Senior Policy and Projects Officer

About this role

• Full time, Ongoing position
• Salary range: $113,668 - $131,153 plus superannuation
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangement

About the role

The Senior Policy and Project Officer (SPPO) role is responsible for overseeing and coordinating relevant strategic projects and activities of the Barring-ga Balert team. This role will support the Service Delivery stream of the directorate, reporting to the Associate Director, First Nations Services and working closely with the Manager of Aboriginal Community Engagement (ACE) Program. 

This is a special measures role and only First Peoples are eligible to apply, as per the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

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

About you

As our ideal candidate, you will demonstrate:

• Lived experience working with First Peoples, including an understanding of the cultural norms, communication styles and complex issues experienced by First Peoples communities, especially in relation to interactions with the legal system.  
• Strong organisational skills and a demonstrated ability to develop and meet strategic priorities.
• Highly developed interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, and a demonstrated ability to influence and negotiate with people from all levels and develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in the justice or legal assistance sector (desirable)
• Demonstrated experience in driving service innovation and growth, and complex service design and delivery, including client first approaches, consumer engagement, evidence-based decision making and sound financial administration.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to produce clear and well researched reports and advice, and, to lead programs of work.
• A knowledge of the general business of VLA and a commitment to our vision and values.

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 job description, 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.

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. 

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 Sejal Amin, Associate Director First Nations Services on 03 9269 0576 or for general queries to recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au. 

Applications close on 11.59pm on 11 May 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.