Job Description

An exciting opportunity exists for a talented and passionate individual to join the First Peoples-State Relations Group as a 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 is the group within DPC responsible for nation leading work in the areas of cultural rights, self-determination, treaty, and truth - an extensive program of priority work with First Peoples. We recognise Victoria's First Peoples as the self-determining drivers of Aboriginal affairs in Victoria.

The Policy Officer position in the Policy and Closing the Gap branch plays an important role in supporting the Victorian Government's nation-leading work with First Peoples. This includes contributing to whole-of-government priorities by developing strategic, evidence based and solution-focused policy advice on First Peoples policy. This position contributes to the delivery of strategic projects, particularly to progress Victoria's commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, and prepares high-quality policy briefings and analysis. The role also involves building and maintaining effective working relationships across government and with Aboriginal organisations, and contributing to a positive, culturally safe team culture. 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 understanding and awareness of Aboriginal self-determination reform priorities for First Peoples in Victoria.
• Strong project management and delivery skills and ability to consider historical, political and broader context to inform project direction and mitigate risk and engage key stakeholders at senior levels.
• Highly developed problem solving and critical thinking skills and ability to analyse ideas available and takes action through self, or in consultation with others to resolve problems. 
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including ability to prepare and deliver logical sequential and succinct presentations using clear and concise language.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to identify and manage a range of complex and often competing needs and facilitate innovative solutions to resolve stakeholder issues.

Desirable requirements

• Demonstrated experience in leading First Peoples policy analysis and coordination processes to inform the development of policies and programs (desirable).

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 06 November 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.