Overview

Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time

Salary: $116,413 - $140,849

Grade: VPS 5

Occupation: Land, asset, resources and facilities management

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: 12175

About Us

We create thriving places and connected communities. We plan, build and maintain Victoria’s transport, planning and land services. We are committed to a protected, inclusive and high-performing workplace.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where our people can thrive and do meaningful work.

About the role The Senior Policy Advisor supports the Executive Director by providing strategic advice and managing complex projects and programs aligned with the Division’s priorities. The role identifies issues and risks, oversees initiatives and ensures key deliverables are achieved.

The role prepares high-quality briefings, reports, presentations and correspondence, translating complex information into clear advice for senior leaders and Ministers. It also supports strategy, performance measurement, program delivery and major organisational reforms, helping drive effective outcomes and continuous improvement.

What we’re looking for (Selection Criteria)

You’re someone who

- Builds strong senior-level relationships and brings teams together to collaborate, communicate effectively and achieve shared outcomes.
- Applies systems thinking, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to understand complex issues, assess impacts and develop practical solutions.
- Drives innovation and continuous improvement by challenging existing approaches, using insights and technology to improve services and outcomes.
- Leads project delivery by coordinating work, monitoring progress, managing risks and taking action to keep initiatives on track.
- Is adaptable and outcomes-focused, recognising when strategies need to change and building commitment to new approaches that deliver better results.





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Qualifications and experience

You’ll bring

- Demonstrated experience in delivering, at a senior level, high impact strategic advice for Ministers and senior executives. (Mandatory)

- Tertiary qualification in urban planning, heritage or related discipline. (Mandatory)

- Understanding of policy issues and reform in the context of Victoria’s land-use planning system.

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will be required.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.

Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.

How to apply

Click the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Wednesday, 14 October 2026.

Please include both your resume and a cover letter addressing how your experience addresses each of the key selection criteria for the role. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we’re unable to accept email or manual submissions.

For further information about the role, please contact Alison McFarlane, Executive Director, State Planning Services and Heritage via email [email protected]

Redeployees

If you are a VPS redeployee, please state this in your cover letter and include your case manager’s contact details. This helps ensure your redeployment status is appropriately considered. For more information on redeployment, visit the Victorian Government policy.

Important Information

If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us. We're here to support you.

Apply now Applications close Wednesday 14 October 2026 at 11.59pm Posted 30 September 2026

📌 Senior Policy Advisor (Melbourne)
🏢 Victorian Government
📍 Melbourne