Policy Officer

Work across a range of projects in the Aboriginal Justice Policy Reform Unit, including the Victorian treaty process and initiatives to reduce the overrepresentation of Aboriginal Victorians in the justice system.
- Ongoing opportunity to work with a high-performing and passionate team in the Victorian Public Service.
- VPS Grade 4: $90,067 - $102,192 plus superannuation.

The Department of Justice and Community Safety (the department) is seeking a Policy Officer to provide a critical role within the Aboriginal Justice Policy Reform Unit.

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.

About the business unit
The Aboriginal Justice group of the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) is committed to driving systemic change in the justice system, to connect, support and deliver better outcomes for the Aboriginal community. The group works in partnership with Traditional Owners and the Victorian Aboriginal community to embed the principles of self-determination in the justice sector.
The Aboriginal Justice Policy Reform Unit (AJPRU) drives structural and systemic transformation and coordinates efforts across the department to improve justice outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians through policy development, legislative reform, and genuine commitment to self-determination. The AJPRU has primary responsibility for coordinating the delivery of the Aboriginal Justice group's law and policy reform agenda.

About the role
Reporting to the Legal Policy Manager, AJPRU, you will work within a small team to support the development of policy advice, analysis and initiatives to drive the Aboriginal Justice reform agenda.
As the Policy Officer, you may work across a number of AJPRU's projects, including its work on the Victorian treaty process, Spent Convictions Act 2021, and key reforms identified in the Burra Lotjpa Dunguludja - Aboriginal Justice Agreement Phase 4. Work is driven by close engagement with the Aboriginal Justice Caucus and Forum ensuring community voice is at the heart of AJPRU's work.

**Some of your duties will include**:

- Support the development of policy advice and initiatives that support the Aboriginal Justice group's reform agenda including the implementation ofBurra Lotjpa Dunguludja - Aboriginal Justice Agreement Phase 4
- Prepare briefings, advice and analysis for the Manager, Director, Deputy Secretary, Board of Management and Ministers on matters relevant to the Unit's work.
- Assist with the preparation of Cabinet and Parliamentary documentation and the drafting of Ministerial and other correspondence for the Attorney-General's portfolio as required.
- Support the Group's engagement with internal and external department stakeholders including the furthering of relationships to support the Victorian Government's commitment to Aboriginal self‑determination

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

About you

**To be successful in this role, you will have**:

- Knowledge or experience of policy development and implementation, with an understanding of the Victorian government decision making processes desirable.
- Knowledge of historical and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal Victorians.
- Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with the Aboriginal community.

How to apply

**IMPORTANT INFORMATION**:
The department is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic). Therefore, there is a requirement that all DJCS employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to undertake duties outside of their homes.
At interview stage and prior to commencement of employment with the department, you will need to provide evidence that you are vaccinated against COVID-19 with three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Upon commencement of employment with the department you will be required to provide evidence that you have an up-to-date vaccination status within the timelines specified by the department into the DJCS Service Portal. This includes evidence of three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine required by the department (from time to time).

**Acceptable evidence includes**:

- COVID-19 digital certificate or ATAGI exemption certificate (available via your myGov account)
- Your immunisation history statement (available via your myGov account)

Other documentation outside the above will not be accepted as evidence of having received your COVID-19 vaccine doses.