Job Description

An exciting opportunity exists for a talented and passionate individual to join the First Peoples-State Relations Group in the Land Rights Reform team as a Senior Policy Officer at the Department of Premier and Cabinet. This is a designated position under section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply. 

The First Peoples - State Relations Group supports an extensive program of priority work with First Peoples, by a strong understanding of self-determination to our work practices and in providing clear and robust advice to the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Premier, Cabinet and Senior Executives.

The Senior Policy Officer will be responsible for the development and management of a range of legislation and policy development projects to strengthen Victoria's Aboriginal communities, including at Lake Tyers and Framlingham Aboriginal Trusts. The Senior Policy Officer will assist in policy reform work as required, building partnerships and engaging across government and community to influence future investment and achieve better outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians.

The Land Rights Reform team is responsible for:

• leading and coordinating reform of the Traditional Owner Settlement Act and Aboriginal Land Rights Acts and associated regulations and policies
• provide advice to the Minister about other department's reforms and programs that directly impact on the LRR reform work
• Ensuring there is policy and strategic alignment between native title, the Traditional Owner Settlement Act, Aboriginal Land Rights Acts and Traditional Owner Treaties

Successful applicants will possess strong interpersonal skills, program management experience, policy skills, and demonstrated experience in working with Aboriginal communities. The position also requires sound judgment and a commitment to achieving results.

This is a designated position under section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply. 

About you

As our ideal candidate, you will bring:

• Demonstrated ability to engage in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner with Aboriginal organisations and communities.
• Highly developed written communication skills, including ability to prepare briefs, correspondence, grants and/or reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct language.
• Strong analytical, conceptual and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop policy and project advice drawing on best practice to inform and shape the development of government policy and positions.
• Highly developed interpersonal and negotiation skills, with an ability to effectively negotiate and resolve project scope, design and delivery issues with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong project management, planning and organisational skills and the ability to apply sound judgement and initiative to the management of complex projects within the scheduled timeframe and budget.

Desirable requirements

• Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of and experience with, Aboriginal communities and an ability to apply this knowledge in the context of Victorian Aboriginal communities.
• Current driver's licence is required.

For more details regarding this position, please see attached position description for the key selection criteria to address in application.

The closing date for this position is midnight, Thursday, 30th October 2025.

Apply before the advertised closing date, all applications should include:

• a resume
• 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.