Senior Policy and Projects Officer, Criminal Law

About this role

• 2x full time ongoing positions (part-time considered)
• Salary range: $98,902 - $123,624 (pro rata) plus super plus salary packaging
  
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model

About the role

As the Senior Policy and Projects Officer in our Policy, Strategic Advocacy and Projects team, you will support evidence-based strategic advocacy that places client experience and outcomes at the centre of our work. You will draft policy submissions and briefs, conduct research and analysis, work with clients to share their experiences, act as a representative in stakeholder meetings and build constructive relationships within VLA and externally, to achieve strategic advocacy objectives.

This is an excellent opportunity for an advocacy and policy professional looking to gain experience in the criminal law sector. You will work collaboratively with senior management, our civil and family law directorates and our clients, to contribute to positive change that assists the most disadvantaged in our community.

This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country, however arrangements to work remotely from a regional VLA office can be considered.

About you
As our ideal candidate for the Senior Policy and Project Officer (Criminal law), you will possess:

• Experience in strategic advocacy (such as law reform, strategic litigation and evidence-based policy) and an understanding of the role of advocacy in effecting systemic change.
• Strong policy and data analysis skills as well as excellent written and oral communication skills.
• The ability to build relationships to influence and negotiate with people with diverse life experiences and positions.
• Demonstrate a commitment to social justice principles and an understanding of issues affecting First Nations peoples.
• The ability to use initiative, think laterally and innovatively in identifying issues, and providing strategies and solutions to resolve them.

Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.

About Victoria Legal Aid
We provide legal representation to those who need it most. With over 1400 staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems.

Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve.

Employee benefits

• Focus on work-life balance including flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid work from home & office model
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Excellent salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 and Novated Leasing
• Opportunity to join Myki Commuter Club(and salary package the cost)
• Supportive team environment in modern offices (including free gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD office)
• Access to discounted Private Health Insurance

How to apply
To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team.

For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Nareeda Lewers, Manager, Policy & Strategic Advocacy on (03) 9269 0520 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.

No agency applications will be accepted.

Applications close by 11.59pm on Sunday 18 May 2025.

Other relevant information
It is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community.

VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.