4 May 2025