Senior Adviser, Office of the Deputy Secretary

About the role: 

The Senior Adviser plays a key role in providing strategic analysis and advice to the Deputy Secretary, Principal Adviser and Health System Reform and Partnerships Division. Working as part of a small, high‑performing team and reporting to the Principal Adviser the role provides critical support to the division by managing priorities, preparing high‑quality advice and briefings, resolving risks and issues, managing special projects and supporting strategic, operational, governance and reporting processes.

This is a varied role across all aspects of operational and strategic matters, with a specific focus on divisional operations. The Senior Advisor plays a lead role in supporting the operations of the division including across Finance, HR, Audit and Risk and Planning. The role also works collaboratively with branches and programs to manage risk and audit actions, workforce requirements and financial budgets / drivers / trends, including opportunities to drive performance and manage financial and resource risks and opportunities.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys collaborative problem-solving and is exceptional translating complex information into recommendations that influence strategic direction. The role is ideal for someone who is experienced working in a Deputy Secretary office and has a strong understanding of Victorian Public Service and Health Service processes.

The Senior Adviser operates in a complex and fast‑paced environment, requiring the ability to work adaptively, autonomously and collaboratively, exercise sound judgement, and maintain a high level of attention to detail. The role involves regular liaison with senior executives and requires the ability to build effective, trusted relationships with stakeholders across the department and broader portfolio.

Please view position description for further information about the role.

About us: 

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.  

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all. 

About you:

• Provide authoritative and trusted advice, options and recommendations to the Deputy Secretary, Principal Adviser and Executive Directors on Divisional and Departmental matters based on comprehensive and robust analysis.
• Takes a lead role in managing divisional operations including Finance, Risk and Audit and other coord requests flowing in and out of the Division, providing advice and quality assurance to the Deputy Secretary as approver
• Provide briefings, finance and HR data and analysis to the Deputy Secretary, Executive Leadership Team and Principal Adviser as required.
• Lead the development, implementation and management of processes and systems for the effective monitoring and coordination of divisional business

Qualification/Specialist Expertise

• A qualification in finance, accounting or related field is highly regarded

• Proven knowledge of and demonstrated experience in: 

  • Department of Health and Victorian Public Service Finance, Budgeting and HR processes and systems including (but not limited to): SAP, Axiom, Oracle, PowerBI, Excel, and Our Briefings or equivalent
  • Working with executive stakeholders across a government setting
• Previous experience working in a similar role in a Deputy Secretary office or equivalent would be advantageous.

What we offer: 

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

How to apply: 

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the ‘Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date. 

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at *********@health.vic.gov.au. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

If you have any queries in relation to participation in recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email ***************@health.vic.gov.au. Please note that unsolicited applications from third parties cannot be accepted. If you have questions regarding the role, please message the contact person listed on the advertisement directly.  

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