Senior Policy Officer

About the Branch

Education Branch provides high-quality, strategic analysis and advice on a range of education policy issues to support the Premier and Cabinet. The Branch contributes to the development and delivery of key policies and priority projects from a whole-of-government perspective across:

•            Early Childhood Education

•            Schools

The Branch also provides strategic advice to the Premier to support Victoria’s position in negotiations with the Commonwealth on education-related intergovernmental matters.

About the Role

In this role, you will be part of a high-performing and supportive team providing policy advice to the Premier and senior executives. You will review policy proposals, undertake policy analysis, and assess the impact of government decisions and actions. You will work closely with other key departments and areas within DPC. As required you will also support work being undertaken by the Social Policy and wider department.

This position requires you to deal with sensitive issues in a confidential manner. Work must be conducted with a high degree of accuracy in short time frames.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide expert, and solution focused advice to the Premier and senior executives on the policy and strategic implications of major initiatives within the education portfolio.
• Undertake policy and budget analysis to influence policy and specific projects within the education portfolios, and inform advice to Premier and senior executives
• Monitor and synthesise government policies, programs and services for the education portfolio, in order to advise the Premier and senior executives on measures to improve efficiency and effectiveness and to promote achievement of the Government’s priorities. 
• Initiate and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support government policy and priorities.
• Provide clear, succinct and solution-focused written and verbal briefings on a range of social policy issues.
• Prepare responses to correspondence, including undertaking investigatory and analytical work and preparing correspondence on sensitive issues for the signature of the Premier, Ministers, the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary. 
• Actively participate in and encourage others to support a positive organisational culture, and business and performance excellence.
• Other tasks to support Social Policy Group priorities.

About You

We are seeking applicants who have demonstrated experience from the following criteria:

1. Exceptional written communication skills and demonstrated ability to preparing complex communication materials, including preparing impactful government briefings, with advice that is clear, concise and timely, achieving the product’s purpose and meeting the audience’s needs.
2. Demonstrated policy, conceptual and analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to synthesise and critically evaluate information and the potential implications and risks of proposed policy options, and to proactively identify issues and solutions; keeps up-to-date with a broad range of contemporary issues.
3. Highly developed influence and negotiation skills, with an ability to anticipate other positions, interests and preferred options, plan for how to deal with objections and linking ideas to others’ values, needs and goals.
4. Sound professional judgment, including demonstrated ability to be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities to meet deadlines while working in pressured situations, and ability to implement efficient work processes and support continuous improvement.

Desirable requirements

1. Experience in government, data analysis and modelling is desirable
2. Experience in social policy is an advantage, but not essential
3. A Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience, in a relevant discipline

This role is an ongoing position. This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

For more information, please see the Position Description.

How to apply 

Apply before the advertised closing date 11:59pm on Thursday 10 September 2026. All applications should include:  

·       a resume; and  

·       a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages).

Other relevant information

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing role is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.  Preferred applicants will be required to undertake pre-employment screening. DPC actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. All roles at DPC can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.