About the Role

The Senior Policy Advisors lead the development of advocacy positions, policy and projects on a range of critical, high-profile issues across the schools and early childhood portfolios, such as: 

• Advocacy to the Commonwealth on and negotiation of an early childhood education and care funding reform agreement from 2028 and Victoria's share of the Building Early Education Fund.
• Implementation of high-profile national child safety reforms.
• Negotiation of a long-term school funding agreement with the Commonwealth.  
• National policy matters relating to the Schools portfolio, such as, supporting students with disability, the Unique Student Identifier for schools, the Australian Curriculum, national assessments, student wellbeing, workforce etc.  

This role involves developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders across the department, within Victorian Government and across other jurisdictions. 

There is one ongoing position and multiple fixed-term positions across the teams in the Branch.

Attributes

To be successful in this position, you will have excellent written communication skills, sophisticated policy and analysis skills, the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to inform Victorian positions and flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

Experience in strategic and intergovernmental policy at any level of government is desirable.

How to Apply

Please provide your CV and a response addressing the key selection criteria (no more than 2 pages).

About the Department

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 Intergovernmental Relations Branch including the National Schools Policy team, the National Early Childhood Policy team and the National School Reform Agreement team.

The Branch is a fast paced, collaborative and high performing environment that influences national policy discussions and negotiations. The Branch:

• Provides strategic advice to ministers and senior officials in national negotiations.
• Ensures national, whole of Victorian Government and interagency issues are considered as part of the department's policy development and program delivery.
• Works across the department on the development, implementation and reporting of intergovernmental agreements across the portfolio.
• Manages key partnership arrangements and supports senior executive participation in governance bodies on behalf of the department.

Further Information

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.

The department 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

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.

For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Cecily Jones - Manager, National Early Childhood Policy Team via 0413 204 414 or Cecily.Jones@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.

Please let us know via phone or email 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.

Applications close 11:59pm on Wednesday, 19 November 2025