Policy Officer

**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**
As a Policy Officer, you'll play a vital role in supporting the development and execution of government reform strategies within the Consumer Affairs portfolio.

Your work will include conducting comprehensive research and formulating policy drafts in order to provide advice to the Minister of Consumer Affairs and DGS Executives on a multitude of policy proposals.

Your role will be instrumental in providing critical analysis and contributing to Cabinet processes and significant DGS reforms, through a Consumer Affairs lens.

Contributing to a supportive and high-performing team culture, you will assist colleagues and managers, demonstrating your commitment to collaboration. Strong interpersonal skills are integral to the fulfilment of the position's purpose.

**About you**

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

- Experience in developing policy advice to Ministers and executives on complex and sensitive matters.
- Demonstrate experience in formulating policy and/or legislative options and advice.
- Sound knowledge and/or experience in Victorian Government operating environment including understanding of Cabinet and Parliamentary processes
- Knowledge of current policy direction, research and issues with the Consumer Affairs portfolio, or the ability to understand these issues quickly.
- Ability to work collaboratively, foster a positive work culture, build relationships, and communicate with influence through strong writing skills.

**Mandatory requirements**
- A tertiary qualification in law, or other relevant qualifications from a recognised tertiary institution is desirable
- Knowledge of government legal policy, legislative and regulatory frameworks, requirements and processes is desirable

**Key accountabilities**
- Undertake research, investigatory and analytical work and prepare accurate, concise, timely and relevant written communications including briefings, correspondence, submissions and reports for a range of audiences including the Minister and Departmental Executive.
- Provide appropriate advice to the Minister and Departmental Executive on a range of policy and legislation matters relating to the Consumer Affairs portfolio in the delivery of the Government's key commitments.
- Work as part of a team to develop evidenced based policy options and provide advice to the DGS Executives, Government and key stakeholders on complex policy issues and solutions, undertaking high quality research and stakeholder consultation.
- Develop a sound understanding of the policy and legislative framework that the Consumer Affairs portfolio has responsibility to support the development of comprehensive policy responses.
- Support the development of legislation and regulations and recommendations for policy development, policy implementation, and high level Ministerial and committee briefing advice.
- Prepare high quality briefings and correspondence.

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**
- 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.

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.