Strategic Adviser

About us 

The Department of Government Services (DGS) was established on 1 January 2023 to improve everyone's experience of doing business and interacting with the Victorian government. We bring important day-to-day services together in one department to make things easy and seamless for Victorians and businesses. We are doing this by connecting and digitising our systems and platforms across state and local government as well as streamlining our corporate and procurement services.  

About the role 

The role of Strategic Adviser to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) requires sound judgement in a complex and sensitive environment. The position requires the application of influence, negotiation and strategic thinking to produce integrated advice. You will act as a translator and coordinator between the COO and areas of the department, interpreting, synthesising and applying complex ideas to operational matters.

The role will require from time to time the delivery of intense, short-term projects to meet a point in time need, requiring the rapid accumulation of policy insight and the application of primary research.

About you

To be considered for the role, you must be able to demonstrate:

• Provide high level, authoritative and objective advice and support directly to the COO on high level public administration, policy and organisational matters.
• Identify, lead, provide input into, and represent the COO in the management of priority projects, ongoing functions (including Cabinet and committees, integrity matters, internal communication and engagement, corporate strategy and planning, and executive employment matters) and bespoke sensitive matters.
• Provide the COO with support and strategic advice to the DGS' Executive Leadership Team, including coordinating across the VPS and DGS to actively manage ELT's work programs.
• Provide strategic advice for DGS meetings, and other Whole of Victorian Government committees including Victorian Secretaries Board, Audit and Risk Management Committee, Public Sector Administration Committee and others.
• Initiate and maintain strong relationships across the department, the DGS ministry, independent officeholders, other government departments, and external parties to ensure that the Office of the COO has access to timely, accurate and integrated advice.
• Contribute to design and maintenance of best government practice processes affecting DGS and Office of the COO.

For specific responsibilities please review the attached position description.  This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

How to apply

Apply before the advertised closing date 11:59pm on Sunday 19th October 2025. All applications should include:

• a resume; and
• a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages)

Other relevant information

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

Preferred candidates will be required to complete a Pre-employment Declaration and Consent Form. Employment of successful candidates will be subject to a National Police Check.

DGS actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. All roles at DGS can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.