Senior Adviser, Strategy & Portfolio Design

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 to role 30 June 2027.

About the role: 

The Senior Adviser supports the 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 is "working on the right things". You will translate high-level executive goals into actionable roadmaps and design the frameworks that ensure every initiative has a clear strategic rationale. The role will shape divisional strategy by translating executive priorities into clear frameworks, roadmaps and reform programs. It provides high‑quality analysis, strategic advice and early problem definition to ensure the Division is focused on the right work at the right time. It works collaboratively across Hospitals Victoria and the Department to align initiatives, identify risks and opportunities, and support leaders to make evidence‑based decisions.

Please viewe 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 Senior Advisor, Strategy & Portfolio Design to lead the development of strategic initiatives and shape a high-performing, outcomes-focused portfolio. This role is ideal for a strategic thinker with strong conceptual and analytical capability who can bring clarity to complex and ambiguous challenges. You will synthesise diverse information, apply structured thinking and develop evidence-based recommendations that inform long-term direction, prioritisation and reform.

You will be responsible for producing high-quality written materials, including briefs, reports and presentations, ensuring complex ideas are communicated clearly, concisely and appropriately for a range of audiences. Your ability to distil information into meaningful insights and actionable strategies will be critical.

A key aspect of the role is problem solving, requiring you to engage stakeholders, analyse issues from multiple perspectives and translate findings into practical solutions. You will develop long-term roadmaps and prioritisation models that support effective decision-making and sustainable outcomes.

You will lead and support the design and delivery of strategic initiatives, including developing detailed project plans, monitoring performance and managing risks and issues. Experience in designing outcomes-based frameworks and supporting the people side of reform will be essential to ensure successful implementation and adoption.

Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills are critical. You will build trusted relationships, understand diverse perspectives and drive alignment across complex environments. Your ability to negotiate, build consensus and generate support for strategic initiatives will underpin your success in delivering impactful and lasting change.

Mandatory

• Experience in strategy, policy, planning or advisory 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.

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.  

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