Program Advisor

About the Role

Reporting to the Senior School Support Officer, School Support Unit (SSU), the Program Advisor is responsible for:

• Managing and providing guidance to 1.5 direct reports and fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment
• Utilising Microsoft Excel, Power BI and other student management databases to analyse compliance data, understand areas of non-compliance and develop procedures to support ongoing operational improvements
• Providing advice and guidance to schools on compliance obligations under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act (Cth), Education Training and Reform (ETRA) Act (Vic), Child Safety Standards and the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Agency's guidelines for the enrolment of overseas students aged under 18

The ideal candidate will have:

• An ability to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to complex compliance issues
• Highly developed stakeholder management skills and ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Experience leading a small team and making a positive contribution to workplace culture

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

A relevant tertiary qualification in education or a related field is desirable for this role. An understanding of international education provider compliance, including the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act (Cth) is desirable.

To support the IEPD's commitment to fostering child safe environments and protecting children from harm, staff are expected to promote a child safe culture, adhere to child safety policies and procedures and act in a child safe manner at all times. This includes acting in a child safe manner when participating in school visits, undertaking student recruitment activities and participating in student related events.

To support IEPD's commitment to fostering child safe environments and protecting children from harm, all new and existing staff must possess a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) for employment.

How to Apply

To apply, please provide:

• a CV and
• a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) outlining your skills and experience relevant to the requirements, capabilities and key selection criteria for the role.

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

The International Education and Partnership Division (IEPD) provides strategic advice and sector-level support for some of the department's key functions and obligations in relation to international education, the non-government school sector and the use of animals in teaching. The division develops and maintains strategic partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders in different education sectors and levels of government and carries out regulatory functions and responsibilities under various Acts to ensure compliance in Victorian schools.

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 Louise Freeman, Manager, School Support Unit via email at: **************@education.vic.gov.au. 

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 3rd September 2026