An exciting opportunity is available for a driven Project Advisor (Early Years) to bring their program and project management expertise to join the Professional Practice Program Unit until 7 September 2027.
About the Role
Equally, the role forms part of a cross-branch cohort established to deliver the two-year VELYDF implementation project. In this capacity, the position will contribute to coordinated implementation planning, collaboration across branches, and delivery of key reform milestones to support effective system-wide adoption of the VELYDF.
Key duties include:
- project management and program coordination
- research and options analysis to inform policy development
- stakeholder engagement with a wide network of external stakeholders, and cross-departmental and government colleagues
- procurement and contract management of external experts
support corporate functions and processes, including reporting, briefings and correspondence, and budget management
Attributes
We are seeking a motivated team player who is collaborative and adaptable with strong communication skills, experienced in project management and has a commitment to continuous learning.
Qualifications and Experience
- Desirable: Relevant TAFE or tertiary qualification in a related field such as project management, public policy, education, business, law or community development.
- Desirable: knowledge of the VEYLDF including contemporary evidence-based early childhood pedagogy, with the ability to integrate to inform project design, professional learning and stakeholder engagement.
How to Apply
Applications should include:
- a resume (no more than 3-pages); and
a cover letter that responds to each of the Key Selection Criteria (no more than two pages).
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About the Division
The Early Learning Practice and Participation (ELPAP) Division guides, supports, and inspires high quality educational practice that improves the learning and development outcomes of Victoria's young children in government funded early learning programs. The Division's work is underpinned by a commitment to ensuring that all children are able to access, be included in, and engage with early learning. ELPAP leads operational policy and program development to deliver high quality, inclusive kindergarten programs and to support participation for children experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage, those who stand to benefit most from early learning.
The Division is also responsible for the delivery of professional practice supports and quality initiatives for kindergarten and Pre-Prep aligned to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and National Quality Framework (NQF).
To carry out this work, the Division is organised into two branches: the Early Learning Participation Branch and the Professional Practice Branch. Together, these branches lead work across several key focus areas:
- Delivering practice quality enablers that improve workforce retention and recognition
- Developing and implementing participation and inclusion supports for all children
- Implementing needs-based funding for kindergartens
- Working with system partners to proactively identify and connect children who might otherwise miss out on kindergarten, ensuring their enrolment and attendance
Professional Practice Branch
The Professional Practice Branch is responsible for policy development, program delivery, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder engagement to support high quality practice in government funded early learning programs, with a specific focus on kindergarten programs.
The Branch leads the implementation of the VEYLDF, in partnership with the Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority, and supports quality improvement in early childhood settings in line with the framework. The Branch has carriage of professional practice supports and key initiatives that support children's learning in the kindergarten system, including the Kindergarten Quality Improvement Program, the Early Years Assessment and Learning Tool, and a range of workforce retention and recognition programs.
The Branch consists of five units that work in close collaboration:
- Assessment for Learning Unit
- Leadership and Professional Partnerships Unit
- Professional Practice Insights and Coordination Unit
- Professional Practice Programs Unit
Workforce Retention and Recognition Unit.
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About the Department
The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.
The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.
Further Information
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.
The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page
Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Jodie Douglas, Manager Professional Practice Programs via (03) 7005 1821 or [email protected]
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g. large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.
Applications close 11:59pm on Monday, 3rd August.
