Policy Adviser

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/1890160

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:

We are looking for a person who is:

- passionate about making a real difference to people's health through large-scale, systemic health-system reforms

- a curious person and big‑picture thinker, interested in emerging health trends, and able to use your communication skills to influence others and drive reform opportunities, and

- a team player who works collaboratively with others to share ideas, develop and test options, and support and lead high‑quality work.

In this role, you'll be working across multiple projects and supporting the System Reform unit to develop and deliver large‑scale reforms that improve the health of Victorians. Some of the ways we do this are by:

- developing the strategic policies that set the direction of the health system now, and into the future

- piloting, evaluating and expanding innovative programs that focus on improving health for people in the community, and

- identifying all‑of‑system reform opportunities and delivering on government commitments.

Our team operates in a dynamic environment with curiosity, enthusiasm and initiative. We work collaboratively with other teams in the department – such as health service managers, evaluators, data scientists and policy specialists – as well as with health sector representatives. We value analytical thinking, creativity and communication, and a commitment to a positive and collaborative workplace culture.

The Better at Home program is an example of a project we've delivered in the recent past. It helps more than 15,000 Victorians access home‑based care each year, in addition to telehealth check‑ups.

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:

- A tertiary qualification in fields related to health, politics, public policy or public administration would be desirable.

Highly desirable but not required:

- Health system expertise: experience and understanding across health service policy, hospital operations and system management

- Public sector management: experience and understanding of the operation of government at all levels.

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 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 inclusion@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 recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email talentacquisition@health.vic.gov.au. Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre‑employment checks. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence in line with our Privacy Policy.

Applications close Thursday 30 October 2025 at 11.59pm

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