Principal Policy Adviser

About the role:

The Principal Policy Adviser, Reform Design and Delivery, leads the identification, development and implementation of initiatives to reform the planned care systems (planned surgery and specialist/outpatient care), whilst building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders who represent a workforce, consumer and government lens. This role will be critical to developing and leading a state-wide reform agenda across specialist care (outpatients).

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. You will provide leadership to team members and work with other partners to coordinate advice on cross-portfolio strategic policy issues, corporate, budget, staffing, governance and financial matters. You will contribute to a positive team culture to build and sustain positive stakeholder relationships.

To be successful in this role you will be a high performing team member comfortable working in complex policy spaces, with exceptional skills in policy development, written and verbal communication, analytical thinking and problem-solving, and product development. You will need to be able to work autonomously and will be accountable for the delivery of complex reform projects and initiatives. The role requires someone who is a proactive self-starter with a strong understanding of government processes and an ability to oversee work in a sensitive and fast-paced environment. You are diligent, have high levels of adaptability, and are able to build positive relationships with stakeholders.

This role requires you to be agile and adapt to changing environments quickly. Success in this role will be predicated on the ability to work with deep subject matter experts to ensure outcomes are achieved.

Please review position description for further information about the role.

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 strategic and motivated Principal Policy Adviser to lead high-impact policy initiatives that shape the future of healthcare in our community. This is an opportunity to influence major reforms, provide expert policy advice, and guide a talented team in delivering meaningful outcomes for Victorians.

As a Principal Policy Adviser, you will provide strategic leadership, translating organisational priorities into clear objectives and actionable plans. You will inspire a cohesive and high-performing team, fostering collaboration and accountability to deliver on key departmental goals.

The role requires exceptional project management skills, from developing detailed project plans and managing risks to ensuring delivery within scope and timeframes. You will consult, liaise, and negotiate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, balancing complex and competing interests to build strong and productive partnerships across government, industry, and the community.

Strong communication skills are essential, enabling you to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively to a variety of audiences. You will use feedback to refine messages and handle sensitive issues with professionalism and tact.

You will apply advanced problem-solving and systems-thinking approaches to identify emerging trends, evaluate policy challenges from multiple perspectives, and develop innovative, evidence-based solutions. By understanding the interconnections between health systems, policy settings, and community needs, you will contribute to strategies that improve health outcomes and strengthen system performance.

If you are a forward-thinking leader who thrives in a dynamic policy environment and is passionate about shaping health outcomes through strategic influence and collaboration, we invite you to apply.

Mandatory

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

Desirable: Demonstrated understand and experience working with and developing insights utilising health sector datasets such as Victorian Integrated Non-admitted Dataset, Elective Surgery Information System and Victorian Admitted Episodes Datasets.

On a personal level, the candidate will be a decisive and ethical leader who demonstrates integrity, initiative, and accountability in all actions. They will show sound judgment under pressure, foster the growth and development of others, and work collaboratively to achieve shared goals. Adaptable and analytical, they will approach complex challenges with creativity and innovation, using conceptual thinking to generate practical solutions and drive continuous improvement.

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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