Manager - Strategy, Policy and Governance

Contribute to the co-design of Aboriginal strategic and operational justice policy
- Full-time fixed-term role for 12 months.
- VPS Grade 6 : $134,593 to $180,115 plus superannuation.

The Department of Justice and Community Safety (the department) is seeking a **Manager - Strategy, Policy and Governance** to fill a vital role within the Koori Justice Unit.

**About the Business Unit**

The Koori Justice Unit (KJU) is a unit within the Aboriginal Justice Group of the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) which has been established to help realise a clear vision of a fair and accessible justice system for Aboriginal people. The KJU is responsible for developing and coordinating the implementation of the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement - AJA/Burra Lotjpa Dunguludja in partnership with the Aboriginal community and Victorian government, in line with realising Aboriginal self-determination. The AJA drives structural and systemic transformation across the department and the VPS to improve justice outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians. The AJA has established extensive Government and Community networks through the Aboriginal Justice Forum (AJF), Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee Network (RAJAC) and the Local Aboriginal Justice Action Committees (LAJAC) and uses them to effectively deliver initiatives including early intervention and prevention programs, diversion initiatives as well as rehabilitation and reintegration support.

**About the Role**

You will be responsible for the co-design of Aboriginal strategic and operational justice policy in partnership with Aboriginal communities to enable self-determined solutions. This will include partnering on development of the next iteration of the AJA and supporting key reforms identified in the Burra Lotjpa Dunguludja - Aboriginal Justice Agreement Phase 4.

You will also take responsibility for:

- Demonstrating an understanding of the Victorian government's commitment to Aboriginal self-determination and be able to identify, develop and deliver reforms that align with the overarching Aboriginal self-determination agenda.
- Leading, in collaboration with senior management, the development and management of aspects of the ongoing evolution of Victoria's policy on Aboriginal Justice matters.
- Providing strategic advice to the Director, Executive Director, Deputy Secretary, Board of Management and Ministers in the delivery of the Aboriginal Justice Group's reform agenda.

**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.**

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**:

- Excellent knowledge of Aboriginal culture and society and understanding of historical and contemporary issues relating to Aboriginal Victorians.
- Excellent knowledge of public policy development and implementation and knowledge of Cabinet processes and Government decision-making processes.
- Demonstrated experience in advocacy and delivering policy and reform through community partnership and targeted engagement.
- Strong knowledge of, and demonstrated experience, working with Aboriginal communities and advisory groups, including sophisticated and culturally aware stakeholder engagement.

**Qualifications/requirements**
- A tertiary qualification in law, public policy, Aboriginal affairs or similar is desired.
- A current Victorian Driver's Licence (regional travel will be required for this role).

**For Aboriginal Designated and Prioritised positions, a Certificate of Aboriginality (CoA) will be required prior to an offer of employment being made.**

**How to Apply**

**FOR INTERNAL VPS EMPLOYEES**:
**IMPORTANT INFORMATION**:
**CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT**:
The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.