An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced and talented Senior Policy Advisor to join a collaborative, high-performing, and supportive team that is passionate about improving outcomes for Victorian children. The Senior Policy Advisor will lead a range of work relating to the design, development and implementation of strategic and operational policy for Victorian funded kindergarten services.
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.
About the Division
Early Learning Operations and Monitoring (ELOM) Division leads core funding, policy, operational and monitoring functions for funded three and four-year-old kindergarten in Victoria.
The Division consists of two branches:
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Early Learning Funding and Operations Branch
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Sector Monitoring and Support Branch
Key responsibilities of the Early Learning Funding and Operations Branch include:
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kindergarten organisational and program requirements as set out in the Kindergarten Funding Guide
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setting funding rates and eligibility for all kindergarten setting types and subsidies
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strategic funding and operational projects, including supporting Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and the Preschool Reform Agreement
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kindergarten data collection, monitoring and reporting.
The Early Learning Operations Unit works across the Early Learning Funding and Operations Branch to identify and implement strategic opportunities that strengthen current practices and ensure funding can be used as effectively as possible to drive positive outcomes for children.
Key functions of the Early Learning Operations Unit include:
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overseeing funding and policy arrangements to support a high quality, sustainable kindergarten sector that is accessible to all Victorian children
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lead and contribute expertise into the planning and implementation of Best Start, Best Life reform activities, including Free Kinder
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revising program guidelines in line with policy and regulatory changes and Ministerial expectations
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linking strategic policy to operational outcomes
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provide advice and support to Early Childhood Implementation Branches, and key sector stakeholders.
About the Role
An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced and talented Senior Policy Advisor to join a collaborative, high-performing, and supportive team that is passionate about improving outcomes for Victorian children.
The Senior Policy Advisor will lead a range of work relating to the design, development and implementation of strategic and operational policy for Victorian funded kindergarten services.
Key responsibilities will of the role include:
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lead development and implementation of key policy projects for funded kindergarten, including the operationalisation of Best Start, Best Life reforms
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an ability to link strategic policy to operational outcomes
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contribute to the culture of a high performing team
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liaising with regional offices, other Government Departments and key stakeholders
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prepare and source policy advice and information to support senior leaders with peak bodies, local government and the broader sector.
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contribute to priority projects across the Division, Early Childhood Group and the department.
This role will suit someone with early childhood operational policy and project management experience, who thrives in a dynamic environment, adapts quickly to changing priorities, and fosters effective collaboration.
Attributes
This role is suited to applicants who:
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bring a good understanding of early childhood operational policies and processes, and the know-how to appl y them to guide your work.
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bring high-level verbal and written communication skills, strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, strong eye for detail, and commitment to improving outcomes for children.
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build strong working relationships and responds effectively to stakeholder needs and feedback.
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thrives in a fast paced, dynamic environment
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takes initiative, adapts quickly to change, and enjoys working collaboratively across teams to deliver shared goals.
This role is suited to an experienced VPS5.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
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A suitable tertiary qualification in a related field, and knowledge of early childhood services is desired.
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
Courtney Grace, Manager, Early Learning Operations and Monitoring at
[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 Sunday 28 June
