Job Description
Overview
Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: $113,022 - $136,747
Grade: VPS 5
Occupation: Policy
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/101683RE-ADV
The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions is focused on growing Victoria’s prosperity, building the productive capacity of our economy and increasing participation – by creating more opportunities for people through skills and jobs; helping businesses and industries to thrive; and building vibrant communities and regions. For more information, see the DJSIR Strategic Plan 2023-2027.
Our work spans numerous portfolios, supporting departmental ministers and operating across metropolitan, regional and international offices.
The Department welcomes and encourages applications from diverse applicants, including First Peoples, refugees or asylum seekers, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, LGBTIQ+ people and people with disability. All roles at DJSIR can be worked flexibly and we offer reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities.
Senior Strategic Policy Adviser - Vocational Education – 2 x positions
Salary: $113,022 - $136,747 (plus superannuation)
Two positions - Fixed-term for 2 years
Usual hours of work: Full time (flexibility may be available)
Usual work location: 289 Wellington Parade South, East Melbourne VIC 3002 (flexibility may be available)
The Role
The Senior Strategic Policy Adviser - Vocational Education will be responsible for providing timely and accurate advice and insight on a range of strategic policy issues in the tertiary education sector, with a particular focus on vocational education and training.
Key responsibilities include:
Suggesting new ideas and approaches that will improve the VET system, given the context and challenges.
Bringing new perspectives and innovation to the consideration of issues to provide insight to decision makers about reform direction and /or implementation.
Developing productive relationships with stakeholders across the department, other government departments and external agencies.
Providing timely, accurate and insightful strategic policy advice and other products to senior personnel and key stakeholders across Government.
Main accountabilities:
Contribute to the delivery of strategic projects relating to the future skills needs through research, assisting with analysis and implementation.
Bring outside ideas and influence on product development including international and cutting-edge practices and are informed by educational literature and evidence.
Leverage strategic policy innovation and design tools in order to bring new insights to problem definition and/or idea development.
Embed appropriate evidence, data analysis and/or modelling in the construction of ideas and products for decision makers.
Create briefs, policy options, cabinet submissions, parliamentary documents, reports, briefing and options papers for a variety of audiences.
Work closely with internal and external stakeholders in consultations and negotiations to gain commitment to the policy agenda, initiatives, and delivery of activities to meet timelines.
The Team
The position Senior Strategic Policy Adviser - Vocational Education forms part of the Executive and Corporate Services Branch, which sits within the Victorian Skills Authority (VSA). The Victorian Skills Authority (VSA) provides evidence-based planning and solutions to meet current and future skills needs in Victoria. We are an administrative office led by a chief executive officer and supported by an advisory board of key stakeholders.
We report directly to the Minister for Skills and TAFE and work closely with the Office of TAFE Coordination and Delivery and the Skills and TAFE Group within DJSIR.
Our role is to gather and analyse industry data, identify where there are current and emerging skills shortages in Victoria's workforce, work with stakeholders to develop strategies to fill these gaps and drive engagement, collaboration and innovation across Victoria's skills system.
The VSA has 4 branches – Engagement and Skills Reform Branch, Services Branch, Analysis and Insights Branch and Executive and Corporate Services Branch.
Find out more about the VSA at skills.authority.vic.gov.au
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have the following main skills and experience:
Educational expertise: Leverages deep knowledge and experience of the education sector in order to analyse problems, build solutions and add value in discussions. Can apply educational frameworks to a wide variety of issues. Understands the workings of the Vocational Education and Training system.
P olicy Design and Development: Formulates and communicates public policy options and recommendations; Develops a clear narrative for the policies and business cases including clear problem definition and objectives; Considers impact of policy on strategic plans, community needs, complementing programs and policies across the service.
Written communication: Demonstrates experience writing for varying audiences including producing content that guides and informs decisions. Uses appropriate style and formats for briefing and report content. Maintains a high level of professionalism in written materials aligned to Victorian government guidelines. Reviews work and ensure it is error free.
Flexibility: Effectively pivots towards priorities, prioritising organisational and senior management needs. Creates initial products and ideas in a timely way based on a good understanding of requirements and using sound judgment and experience. Responds productively and effectively to input, feedback and direction.
Creativity and Innovation: Generates new ideas; draws on a range of information sources to identify new ways of doing things; actively influences decision makers and promotes new ideas; translates creative ideas into improvements in the VET sector; reflects on experience and is open to new ways to improve processes and methodologies.
Further Information
For a confidential discussion, please contact John Pardy, Policy Advisor, Vocational Education via email john.pardy@ecodev.vic.gov.au
The Department is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to taking the necessary steps to protect children from harm by adopting a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety in accordance with the Child Safe Standards.
Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check prior to commencing employment with the Department. To be eligible for this position you must hold the mandatory qualification as outlined in the position description. For further information on the position, please refer to the attached position description.
For Finance Roles:
The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry, and Regions is an accredited CPA Australia Recognised Employer Partner.
Please note: We are committed to inclusive recruitment. If you require an adjustment to participate in any stage of the recruitment process or have a particular requirement to be communicated with by either telephone or email only, please notify the DJSIR Talent Acquisition Team on 0472XXXXXX, or via email at recruitment@ecodev.vic.gov.au with the position number in the subject line.
How to Apply
Please click the ‘Apply Now' button. As part of the application process, you will need to provide a copy of your resume and respond to the key selection criteria as outlined in this advertisement.
Applications close at 23:59pm on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.
