Senior Policy and Projects Officer

About this role

• 2 x Full time or part time maximum term positions up to 6 months
• Salary range: $113,668 - $131,153 plus super
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangement

About the role
This position will contribute to strategic advocacy in the Civil Justice program, including law reform, strategic litigation and policy work. You will work closely with our practice staff and partners to inform the implementation of policy and advocacy strategies.

This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country.

About you
As our ideal candidate, you will have:

• Knowledge and experience undertaking strategic advocacy, including law reform, evidence-based policy work and/or test-case litigation, and an understanding of the role of advocacy in effecting systemic change.
• Knowledge or the ability to quickly acquire knowledge of the Civil Justice practice areas and the relevant legal and policy frameworks.
• High level policy analysis and project implementation skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and highly developed stakeholder management skills, including a demonstrated ability to influence and negotiate.
• Excellent organisational skills, the ability to work independently and the ability to meet deadlines under pressure.

Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If your CV doesn't align perfectly with our key selection criteria, we strongly encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate.

About VLA
We offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy 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.

The Civil Justice Program
The Civil Justice program's vision is a fairer, stronger and more inclusive community. We advocate for equality, enable people to protect their rights and promote accountability of systems. Together with our partners in the legal and community sectors, and with our clients and consumers at the centre, we use the law so people can access justice and secure better, fairer outcomes in relation to issues that affect their lives, including their housing, income, mental and physical health, visa status and ability to live and work free from discrimination.

The Civil Justice Program consists of sub-programs including Mental Health and Disability Law, Independent Mental Health Advocacy, Migration, Economic and Social Rights, and the Equality Law Program.

Employee benefits

• A focus on work-life balance, including flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid work from home & office model 
• Generous leave benefits, including:
  • Three days paid seasonal leave (to be taken between Boxing Day and New Year's Day public holidays)
  • Paid gender affirmation leave
  • Five days both paid reproductive and fertility leave per calendar year
• Annual 3% salary increase each December plus performance-related salary incentives
• Attractive salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 PLUS Novated Leasing
• Discounted annual Myki public transport passes
• Individual learning and professional development opportunities, tailored to your role and career goals
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Access to gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD office
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program, including confidential counselling and access to a range of mental health and wellbeing resources.

How to apply
To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria. Please ensure cover letters are no more than 2-3 pages.

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 Kamna Muddagouni, Strategic Advocacy Manager on (03) 9269 0515 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.

No agency applications will be accepted.

Applications close by 11.59pm on Sunday 12 April 2026.

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.