Principal Policy Advisor

**Overview**:
**Work Type**:Ongoing - Full-time

**Salary**: $138,631 - $185,518

**Grade**:VPS 6

**Occupation**:Governance and risk management

**Location**:Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

**Reference**:VG/DE/VRQA/1884316

As a Principal Policy Advisor, you’ll drive regulatory changes that strengthen the safety and quality of Victoria’s apprenticeship and traineeship system. Working with senior leaders and the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority Board, you’ll deliver complex policy projects, manage key stakeholders, and influence outcomes that prevent harm and improve opportunities for apprentices and trainees across the state.
**About the Division**

The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) is a statutory authority established under the _Education and Training Reform Act 2006_. The VRQA is responsible for the registration of education and training providers, accreditation of courses and the regulation of apprenticeships and traineeships in Victoria.

**About the Role**

As Principal Policy Advisor, you'll lead reforms that strengthen the safety and quality of Victoria's apprenticeship and traineeship system, helping to prevent harm and improve outcomes for apprentices and trainees.

You will design, develop, and deliver high-impact regulatory changes, working closely with the Deputy CEO, Training and Skills, and providing secretariat support to the VRQA Board's Apprenticeship and Skills Compliance and Quality Subcommittee.

We're seeking a skilled policy leader with strong analytical abilities, proven project management expertise, and experience delivering complex public policy initiatives. You'll excel at building relationships, managing competing priorities, and producing high-quality work under tight deadlines.

This is your opportunity to shape meaningful reform and make a lasting difference in vocational education and training in Victoria.

**Attributes**
- Strong analytical and conceptual thinking with sound judgment in complex situations
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage at all levels
- Proven expertise in policy development, implementation, and project management
- High attention to detail while delivering to tight deadlines in fast-paced environments
- Strategic mindset with a collaborative and solutions-focused approach
- Skilled in building and maintaining effective relationships with diverse stakeholders
- Adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement and positive public outcomes

**Desirable**Qualifications and Experience**
- Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills
- Experience in managing complex public policy projects, preferably in a regulatory environment.

**How to Apply**
- A resume that summarises your skills, relevant experience, and suitability for the role.
- A cover letter (max. three pages) which addresses the Key Selection Criteria in the attached Position Description.

**About the Department**

The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services. The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.

**Further Information**
- For more details regarding this position please see attached Position Description.
- Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated cont act person.

**Applications close** 11:59pm on Thursday 24th of September 2025.**

- Applications close Wednesday 24 September 2025 at 11.59pm

Posted
- 10 September 2025