Overview

Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time Salary: $142,790 - $191,084

Grade: VPS 6

Occupation: Policy

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/DH/CSO/777395

The Department of Health plays a critical role in the Victorian health system and is responsible for shaping it to meet the health needs of all Victorians. We’re focused on supporting Victorians to be as healthy as they can; whether through alerting them to seasonal risks like thunderstorm asthma, notifying them of contact with communicable diseases, safeguarding their drinking water, developing the best health, wellbeing and care facilities in the world, being at the forefront of mental health and wellbeing treatment or accelerating medical research. It’s all part of the way we partner with the community to help every individual lead a healthy life.

About the role:

The role seeks high performing individuals with strong analytical, policy development and implementation, project management and communication skills. The role would be suited to individuals who are comfortable working with unfamiliar and complex issues, in multidisciplinary teams and with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

The Principal Policy Adviser leads and advises on strategic projects. This includes working both within project teams and through flexible deployments within branches across the Department of Health to scope, define and research problems and develop evidence-informed and innovative solutions.

About us:

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and secure, and our communities are more connected.

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe,



quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all.

About you:

Can you demonstrate the following?

- Provide leadership and guidance based on advanced expertise.
- Operate within increased level of autonomy and accountability in delivering within broad strategic directions.
- Work across multiple projects, including engaging with partners and stakeholders, designing and managing complex projects, and working in multidisciplinary teams to meet emerging pressures and demands, as required.
- Review and report on high priority issues, risks and trends and prepare and present comprehensive reports, ministerial briefs and cabinet and agency submissions on complex issues.
- Provide high quality business intelligence, authoritative advice and sound policy recommendations to senior management and government based on comprehensive research.

Qualifications / Specialist Expertise

- A tertiary qualification in fields related to public health, public policy or health administration would be desirable.
- Significant knowledge and experience in government, health systems and/or health service delivery would be desirable, with skills and experience in policy development and implementation.
- Use of data analytics and data visualisation to support policy design and decision making, impact assessment, and/or health economics/economics is highly regarded.

What we offer:

- The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.




- A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service.
- A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

How to apply: Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the ‘Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Please contact us if you require any ad justments to participate in the recruitment process at [email protected]. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

If you have any queries in relation to participation in recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email [email protected]. Please note that unsolicited applications from third parties cannot be accepted. If you have questions regarding the role, please message the contact person listed on the advertisement directly.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in line with our Privacy Policy.

Apply now

Applications close Wednesday 14 October 2026 at 11.59pm

Posted

30 September 2026

📌 Principal Policy Adviser, Strategy, Performance & Evaluation (Melbourne)
🏢 Victorian Government
📍 Melbourne