Policy and Research Officer

Grab for Careers

The establishment of Early Learning Victoria is entering its next phase as all existing central officer positions have been made ongoing. As such, we are very excited to be advertising these positions for a commencement date of 1 July 2026.

About the Department

The role of the Department of Education is to support Victorians to build prosperous, socially engaged, happy and healthy lives. It does this by supporting lifelong learning and healthy development, strengthening families and helping to equip people with the skills and knowledge for a 21st century economy and society.

About Early Learning Victoria

The Victorian Government is establishing 50 government-owned and operated early learning centres by 2032 as part of the Best Start, Best Life reforms. The centres offer childcare, Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten and Pre-Prep. The centres provide high-quality, accessible and inclusive early childhood education and care that is child centred, focused on learning through play and in nature, with strong connections to local communities.

Early Learning Victoria is part of the Victorian Department of Education. The ELV central team is leading the roll-out of the 50 centres and supports and oversees 4 centres that have recently opened. We are committed to creating a supportive and enriching work environment for our employees, offering a range of benefits and opportunities for professional growth and development.

Early Learning Victoria is committed to the Child Safe Standards and safeguarding of children from harm.

About the Role

You will contribute to and support the Pedagogy and Practice team to develop and manage policy, priority projects and centre support materials as required. This may involve drafting policy and program content, developing training and presentation resources and working closely with both central and centre-based teams to achieve best practice outcomes. The Pedagogy and Practice team's work requires collaboration, drawing on practitioner experience, evidence and research, and educational expertise. This is an exciting opportunity to influence and support the establishment of Early Learning Victoria in a way that enhances children's learning and development outcomes.

Your duties will include:

• Providing administrative, IT and tracking support for briefing processes, stakeholder engagements, meetings and other activities as required.

• Developing communications products, such as presentations, meeting minutes, and training materials

• Developing a comprehensive understanding of the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, National Quality Framework, Child Safe Standards and the Education and Care Services National Law in order to provide advice and support to central and centre-based teams

• Using your analytical skills, knowledge of the early childhood sector and strong communication and stakeholder management skills to support effective policy development and implementation.

• Work closely with central and centre-based teams to assist in them achieving best practice outcomes

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate will demonstrate experience and ability in:

• Policy development and design, including strong analytical, conceptual, and written communication skills

• Planning and managing timeframes, understanding the political and organizational environment

• Collaborating and building relationships within the department, government, and with external stakeholders

• Recent practical experience within the early childhood education sector

• Relevant tertiary qualification in early childhood education

• Understanding of the early childhood sector at a provider level is highly regarded

• Desirable: Experience in working for Government owned and operated Early Learning Services

How to apply

Applicants are required to submit a CV and cover letter (max 2 pages for cover letter) summarising their skills, relevant experience and suitability to the role.

Further Information

For more details on this position please see attached position description.

For further information about the role, please contact Helen Wolfe via .

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at

Preferred applicants may be required to have a Working with Children Check, a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close 11:59pm on 26 October 2025