Senior Policy Officer

About us

The Department of Treasury and Finance provides economic, financial and resource management advice to help the Victorian Government deliver its policies. We strive for excellence in financial and economic management to improve the lives of all Victorians.

The Economic Division leads the development of advice to the Government, and implementation of priority projects, for key economic and policy priorities including economic strategy, regulatory reform, housing, social policy, government tax policy and intergovernmental financial relations to drive improvements in Victoria's productive and efficient resource allocation, competitiveness and equity across the economy.

Regulation Group supports the Victorian Government in growing employment, material living standards and economic activity by providing advice on regulatory policy, reforms and frameworks, and facilitating reforms across state regulators and local government.

Within the Regulation Group, the Regulation Policy team provides advice on regulatory policy across all sectors of the economy, including building and building insurances, consumer protection, housing and property market, social and justice services, energy, transport and other regulated sectors. The team also provides policy advice in relation government risks, liabilities and insurance, and government fees and charges.

The position reports to the Director, Regulation Policy within the Regulation Group.

This role requires strong policy skills and the ability to apply conceptual frameworks to a range of diverse economic, legal and regulatory policy questions and problems.

Day to day work in this role involves collaborating with team members and colleagues across the VPS to formulate evidence based strategic policy advice and communicate this clearly both orally and in writing. The ability to produce good quality accurate written materials for Ministers and executives, often within short timeframes is essential.

The role requires the ability to effectively use government structures and processes to communicate, consult and influence, to drive outcomes and progress government objectives.

As a senior member of the Regulation Group, the role will contribute to fostering a positive team culture, and mentor and support team members.

Key accountabilities

• Work both independently and collaboratively in the team to deliver:
• research on complex economic, regulatory and/or public policy issues.
• Deliver policy advice in a range of formats that is timely, accurate, accessible and fit-for-purpose.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders to communicate, negotiate and influence outcomes in the interests of Victorians.
• Contribute to fostering a positive team culture.

Key selection criteria

Influence:

• experience preparing high quality written material for internal (government) and external audiences, including policy papers, cabinet submissions, Ministerial briefings, speaking points, terms of reference and project plans.
• experience in building relationships and negotiating with internal (government) and external stakeholders to achieve results.
• experience developing and presenting compelling policy positions and advice on regulatory and/or public policy issues, supported by evidence.
• the ability to convey complex issues persuasively and effectively in plain language.

Conceptual and problem-solving skills:

• ability to interpret and synthesise information, including using data to understand and explain an issue or position.
• ability to formulate practical options to address complex and ambiguous regulatory and/or public policy problems and achieve a particular outcome.
• experience in applying economic, legal and/or public policy frameworks to a diverse range of policy issues across economic sectors.

Analytical skills:

• attention to detail and ability to interpret and synthesise information
• using data to understand an issue, establish a position and support arguments.

Responsiveness:

• a track record of providing timely and fit-for purpose advice and products for key stakeholders

Teamwork:

• experience collaborating with others in a team and contributing to common goals.
• experience in project planning, managing and coordinating inputs of a team or working group to deliver an outcome
• managing the work of junior team members as needed.

Experience and qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in law, economics, public policy or another relevant field are required.

• Skills and experience providing legal policy advice and knowledge of legislative processes, while not essential, would be highly desirable.

About our culture

We aim to be a model employer providing an inclusive workplace that is understanding and respectful of differences such as gender, identity, race, disability or age. In addition, we are committed to supporting Aboriginal pathways between education and employment.

The Department strives to create an environment that supports a flexible and adaptive workforce. All requests for flexible working arrangements will be considered in line with operational requirements.

Further Information

For more information about the position and key selection criteria, please refer to the position description. If you have specific questions regarding the role, please contact Rene Jones on

How to apply

To apply, select the `Apply Now' button and provide a copy of your resume and cover letter summarising your skills and relevant experience.

Applications close at midnight, 25 September, 2025. If you require a copy of this advertisement in an accessible format, please contact the Recruitment team.

Covid-19 Vaccination

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