Applications close Tuesday 14 April 2026 at 11.59pm
Posted
27 March 2026
Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: $113,022 - $136,747
Grade: VPS 5
Occupation: Policy
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/101683RE-ADV
The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions is focused on growing Victoria’s prosperity, building the productive capacity of our economy and increasing participation – by creating more opportunities for people through skills and jobs; helping businesses and industries to thrive; and building vibrant communities and regions. For more information, see the DJSIR Strategic Plan 2023-2027.
Our work spans numerous portfolios, supporting departmental ministers and operating across metropolitan, regional and international offices.
The Department welcomes and encourages applications from diverse applicants, including First Peoples, refugees or asylum seekers, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, LGBTIQ+ people and people with disability. All roles at DJSIR can be worked flexibly and we offer reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities.
Senior Strategic Policy Adviser - Vocational Education – 2 x positions
Salary: $113,022 - $136,747 (plus superannuation)
Two positions - Fixed-term for 2 years
Usual hours of work: Full time (flexibility may be available)
Usual work location: 289 Wellington Parade South, East Melbourne VIC 3002 (flexibility may be available)
The Role
The Senior Strategic Policy Adviser - Vocational Education will be responsible for providing timely and accurate advice and insight on a range of strategic policy issues in the tertiary education sector, with a particular focus on vocational education and training.
Key responsibilities include:
Suggesting new ideas and approaches that will improve the VET system, given the context and challenges.
Bringing new perspectives and innovation to the consideration of issues to provide insight to decision makers about reform direction and /or implementation.
Developing productive relationships with stakeholders across the department, other government departments and external agencies.
Providing timely, accurate and insightful strategic policy advice and other products to senior personnel and key stakeholders across Government.
Main accountabilities:
Contribute to the delivery of strategic projects relating to the future skills needs through research, assisting with analysis and implementation.
Bring outside ideas and influence on product development including international and cutting-edge practices and are informed by educational literature and evidence.
Leverage strategic policy innovation and design tools in order to bring new insights to problem definition and/or idea development.
Embed appropriate evidence, data analysis and/or modelling in the construction of ideas and products for decision makers.
Create briefs, policy options, cabinet submissions, parliamentary documents, reports, briefing and options papers for a variety of audiences.
Work closely with internal and external stakeholders in consultations and negotiations to gain commitment to the policy agenda, initiatives, and delivery of activities to meet timelines.
The Team
The position Senior Strategic Policy Adviser - Vocational Education forms part of the Executive and Corporate Services Branch, which sits within the Victorian Skills Authority (VSA). The Victorian Skills Authority (VSA) provides evidence-based planning and solutions to meet current and future skills needs in Victoria. We are an administrative office led by a chief executive officer and supported by an advisory board of key stakeholders.
We report directly to the Minister for Skills and TAFE and work closely with the Office of TAFE Coordination and Delivery and the Skills and TAFE Group within DJSIR.
Our role is to gather and analyse industry data, identify where there are current and emerging skills shortages in Victoria's workforce, work with stakeholders to develop strategies to fill these gaps and drive engagement, collaboration and innovation across Victoria's skills system.
The VSA has 4 branches – Engagement and Skills Reform Branch, Services Branch, Analysis and Insights Branch and Executive and Corporate Services Branch.
Find out more about the VSA at skills.authority.vic.gov.au
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have the following main skills and experience:
Educational expertise: Leverages deep knowledge and experience of the education sector in order to analyse problems, build solutions and add value in discussions. Can apply educational frameworks to a wide variety of issues. Understands the workings of the Vocational Education and Training system.
P olicy Design and Development: Formulates and communicates public policy options and recommendations; Develops a clear narrative for the policies and business cases including clear problem definition and objectives; Considers impact of policy on strategic plans, community needs, complementing programs and policies across the service.
Written communication: Demonstrates experience writing for varying audiences including producing content that guides and informs decisions. Uses appropriate style and formats for briefing and report content. Maintains a high level of professionalism in written materials aligned to Victorian government guidelines. Reviews work and ensure it is error free.
Flexibility: Effectively pivots towards priorities, prioritising organisational and senior management needs. Creates initial products and ideas in a timely way based on a good understanding of requirements and using sound judgment and experience. Responds productively and effectively to input, feedback and direction.
Creativity and Innovation: Generates new ideas; draws on a range of information sources to identify new ways of doing things; actively influences decision makers and promotes new ideas; translates creative ideas into improvements in the VET sector; reflects on experience and is open to new ways to improve processes and methodologies.
Further Information
For a confidential discussion, please contact John Pardy, Policy Advisor, Vocational Education via email john.pardy@ecodev.vic.gov.au
The Department is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to taking the necessary steps to protect children from harm by adopting a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety in accordance with the Child Safe Standards.
Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check prior to commencing employment with the Department. To be eligible for this position you must hold the mandatory qualification as outlined in the position description. For further information on the position, please refer to the attached position description.
For Finance Roles:
The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry, and Regions is an accredited CPA Australia Recognised Employer Partner.
Please note: We are committed to inclusive recruitment. If you require an adjustment to participate in any stage of the recruitment process or have a particular requirement to be communicated with by either telephone or email only, please notify the DJSIR Talent Acquisition Team on 0472XXXXXX, or via email at recruitment@ecodev.vic.gov.au with the position number in the subject line.
How to Apply
Please click the ‘Apply Now' button. As part of the application process, you will need to provide a copy of your resume and respond to the key selection criteria as outlined in this advertisement.
Applications close at 23:59pm on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.
Applications close Tuesday 14 April 2026 at 11.59pm
Posted
27 March 2026
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Senior Strategic Policy Adviser, Vocational Education 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.