Job Description
Full job description
THE ROLE
Do you want to work on Truth and Treaty? The Senior Policy Officer in the Strategic Policy team, Aboriginal Truth and Treaty Branch, develops strong relationships within the department and across government, collaborating and working with others to support the department's response to complex and social policy issues emerging from the truth and treaty processes.
In this role, you will help to coordinate, research and shape department-wide policy and strategy that supports Aboriginal self-determination, with a focus on Victorian Treaty and truth-telling through the Yoorrook Justice Commission. You will also build organisational awareness of, and engagement with, Treaty and truth-telling work across the department.
You will be joining a team that uses systems thinking, pragmatic problem solving, initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas; that values collaboration, curiosity, diverse thinking, creativity and innovation in our ways of working; and that prioritises cultural safety in work and relationships.
You will enjoy working closely with and supporting a large number of people to achieve goals on time, and will be committed to elevating Aboriginal voices. You will be creative, and able to work with others to build their commitment, knowledge and skills in support of creating system-wide change. You will have expertise or experience in the analysis and development of policy and evidence.
As a member of Aboriginal Self-determination and Outcomes Division, you will be committed to building your cultural competency and see this as an ongoing learning and development process.
This role may include some travel within Victoria.
Are you:
Committed to elevating the Aboriginal voice and world view in policy development?
Comfortable working in a fast paced, high stakes and highly collaborative environment?
Someone who loves working closely with others to achieve shared goals?
A clear and persuasive communicator, with an eye for detail and commitment to quality in communications?
A great strategic thinker, able to make connections between ideas, analyse the impact of different activities, understand relevant evidence, and recognise the implications of your thinking?
ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE
Review policy proposals, undertake policy and evidence analysis, and provide high quality policy advice on complex strategic and social policy issues to inform department positions on Treaty matters.
Review and report on high priority issues, risks and trends and prepare and present comprehensive reports, ministerial briefs and cabinet and agency submissions on Treaty, truth-telling and self-determination.
Provide high quality authoritative advice and sound policy recommendations to senior management and government based on Aboriginal voice, the principles of self-determination and comprehensive research.
Please open the position description to read more.
COVID-1+ VACCINATIONThe department strongly recommends (but does not mandate) that employees maintain their COVID-1+ vaccination status in accordance with current ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) advice, given their individual circumstances. As of June 2026, DFFH does not require evidence of COVID-1+ vaccination status.
A SPECIAL MEASURE PROVISION APPLIES TO THIS ROLEThe Equal Opportunity Act 2010, provides for lawful 'Special Measure' provisions, therefore the following has been applied to this role. This is a Designated role - Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.
HOW TO APPLY
All VPS employees (and ex-VPS employees with extended access to the Jobs and Skills Exchange website) MUST apply via the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) portal.
Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria. Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process. Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.
For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs)
Please apply to submit your interest in this position.
THE ROLE
Do you want to work on Truth and Treaty? The Senior Policy Officer in the Strategic Policy team, Aboriginal Truth and Treaty Branch, develops strong relationships within the department and across government, collaborating and working with others to support the department's response to complex and social policy issues emerging from the truth and treaty processes.
In this role, you will help to coordinate, research and shape department-wide policy and strategy that supports Aboriginal self-determination, with a focus on Victorian Treaty and truth-telling through the Yoorrook Justice Commission. You will also build organisational awareness of, and engagement with, Treaty and truth-telling work across the department.
You will be joining a team that uses systems thinking, pragmatic problem solving, initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas; that values collaboration, curiosity, diverse thinking, creativity and innovation in our ways of working; and that prioritises cultural safety in work and relationships.
You will enjoy working closely with and supporting a large number of people to achieve goals on time, and will be committed to elevating Aboriginal voices. You will be creative, and able to work with others to build their commitment, knowledge and skills in support of creating system-wide change. You will have expertise or experience in the analysis and development of policy and evidence.
As a member of Aboriginal Self-determination and Outcomes Division, you will be committed to building your cultural competency and see this as an ongoing learning and development process.
This role may include some travel within Victoria.
Are you:
Committed to elevating the Aboriginal voice and world view in policy development?
Comfortable working in a fast paced, high stakes and highly collaborative environment?
Someone who loves working closely with others to achieve shared goals?
A clear and persuasive communicator, with an eye for detail and commitment to quality in communications?
A great strategic thinker, able to make connections between ideas, analyse the impact of different activities, understand relevant evidence, and recognise the implications of your thinking?
ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE
Review policy proposals, undertake policy and evidence analysis, and provide high quality policy advice on complex strategic and social policy issues to inform department positions on Treaty matters.
Review and report on high priority issues, risks and trends and prepare and present comprehensive reports, ministerial briefs and cabinet and agency submissions on Treaty, truth-telling and self-determination.
Provide high quality authoritative advice and sound policy recommendations to senior management and government based on Aboriginal voice, the principles of self-determination and comprehensive research.
Please open the position description to read more.
COVID-1+ VACCINATIONThe department strongly recommends (but does not mandate) that employees maintain their COVID-1+ vaccination status in accordance with current ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) advice, given their individual circumstances. As of June 2026, DFFH does not require evidence of COVID-1+ vaccination status.
A SPECIAL MEASURE PROVISION APPLIES TO THIS ROLEThe Equal Opportunity Act 2010, provides for lawful 'Special Measure' provisions, therefore the following has been applied to this role. This is a Designated role - Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.
HOW TO APPLY
All VPS employees (and ex-VPS employees with extended access to the Jobs and Skills Exchange website) MUST apply via the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) portal.
Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria. Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process. Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.
For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs)
Please apply to submit your interest in this position.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Senior Policy Officer position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Melbourne offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.