Senior Privacy Advisor

About the role:

This is a Fixed Term Position until 30 June 2028.

The Senior Privacy Advisor will implement, manage and provide relevant advice regarding information privacy for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Consumer Management System (MHWCMS).

The role provides the dedicated expertise needed to embed privacy by design into every aspect of MHWCMS implementation and operation. The role will undertake proactively identify and mitigate privacy risks across system design, configuration, and statewide rollout, ensuring alignment with relevant legislation and departmental obligations. This work will complement the Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) which supports the MHWCMS roll out.

Through a comprehensive workplan, the role will lead and participate in delivery of a comprehensive privacy policy framework, including clear requirements for data handling. It will also support project and platform assurance by designing business processes that monitor, audit, and report on privacy compliance, supporting audit readiness and sector confidence.

Please review position description for further details.

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.

About you:

The Department of Health is seeking an experienced Senior Privacy Advisor to support the delivery of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Client Management System, a major digital transformation initiative. This role is critical to ensuring privacy and data protection requirements are embedded throughout the design, development, and implementation of the new system.

As a trusted advisor, you will provide expert guidance on privacy legislation, policy development, risk mitigation, and compliance. You will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that privacy impacts are identified early, assessed rigorously, and addressed through practical, policy-aligned solutions. Your strong stakeholder management skills will enable you to build trusted relationships and balance competing priorities to achieve shared outcomes.

You will have a strong grasp of organisational dynamics and be able to navigate complex systems and pressures with sound judgement. Using your planning and organisational skills, you will anticipate potential risks, set clear objectives, and deliver structured, timely advice within tight timeframes.

Written communication is key to success in this role. You will produce high-quality briefs, reports, policies, and guidance materials that are clear, concise, and tailored to different audiences. Your ability to interpret legislation and translate complex issues into practical advice will be highly valued.

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the future of mental health services by ensuring privacy is upheld at every stage of a major system transformation. If you're a policy-minded privacy professional with the ability to engage, advise, and lead in a complex environment, we welcome your application.

Mandatory

• Knowledge of health informatics at least at a basic level is essential.
• Significant experience of having written professional grade documents is essential.

Desireable

• Qualification within a legal field would be highly desirable.
• A strong understanding of the Victorian health system and specifically within the mental health context is highly desirable.
• Experience of doing this in the context of privacy specific work is highly desirable.
• Experience of and knowledge within privacy legislation is highly desirable.
• Demonstrable qualification within project management would be desirable.
• Tertiary qualification in a field relating to health would be desirable.

On a personal level, the candidate will be proactive, accountable, and committed, demonstrating strong analytical skills and creativity to solve complex problems while maintaining a focus on delivering high-quality outcomes. They will also be a collaborative team player who listens to others, respects different working styles, and works effectively to achieve shared goals in a dynamic environment.

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. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

If you have any queries in relation to recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence in line with our Privacy Policy.