Program Adviser

About the role:

This role is a Fixed Term role 15 December 2025 until 7 December 2026

The Program Adviser sits in the Health Service Support and Improvement Team 4, which is responsible for leading the commissioning and compliance oversight of metropolitan and/or rural and regional health services across Victoria. The team also coordinates and leads responses to new and emerging issues and risks relating to metropolitan, rural and regional health services. The role will work with a team to monitor quality and governance issues, will be required to have analytical and conceptual skills, relationship management and the ability to manage tight deadlines are critical to the role.

The role involves developing effective relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders including health service health service executives and a range of program and policy areas within the department. The role is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a collaborative environment that requires systems thinking, excellent communication skills and a drive to improve healthcare for metropolitan, rural and regional communities.

The Program Adviser sits in the Health Service Support and Improvement Team 4, which is responsible for leading the commissioning and compliance oversight of metropolitan and/or rural and regional health services across Victoria. The team also coordinates and leads responses to new and emerging issues and risks relating to metropolitan, rural and regional health services. The role will work with a team to monitor quality and governance issues, will be required to have analytical and conceptual skills, relationship management and the ability to manage tight deadlines are critical to the role.

The role involves developing effective relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders including health service health service executives and a range of program and policy areas within the department. The role is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a collaborative environment that requires systems thinking, excellent communication skills and a drive to improve healthcare for metropolitan, rural and regional communities.

Please review position description for further details on 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 skilled and dynamic Program Adviser to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for providing expert advice and support to health programs, contributing to policy development, and driving strategic initiatives. You will work in a complex, evolving environment, where the ability to navigate ambiguity and think critically is essential.

We are looking for someone with strong conceptual and analytical abilities. You should be comfortable addressing complex issues and using your creativity and critical thinking to develop innovative solutions. You will need to understand and diagnose trends and opportunities, both within the organization and externally, applying systems thinking to inform decision-making. A key aspect of this role is your ability to link diverse factors and see how they impact the broader health system.

In addition, the ideal candidate will have exceptional influence and negotiation skills. You will need to build support for initiatives, work behind the scenes to secure buy-in, and utilize indirect influence to achieve outcomes. You should be adept at involving key stakeholders and experts to strengthen proposals and ideas.

Self-management is also crucial in this role. You will be expected to prioritize and manage your workload effectively, ensuring that deadlines are met while maintaining high standards. The ability to resist impulsive reactions, make thoughtful decisions, and manage both strengths and weaknesses is essential for success.

If you are a strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving, we encourage you to apply.

Desirable

• A high degree of understanding and knowledge of the Victorian health system, relevant departmental systems and environments would be an advantage.
• A tertiary qualification in fields related to health, business and/or management would be desirable.

On a personal level, the candidate will be enthusiastic, committed, and proactive, consistently setting high standards while taking responsibility for their actions. They will demonstrate flexibility, work well under pressure, and collaborate effectively within teams, while upholding integrity and building strong, trusting relationships across all levels.

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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