Policy and Projects Officer

This role is a 24-month fixed term role until 30 June 2026Shape the establishment of Early Learning Victoria and the design and delivery of the first ever Victorian Government owned and operated Early Learning and Childcare CentresAbout Early Learning VictoriaThe Victorian Government is establishing 50 government-owned and operated, Early Learning and Childcare Centres, as part of the Best Start, Best Life reforms. These centres will offer childcare, Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten and, where applicable, Pre-Prep. The first four centres will open in 2025, with all 50 open by 2032.Early Learning Victoria is being set up as a new business unit within the Department of Education to establish and operate the centres. We are building a team of high performers who are strengths-based, compassionate, dedicated, have a good attention to detail and who adopt a continuous improvement mindset. We have a large work program ahead of us, and it will take genuine flexibility, adaptability and teamwork to achieve this ambitious reform agenda.About the DepartmentThe role of the Department of Education is to support Victorians to build prosperous, socially engaged, happy and healthy lives. It does this by supporting lifelong learning and healthy development, strengthening families and helping to equip people with the skills and knowledge for a 21st century economy and society.About the RoleYou will contribute to and support the Policy and strategy team to develop and manage policy, priority projects, and strategy for the program. This may involve fee policy, priority enrolment policy, and governance arrangements. The team's work requires collaboration, drawing on practitioner experience, evidence and research, and educational expertise. As this is the first time we have run early learning centres, the team's role will evolve as the program advances.Your duties will include:

• Supporting the development of briefings, recommendations and advice for senior decision makers, including the Minister for Children.
• Contribute to the development of Cabinet submissions, budget submissions, Ministerial briefings, and parliamentary briefings.
• With support, carrying out research and analysis to inform recommendations as required.
• Providing administrative and tracking support for briefing processes, stakeholder engagements, meetings and other as required.
• Developing communications products, such as public presentations, meeting minutes, and parliamentary talking points, to inform the community and sector.
• Use your analytical skills, knowledge of the early childhood sector and strong communication and stakeholder management skills to support effective policy development and implementation.

Qualifications and ExperienceTo be considered for the role, you must be able to demonstrate:

• Excellent organisational skills and an ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Experience in policy development and design, including strong analytical and conceptual skills, written communication skills, and the ability to plan and manage timeframes.
• Strong stakeholder skills and ability to collaborate and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• High degree of responsibility and accountability for their individual work.
• An understanding or prior experience within early childhood sector and associated policies highly regarded but not essential.
• Relevant tertiary degree would be ideal but not essential.

How to applyApplicants are required to submit a CV and cover letter (max 2 pages for cover letter) summarising their skills, relevant experience and suitability to the role in line with the duties, required capabilities and the Key Selection CriteriaFurther InformationFor more details about this position please see attached position descriptionFor more information about Early Learning Victoria and the Early Learning and Childcare Centre initiative, please contact Josh Rayson via . For information about the role, please contact Raili Simojoki via 0410 862 792 orThe 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. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the and ourApplicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact personInformation about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located atPreferred applicants may be required to have a Working with Children Check, a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidencePlease let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirementsApplications close 11:59pm on 31 May 2024Job detailsJob Reference: VG/DE/ECE/ELV8
Location: Melbourne - CBD
Work Type: Fixed term - full time
Job Function: Policy
Classification: VPSG4
Salary Range: $92,332 - $104,762
Job Duration: 30/06/2026
Date posted: 17-May-2024
Application Close Date: 31-May-2024
Attachments: (Word, 75KB)
Job SpecificationContact:Raili Simojokiraili.simojoki@education.vic.gov.au