Projects and Policy Officer

An exciting and unique opportunity exists for a talented and passionate individual to join the Community Capability and Infrastructure Branch, in the First Peoples-State Relations Group as a Project and Policy Officer at the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

The Community Capability and Infrastructure Branch, within the First Peoples-State Relations Group at the Department of Premier and Cabinet, is responsible for governance, capacity-building initiatives, awards, events, and funding support. Its key responsibilities include recognizing and celebrating the stories, achievements, and cultures of First Peoples in Victoria, strengthening the economic capacity and sustainability of Aboriginal organizations, and managing funding relationships with key Aboriginal organizations and RAPs.

The Project and Policy Officer will support the delivery of the Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) Sector Support Program, which helps RAPs manage and protect Aboriginal cultural heritage and perform statutory functions under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic).

Working closely with the Senior Project and Policy Officer, the successful candidate will engage with RAPs across Victoria, providing high-quality grants administration and policy support for managing RAP Operations Program funding agreements. The role requires strong project management, communication, and relationship-building skills, along with flexibility and enthusiasm to support the broader work of the Branch.

This role offers a unique chance to work in innovative ways that recognize First Peoples as the self-determining drivers of First Nations affairs in Victoria. It contributes to groundbreaking work in areas such as truth, treaty, self-determination, and cultural rights.

This is a designated position under Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply for this position.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Experience or the ability to develop proficiency in supporting grant program delivery and managing funding agreements end-to-end.
• Experience working with First Nations communities and the ability to establish effective, culturally safe relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience delivering projects within set timeframes, with clear milestones, objectives, and measures.
• Proven written communication skills, including preparing briefs, correspondence, submissions, and reports with clarity and grammatical accuracy.
• Strong analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills, with experience in policy analysis and providing advice to inform government policy and programs.

• Familiarity with Victorian Common Funding Agreements, grants management policies, and electronic grant management systems.
• A current driver's license.

This is a designated position under section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply for this position.

The closing date for applications is Monday, 12 May 2025.

Apply before the closing date. Your application should include:

• A resume;
• A cover letter addressing the key selection criteria (within three pages).

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

Working with us, you can make a difference in your career and in the community where you work and live.

The department is committed to providing a safe working environment in line with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act). It has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy recommending all employees be fully vaccinated.

Preferred candidates will need to complete a Pre-employment Declaration and Consent form. Employment is subject to a National Police Check. DPC promotes diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with disabilities. All roles can be worked flexibly, depending on the role.