Senior Adviser, Governance & Portfolio Delivery

About this role

Please note that this opportunity is only available to existing Departmental staff at your substantive classification level. 

This position is a Full-time, Fixed-Term role to 30 June 2027.

The Senior Adviser supports delivery of the suite of savings initiatives approved by Health Finance Board and Cabinet. Actual delivery of the initiatives remains the responsibility of specific DH divisions, therefore these roles must operate in a highly collaborative and networked manner. The Senior Advisor will need to work closely with the Principal Advisor, who will be responsible for specific streams of work, to support strong coordination across the entire strategic portfolio of activity from design, delivery to performance.

This role ensures the Division "delivers things the right way". You will provide the operational rigor, ensuring the roadmap is translated into scoped, transparent, and risk-managed initiatives. The role ensures the Division delivers its initiatives consistently, predictably and transparently. It provides portfolio oversight, governance coordination, delivery support and assurance. It works closely with responsible executives, project leads and central agencies to ensure initiatives are well‑scoped, well‑governed and on track to deliver intended outcomes.

Please view position description for further information about the role.

About us: 

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.  

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all. 

About you:

The Department of Health is seeking a highly capable Senior Advisor, Governance & Portfolio Delivery to support the effective planning, oversight and delivery of complex initiatives across the health portfolio. This role is suited to a strategic thinker with strong analytical capability who can bring clarity and structure to complex, ambiguous problems and develop evidence-based recommendations. You will be comfortable working with both qualitative insights and data, using innovative approaches to inform decision-making and improve outcomes.

You will be responsible for preparing high-quality written materials, including briefs, reports and presentations, ensuring accuracy, clarity and alignment with audience needs. Strong communication skills are essential, along with the ability to synthesise complex information into clear and actionable insights.

The role requires advanced problem-solving capability, including gathering and analysing information from multiple sources, engaging stakeholders and identifying practical, effective solutions. You will play a key role in implementing initiatives, monitoring progress and evaluating outcomes to ensure continuous improvement.

As a project leader, you will develop and manage detailed plans, oversee risks and issues, and ensure delivery aligns with defined objectives. Experience in business case development, project planning and the use of RAID frameworks is essential. You will engage and influence diverse stakeholders, navigating complex environments to build consensus, drive accountability and achieve shared outcomes.

This position also demands a strong focus on implementation and delivery, with demonstrated experience taking initiatives from concept through to execution. You will support delivery partners, address challenges proactively and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget, including navigating financial and budget considerations within the health system.

Mandatory

• Experience in project management, PMO, governance or delivery roles.
• Knowledge of the department and its operating practices as well as government processes and information systems would be advantageous, as would a sound understanding of financial management, risk management and governance in health.

On a personal level the candidate will be highly detail-oriented and values-driven, demonstrating integrity, sound judgement and a strong commitment to public service, while building trusted relationships through diplomacy, consistency and collaboration. They will be resilient and self-aware, maintaining high performance standards, embracing feedback and challenges, and fostering a positive, respectful and accountable team environment.

What we offer: 

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

How to apply: 

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the ‘Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date. 

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at inclusion@health.vic.gov.au. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

If you have any queries in relation to recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email talentacquisition@health.vic.gov.au. Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly.  

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence in line with our Privacy Policy.