Principal Priority Projects Advisor

**About us**

The Department of Government Services (DGS) was established on 1 January 2023 to improve everyone's experience of doing business and interacting with the Victorian government. We bring important day-to-day services together in one department to make things easy and seamless for Victorians and businesses. We are doing this by connecting and digitising our systems and platforms across state and local government as well as streamlining our corporate and procurement services.

**About the role**

As a Priority Projects Advisor, you will contribute to the oversight and delivery of significant reform projects and strategic policy initiatives.

These high-profile reform projects span several key areas, including housing, cost of living and local government initiatives. This role requires exceptional analytical, communication, and project management skills, as well as a deep understanding of government operations and the ability to lead in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

As a trusted advisor to the Lead Director, the position involves providing strategic insights, evidence-based recommendations, and innovative solutions to complex challenges. The Priority Projects Advisor works collaboratively with senior executives, government agencies, and key stakeholders, ensuring that initiatives are aligned with legislative frameworks and deliver meaningful outcomes for the community.

You will have a track record of providing clear, actionable advice to senior decision makers and building strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders. You will be proficient in strategic policy, stakeholder engagement and project management. You'll have an interest in new and agile ways of working, with a curious mindset.

**Key accountabilities include**
- Provides well-reasoned and clear written advice to inform strategic decision making by government, senior executives and the department on complex policy, program or project matters.
- Identifies and responds to new and emerging issues, risks and opportunities impacting on the operating environment.
- Builds and maintains strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including other government departments and agencies to drive collaborative outcomes.
- Undertakes policy development, review and analysis, including drafting high-quality briefs and correspondence for executive consideration.

**About you**

To be considered for the role, you must be able to demonstrate:

- Demonstrated strategic thinking and analytical capability: Proven ability to conceptualise, develop, and implement strategic initiatives, frameworks, and policies in complex and dynamic environments.
- Exceptional stakeholder management skills: High-level interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to build and sustain stakeholder relationships across varied and high-pressure contexts. Demonstrated experience in preparing concise, persuasive documents (e.g., reports, briefs, and proposals) for senior decision-makers.
- Experience in policy development and review: Expertise in developing, implementing, and evaluating policies or strategies that align with legislative frameworks and broader government objectives. Proficiency in conducting research, critically assessing data, and incorporating evidence-based thinking into policy recommendations.
- Leadership, teamwork, and influence: Demonstrated ability to mentor and empower colleagues and contribute to a collaborative work environment. Strong capacity to influence and inspire individuals and teams, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and VPS values.
- Understanding of government and Victorian Public Sector operations: In-depth understanding of government decision-making processes, public sector challenges, and relevant legislative and regulatory environments.

For specific responsibilities please review the attached position description.

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

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

**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 DGS has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which **strongly recommends** all DGS employees be fully vaccinated.

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