Principal Policy Officer

5 months ago

Melbourne, Australia Department of Health Full time

Location: Melbourne | CBD

Job type: Full time / until 30 June 2026

Organisation: Department of Health

**Salary**: $130,673 - $174,869

Occupation: Policy

Reference: VG/1801544

The Department of Health plays a critical role in the Victorian health system and is responsible for shaping it to meet the health needs of all Victorians. We’re focused on supporting Victorians to be as healthy as they can; whether through alerting them to seasonal risks like thunderstorm asthma, notifying them of contact with communicable diseases, safeguarding their drinking water, developing the best health, wellbeing and care facilities in the world, being at the forefront of mental health and wellbeing treatment or accelerating medical research. It’s all part of the way we partner with the community to help every individual lead a healthy life.

**About the role**:
The Principal Policy Adviser works within a team supporting the Manager, Reform Implementation Unit 1, to lead work related to the harm reduction portfolio.

Day to day tasks include leading projects, providing policy advice, maintaining stakeholder relationships, and leading planning and commissioning activities. The role involves developing effective relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders as well as with program and policy areas within the department.

**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.

**How you'll make a difference**:
To be successful in this role, you will be a high performing individual with strong leadership, analytical, problem solving, policy development and communication skills. The role would be suited to individuals who are comfortable working with complex issues, in multidisciplinary teams and with a range of internal and external stakeholders to deliver complex projects.

A strong understanding of the Victorian mental health system, alcohol and other drugs sector, and knowledge of the department and its operating processes and information systems is essential.

**Suitable applicants will be able to demonstrate**:

- Lead work to implement policy and realise the government's commitment to harm reduction, including:

- Leading submissions to Cabinet and Committees of Cabinet.
- Overseeing projects or sub-projects and being accountable for the successful delivery and completion of the projects/sub-projects within resourcing, timeline and budget parameters.
- Evaluating tender bids and participating in liaison and negotiation associated with tender processes.
- Provide high quality business intelligence, authoritative advice and sound policy recommendations to senior management and government based on comprehensive research.
- Provide timely expert advice and develop open and effective communication strategies including collection of highly complex, contentious or sensitive information on matters of staff or business.
- Oversee the development of policy and initiatives that meet government and departmental objectives within resourcing, timeline and budget parameters.
- Review and report on high priority issues, risks and trends and prepare and present comprehensive reports, ministerial briefs, Cabinet and agency submissions.
- Pro-actively build and maintain effective working relationships and facilitate the flow of information across the department and with key external stakeholders.
- Maintain an understanding of Commonwealth and State legislative and policy reform directions to influence policy development.
- Represent the department on key government and non-government committees and bodies concerned with achieving relevant government and departmental objectives.
- Where responsible for overseeing, monitoring or delivering projects, ensure they are delivered in accordance with relevant legislation and government regulations and guidelines.

To learn more please click ‘Apply' to view the Position Description on the Careers.vic website.

**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 & Sector.
- 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 wor

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