Senior Policy Officer

About this role

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) works hard to create equal opportunities for all Victorians to live a safe, respected and valued life. Our areas of focus are child protection, housing, disability, the prevention of family violence, multicultural affairs, LGBTIQA+ equality, veterans, women and youth. The work we do benefits thousands of Victorians, particularly those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable. We work in a variety of community-based settings, including people's homes, residential facilities and secure settings across metropolitan, rural and regional Victoria. We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated. All jobs can be worked flexibly, and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from diverse backgrounds and abilities. If you're having any trouble viewing this ad and would like it or any attachments in an accessible format (such as large print), please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on the ad. 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) THE ROLE Reporting to the Manager, Strategic Investment, the Senior Policy Officer delivers investment-related projects to improve the children and families service system. Specifically, the Senior Policy Officer will work with their executive and Manager to deliver key components of the department's reform and investment strategy for the child protection and family services output. This includes providing advice on budget and investment; coordination across the portfolio; detailed analysis; and delivering policy and projects. This will require working effectively and collaboratively across the department. The role will be the lead author, as needed, of the development of budget bids, Cabinet submissions and papers and briefings suitable for informing senior executive and ministerial decision making. The position will require excellent written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated financial, policy development, and project management skills, particularly the ability to identify and manage risks and solve complex investment policy challenges, and a strong understanding of policy and budget setting processes. The role holder will also have the skills and ability to work collaboratively and use initiative to support delivery in a fast-paced and changing policy environment. In the short-term it is anticipated that the role will support authoring of Incoming Government Brief writing. The work of the team is underpinned by Aboriginal self-determination and self-management; embedding the voices of lived and living experience; outcomes for children and families; earlier intervention and diversion; evidence-informed practice, research, evidence and data to design system, operating and practice elements. The team operates in close collaboration with departmental staff, centrally and in divisions, as well as with other government departments and external stakeholders to inform its work and support implementation. This position involves stakeholder management, coordination and governance, policy skills, and project management. ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE • Provide expert advice on investment and budget projects to the Manager, Director, Executive Director, Deputy Secretary, Secretary and Minister. • Lead a cross departmental approach to strategic investment in the sector to reduce demand and improve outcomes. • Provide a critical point of translation between data analysis, budget and strategy and policy/program design and delivery. Please open the position description to read more. HOW TO APPLY 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.