Policy Officer

An exciting and unique opportunity exists for a talented and passionate individual to join the Traditional Owner Rights and Land Justice Branch within the First Peoples State Relations Group as Policy Officer - Advancing Traditional Owner Rights, at the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

This is a unique opportunity to work in new and innovative ways that recognise First Peoples as the self-determining drivers of Aboriginal affairs in Victoria. This role will contribute to the ground-breaking work of the Group in the areas of truth, treaty, self-determination and cultural rights.

The Advancing Traditional Owner Rights Branch is a new branch in the First Peoples - State Relations Group. The branch leads redress and self-determination policy development and ensures alignment between the _Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010_ (Vic) and future Interim Treaty offers. The branch is responsible for undertaking shadow policy work on whole of Victorian Government programs and reforms impacting Traditional Owners (including planning, land and waters, environment and infrastructure) to ensure Traditional Owner Rights are embedded and considered, and otherwise aligned with Treaty outcomes. The branch is also the contact point for Traditional Owners for operation and funding matters, strategic issues and opportunities, and coordinates with other departments and regional entities to manage engagement pressure on Traditional Owner Groups.

You will thrive in a dynamic environment, be highly strategic and motivated with excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, as well as conceptual and analytical skills.

**_ This role is prioritised 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._**

**About you**

To succeed in this role, you will possess:

- Demonstrated policy and coordination skills to support the development of policies and programs within the Treaty and First Peoples' portfolio, including an understanding of and willingness to build internal and external stakeholder understanding of and support for Treaty outcomes.
- Excellent Written communication skills, including ability to prepare and edit complex briefs, correspondence, submissions and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct language.
- Highly Developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to express opinions, information and key points clearly and concisely via effective verbal communication.
- Demonstrated willingness to be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities with the ability to meet deadlines while working in pressured situations
- Ability to establish and maintain relationships with people at all levels and from diverse backgrounds and organisations.

**The closing date for this position is Sunday, 12 Janaury 2025.**

**How to apply**
- a resume; and
- a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages).

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

**Other relevant information**

The department is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act), to support this DPC has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DPC employees be fully vaccinated.

PC actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with disabilities. All roles at DPC can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.