Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/DE/ECE/

The Senior Program Advisor has a key role in supporting the implementation of early childhood education reform across Victoria. They partner with business areas to improve their project management practice, and support program governance to maintain strategic oversight of reform implementation.

This is a Full Time, Fixed Term position until the 14 July 2027.

Are you passionate about delivering great outcomes for children and families? We're looking for a Senior Program Advisor to support the implementation of early childhood education reforms across Victoria.

About the role

Working in the Project Management Office, the Senior Program Advisor partners with business areas to improve their project management practice and support program governance to maintain strategic oversight of reform implementation.

This role involves strong collaboration with many business areas across the Department of Education. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

- co‑leading the development of the Best Start, Best Life reform program management plan
- driving insights to inform reform governance, including preparing program‑level reports and briefs relating to the reform program
- building and managing positive working relationships, demonstrating value in each interaction
- delivering continuous improvement projects to support resource management, forward planning, and governance arrangements
- supporting governance to provide strategic oversight and decision‑making for the reform program.

Required attributes

The successful candidate will have a team-oriented and supportive approach to work, as well as:

- demonstrated program and/or project management expertise




- an understanding of budget and resource managementstrong change management and communication skills.

This role will suit a motivated, well‑organised person who has a creative and outcomes‑centred approach to stakeholder and project management.

Desirable qualifications and experience

- Experience in a similar role is highly desirable.

About the department

The Department of Education provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.

The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross‑sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.

About the division

Kindergarten Expansion and Funding Reform works collaboratively across the department and with the early childhood education sector to deliver the Best Start, Best Life reforms. Our work is based on a strong foundation of collaboration with all stakeholders to successfully deliver the reforms and improve outcomes for Victorian children and families.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre‑employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Application closing date is 11.59pm on Sunday 2nd August 2026

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📌 Senior Program Advisor (Melbourne)
🏢 State Government Of Victoria, Australia
📍 Melbourne