Description:
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
The Principal Policy Officer will lead delivery of initiatives in the Branch and lead research and policy work to provide advice and support to the Minister and DGS Executives on a range of strategic policy proposals, programs and initiatives.
The Principal Policy Officer provides critical analysis and input to Cabinet processes and major DGS reforms from a Consumer Affairs and Local Government perspective. The role requires sound communication and interpersonal skills in order to liaise across DGS and the ability to manage multiple tasks with limited supervision. The role will contribute to a supportive high performing team culture, supporting colleagues and managers.
The Principal Policy Officer role provides authoritative policy advice informed by strategic thinking and analysing relevant evidence, supported by targeted stakeholder engagement and sound project management.
There are 2 fixed term positions available for a period of 36 months.
Key accountabilities include
- Managing and motivating staff leading major policy, strategy and legislative reform projects aligned to the department's outcomes and objectives.
- Provide high quality, authoritative and comprehensive advice to the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Ministerial office, the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Executives and Senior Officers on strategic policy issues.
- Manage designated projects and activities to deliver policy reviews, develop evidence-based policy proposals, undertake research and public consultations, and analyse and evaluate public policy options to deliver on government priorities.
- Prepare or assist in the preparation of Ministerial Briefings, Cabinet submissions, Parliamentary documents, reports, and options papers, Legislative Impact Assessments and/or Regulatory Impact Statements and correspondence for a variety of audiences, including responding to letters received by Ministers.
About you
To be considered for the role, you must be able to demonstrate:
- Policy 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 to strategic plans, community needs, complementing programs and policies across the service.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management: Proven ability to engage with diverse stakeholders at various levels within government. Strong communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills to build and maintain productive relationships, facilitate collaboration, and manage competing interests effectively.
- Risk Management and Compliance: Comprehensive understanding of risk management principles and compliance requirements relevant to both small and large-scale projects in the public sector.
- Program and Project Management: Demonstrated expertise in program and project management to effectively plan, manage and monitor the workflows of a PMO, ensuring alignment with Deputy Secretary expectations.
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
Apply before the advertised closing date 11:59pm on Monday, 11 August 2025. All applications should include:
- 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.
Preferred candidates will be required to complete a Pre-employment Declaration and Consent Form. Employment of successful candidates will be subject to a National Police Check.
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.