Policy and Project Officer

**Make an important contribution to the development of Aboriginal justice policy.**:

- **Ongoing, full time opportunity to work with a high-performing and passionate team in the Victorian Public Service.**:

- **VPS Grade 4: $95,102 - $107,905 plus superannuation.**

The Department of Justice and Community Safety (the department) is seeking a Principal Policy and Project Officer to fill a critical role within the Koori Justice Unit.

**About the Business Unit**

The Aboriginal Justice group drives systemic change in the justice system, by connecting, supporting and delivering better outcomes for the Aboriginal community. We partner with Traditional Owners and the Victorian Aboriginal community to enable them to self-determine their role in policy and services within the justice sector. We collaborate with our colleagues across government to establish strong connections and build capability and awareness that Aboriginal business is everyone's business. The Koori Justice Unit (KJU) sits within the Aboriginal Justice Group and has been established to help realise a clear vision of a fair and accessible justice system for Aboriginal people. The KJU is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement - Burra Lotjpa Dunguludja in line with realising Aboriginal self-determination. The AJA has established extensive Government and Community networks through the Aboriginal Justice Forum (AJF), Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee Network (RAJAC) and the Local Aboriginal Justice Action Committees (LAJAC) and uses them to effectively deliver initiatives including early intervention and prevention programs, diversion initiatives and rehabilitation and reintegration support.

**About the Role**

The role of the Policy and Project officer is to provide policy and project management advice and support in relation to the Aboriginal Justice Agreement and related government policies. You will have primary responsibility for managing the logistics for the governance mechanisms under the AJA and contribute to the development of briefings, papers, and process improvements, ensuring delivery to time, scope and budget, with direction from the Manager.

**You will also**:

- Provide policy advice in relation to strategic Aboriginal Justice policy matters, in partnership with Aboriginal Communities.
- Liaise with, government and community stakeholders to support the delivery of AJF, Aboriginal Justice Caucus and network of RAJACs.
- Assist with the promotion, planning and project management support for KJU events, meetings and functions.

To learn more about this role before applying, please read the attached position description.

This is a prioritised role for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, who will be given priority consideration as per the special measures provision of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

For Aboriginal Designated and Prioritised positions, a Certificate of Aboriginality (CoA) will be required prior to an offer of employment being made

**About you**

To be successful in this role, you will have:

- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Aboriginal community, both society and culture and the issues impacting on it.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with the Victorian Aboriginal community.
- Demonstrated knowledge of policy and project development and implementation.
- Demonstrated experience in advocacy and support in the delivery of policy and legislative reform through community consultation and targeted engagement.

**How to Apply**

**IMPORTANT INFORMATION**:
**CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT**:
The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.