Principal Program Adviser

About the role:

The Principal Program Adviser plays a critical role in delivering a coordinated and strategic approach to monitoring and improving the performance of Victorian hospitals and health services. The role includes consolidating performance assessments across domains and output areas, leads the formal evaluation of overall service performance, and supports the identification of priority areas for improvement and tier assignment. The role works closely with colleagues across the Department and with health services facing complex, multi-faceted performance, governance, and safety and quality issues to ensure a consistent and proactive approach to performance management.

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:

Can you demonstrate the following?

• Lead and support the implementation and coordination of the department's Performance Monitoring Framework
• Coordinate and lead performance assessment processes across the Department, synthesising information from multiple performance domains and output areas to provide an integrated view of health service performance.
• Provide specialist advice to internal and external stakeholders, drawing on performance data, sector intelligence, and evidence-based approaches to support decision-making and strategic planning.
• Uses knowledge of structures, processes and culture of government, the sector and the Department to apply critical thinking and advanced analytical skills that interpret complex performance data and identify underlying issues, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead the development and proposal of targets for individual services as an input into budgets process, ensuring alignment with statewide objectives, funding models, and performance expectations.

Qualifications / Specialist Expertise

Qualifications

• An appropriate tertiary qualification in health, accounting, commerce, economics, political science, public administration or public policy. Post tertiary qualification in a relevant field would be advantageous.

Specialist Expertise

• A high degree of understanding and knowledge of the Victorian health system, relevant departmental systems and environments and the ability to build increased capability in others.

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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