The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions is focused on growing Victoria's prosperity, building the productive capacity of our economy and increasing participation – by creating more opportunities for people through skills and jobs; helping businesses and industries to thrive; and building vibrant communities and regions. For more information, see the DJSIR Strategic Plan 2023–2027.
Our work spans numerous portfolios, supporting departmental ministers and operating across metropolitan, regional and international offices.
The Department welcomes and encourages applications from diverse applicants, including First Peoples, refugees or asylum seekers, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, LGBTIQ+ people and people with disability. All roles at DJSIR can be worked flexibly and we offer reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities.
Senior Policy Adviser
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Salary: VPS 5, $116,413 - $140,849 plus superannuation
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Tenure: Ongoing
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Usual hours of work: Full time (flexibility may be available)
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Usual work location: 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne (flexibility may be available)
The Role
The Priority Projects Unit (PPU) is part of In-House Professional Services and partners with policy teams across the department to deliver priority projects that address complex issues facing Victoria. The unit provides project management, strategy, policy, communications and analytical expertise to support departmental priorities and executive decision-making.
As a Senior Policy Adviser, you will lead and contribute to complex, high-impact projects, applying structured policy and problem-solving approaches in fast-paced environments. You will manage projects, develop evidence-based policy advice, produce high-quality briefs and submissions, and build strong relationships with stakeholders to deliver exceptional outcomes. This role is suited to a candidate who thrives in collaborative teams, adapts quickly to changing priorities and demonstrates outstanding analytical, communication and client engagement skills.
Main accountabilities
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Provide specialist professional services and policy advice on complex issues.
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Formulate policy options and develop high-quality briefs, submissions and recommendations.
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Build and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
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Manage and lead priority projects to achieve strategic outcomes.
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Apply complex concepts and analytical approaches to policy development and research.
The Team
The position of Senior Policy Adviser forms a part of the Priority Projects Unit within In-House Professional Services, Economic Policy, Programs and Services Group.
The Priority Projects Unit supports the department with strategy development, priority reforms and cross-portfolio initiatives. Working closely with policy teams across DJSIR, the unit delivers value through structured problem solving, robust analysis, project management and compelling communications to support the Secretary, Deputy Secretaries and senior executives.
About You
You will use your critical thinking and problem-solving skills to evaluate complex issues, develop practical solutions and deliver tangible outcomes. You will apply your policy design and development expertise to formulate evidence-based policy options, communicate clear recommendations and develop compelling business cases. You will also bring strong project delivery capability, establishing effective governance, managing risks and delivering complex projects successfully in fast-paced environments.
Further Information
For a confidential discussion, please contact
Cosi McRae, Senior Principal Adviser via
[email protected].
The Department is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to taking the necessary steps to protect children from harm by adopting a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety in accordance with the Child Safe Standards.
Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check prior to commencing employment with the Department.
Please note: We are committed to inclusive recruitment. If you require an adjustment to participate in any stage of the recruitment process or have a particular requirement to be communicated with by either te lephone or email only, please notify the DJSIR Talent Acquisition Team on 0472 875 685, or via email at
[email protected] with the position number in the subject line.
How to Apply
Please click the 'Apply Now' button. As part of the application process, you will need to provide a copy of your resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria outlined in the position description.
Applications close at 23:59pm on 28 July 2026.
