Principal Policy Adviser

Location: Melbourne | CBD

Job type: Full time

Organisation: Department of Health

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

Occupation: Policy

Reference: VG/1796598

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 will lead system planning, including in relation to financial and operational sustainability, for the AOD system. The role involves developing effective relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders including Health Services and NGO and a range of 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**:
The successful applicant will demonstrate sound leadership and people management skills, as well as an ability to influence others to maximise efficiency and effectiveness of the Victorian health workforces and improve outcomes for Victorians.

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

- Provide high quality business intelligence, authoritative advice and sound policy recommendations to senior management and government based on comprehensive research.
- 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 and cabinet and agency submissions on complex issues.
- 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.
- 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.
- Represent the department on key government and non-government committees and bodies concerned with achieving relevant government and departmental objectives.
- Keep accurate and complete records of your work activities in accordance with legislative requirements and the department's records, information security and privacy policies and requirements.
- Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and for that of others in the workplace by working in accordance with legislative requirements and the department's occupational health and safety (OHS) policies and procedures.
- Demonstrate how the actions and outcomes of this role and work unit impact clients and the department's ability to deliver, or facilitate the delivery of, effective support and services.

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 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.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks including proof of 3 vaccinations (i