Senior Policy Officer

About the role:

This role is a Full-time, Fixed-Term position from 15 December 2025 to 15 December 2026.

The Senior Policy Officer, Reform Design and Delivery, will support the identification, development and implementation of operational hospital policy and initiatives to drive improvements and reform across the planned care systems (planned surgery and outpatient care), whilst building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders who represent a workforce, consumer and government lens.

Demonstrating relevant experience and expertise in health systems, government processes, stakeholder consultation, policy design, and program implementation, this role will provide the opportunity to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and impart enduring reform in the healthcare sector.

To be successful in this role you will be a high performing team member comfortable working in complex policy spaces, with skills in policy development, written and verbal communication, analysis and problem-solving, project management and product development. The role requires someone who is a proactive self-starter with a strong understanding of government processes and an ability to lead work in a complex, sensitive and fast-paced environment. You are diligent, have high levels of adaptability, and can build positive relationships with stakeholders.

Please review the positon 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 a skilled Senior Policy Officer to lead the development and implementation of impactful health policies. This role requires a professional who excels in formulating and communicating public policy options, staying informed on contemporary issues, and identifying the broader implications of proposed policies.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong project management capabilities, including consulting with and influencing key stakeholders, developing detailed project plans with clear objectives, and monitoring progress to manage risks and ensure successful outcomes.

Problem-solving skills are essential, as you will gather and analyze relevant information from multiple perspectives to identify and implement effective solutions, evaluating their impact and making adjustments as needed.

Excellent written communication is critical; you will prepare concise, clear briefs, reports, presentations, and correspondence tailored to diverse audiences and purposes, ensuring accuracy and appropriate style.

The role demands expertise in stakeholder management, building productive partnerships by understanding shared concerns, addressing underlying needs, and using innovative approaches to resolve issues in alignment with stakeholder contexts.

A strong systems-thinking approach is necessary to diagnose trends, identify obstacles and opportunities within both internal and external environments, and to conceptualize the interconnected systems influencing policy development and organizational goals.

This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to public health policy that makes a meaningful difference. If you are a proactive, strategic thinker with demonstrated skills in policy development, project leadership, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder engagement, we encourage you to apply.

Desirable

• A tertiary qualification in fields related to health, public policy, data analytics, business and/or management, or health administration would be desirable.
• Knowledge and experience in government, health sector and/or health service delivery would be desirable, with skills and experience in policy development and implementation.

On a personal level, the candidate will be conceptual and analytical, comfortably navigating complexity and generating creative ideas that drive innovation. They will demonstrate strong attention to detail, effective planning and organisation, and the ability to self-manage by seeking feedback and adapting behaviour. Additionally, they will excel in teamwork, collaborating respectfully and constructively to achieve shared goals.

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.

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