Principal Policy Officer

About the role:

The Principal Policy Officer, Health Funding Strategy and Policy plays a pivotal leadership role in driving sustainable health system funding. This role is responsible for supporting the strategic development and delivery of the annual health service budgets and funding submission. The position provides expert advice on health funding impacts and ensures alignment with broader fiscal policy objectives. This includes implementation of key health funding policies and strategies that drive financial sustainability and controls, setting funding standards, and assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of the allocation of available resources.

Working across government and with health services, the Principal Policy Officers leads analysis of health services expenditure and cost drivers, and develops funding policy options and strategies to improve the integrity and strategic alignment of modelled hospital budgets. The role also leads the preparation of stakeholder engagement materials, and briefings to support understanding and annual funding requirements and allocations.

In this role you will:

• Oversee strategic reviews of cost and funding escalation drivers across the health sector and provide recommendations to support improved fiscal sustainability and budget requests.
• Manage and deliver funding policies and strategies aimed at improving the design, transparency, and credibility of modelled hospital budgets.
• Develop high-quality briefing materials, reports, and engagement products to support communication of budget models and reform objectives to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate and negotiate with finance, performance and central agencies to ensure reforms are integrated, evidence-informed, and aligned with broader health system priorities.

Please view position description for further information abbout 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 highly motivated and strategic Principal Policy Officer to lead the development and implementation of innovative health funding policies that deliver sustainable outcomes for the Victorian health system.

This pivotal role provides high-level policy advice and strategic direction on complex funding and system reform matters. The successful candidate will work across government and the health sector to design and influence funding strategies that improve efficiency, equity and outcomes for communities. You will build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, negotiating and securing buy-in to achieve shared goals.

We are looking for a leader who can translate organisational strategy into clear, actionable plans. You will think systemically and strategically, identifying trends, risks and opportunities to guide decision-making and policy direction. A demonstrated ability to manage change, influence key stakeholders and deliver results in a dynamic policy environment is essential.

The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and commercial acumen, with experience applying cost-benefit analysis to policy and program decisions. You will be adept at solving complex problems, drawing insights from diverse information sources, and implementing practical, evidence-based solutions.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of health funding and policy in Victoria. If you are a strategic thinker, an effective leader and a persuasive communicator committed to improving health outcomes, we encourage you to apply.

Mandatory

• A strong understanding of the Victorian public sector is essential.
• A tertiary qualification in business or financial management, public administration, public policy or equivalent would be advantageous.

On a personal level, the candidate will be a strategic and analytical thinker who is comfortable with complexity and capable of generating creative, innovative ideas. They will demonstrate sound judgement and decisiveness, maintain strong attention to detail, and build trusted relationships across all levels. Driven and committed, they will show resilience and professionalism under pressure, maintaining focus and composure to deliver high-quality outcomes in a dynamic environment.

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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