Principal Evaluation Officer

About the role: Do you have experience in delivering evaluations in a government context, using your qualitative research knowledge, skills and experience to contribute to defensible evaluations to support program areas and government decision making?
The Principal Qualitative Evaluator is integral to leading evaluation projects within the Victorian Government (Department of Health and Department of Families, Fairness and Housing), ensuring the delivery of timely and high-quality outcomes.
In this role, you will lead the design and execution of evaluations, utilising fit for purpose and fit for cohort methodologies to generate representative and credible qualitative insights, that together with other information, can be synthesised into evidence that provides the basis for actionable recommendations that align with government priorities and budgetary constraints.
You are expected to project manage evaluation teams and coach junior members to achieve high quality deliverables.
You will work collaboratively with other parts of the Department of Health and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to distil insights and tackle complex issues, providing practical, evidence-based advice that addresses local needs and operational realities.
The products your team delivers will help inform decision-making and enhance the effectiveness of services.
In this role, you will also lead continuous improvement initiatives and provide on-the-job training for junior staff member.
You will be expected to ensure successful completion of projects on schedule through use of project management skills.
By staying abreast of new technologies, managing your priorities, and integrating feedback, you will play a crucial role in supporting the strategic and operational goals of the Victorian Government.
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 safe, 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.
How you'll make a difference: Suitable applicants will be able to demonstrate: Knowledge and Skills Qualitative Analysis - Expertise in designing and administering surveys end-to-end, including sampling, questionnaire design, survey deployment and analysis of survey data.
Expertise in designing and delivering qualitative evaluation elements including stakeholder mapping, designing and conducting appropriate data collection techniques, mindful of sampling to achieve efficient use of project resourcing.
Evaluation design and execution - Expertise in designing and executing evaluations using fit for purpose methodologies involving survey data, stakeholder feedback and other qualitative data sources.
Triangulate this information with quantitative data sources to develop practical recommendations.
Internal Consultancy - Extensive experience in providing internal consultancy services.
Proficient in identifying needs and delivering tailored solutions and advice, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and operational realities.
Stakeholder Engagement - Demonstrated ability to engage with government officials, community leaders, and policy experts.
Experienced in drawing insights from across government to inform and address complex issues.
Continuous Improvement - Strong record of accomplishment in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and a feedback culture.
Capable of leading teams, guiding performance, and supporting innovation and adaptability.
Communication and Reporting - Proficient in creating clear and impactful reports and presentations.
Skilled in effectively communicating complex data and recommendations to diverse audiences.
Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) - Activities Associated with support of HREC as required, This may include overseeing elements of the HREC secretarist function among other duties.
Personal Qualities Initative and Accounatbility - Proactive and self-starting; seizes opportunities and acts upon them; takes responsibility for own actions.
Demonstrated willingness to be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities with the ability to meet deadlines while working in pressured situations.
Teamwork - Cooperates and works well with others in pursuit of team goals.
Collaborates and shares information, shows consideration, concern, and respect for others' feelings and ideas.
Accommodates and works well with the different working styles of others.
Encourages resolution of conflict within the group.
Creativity and Innovation - Generates new ideas, drawing on a range of information sources to identify new ways of doing things.
Actively influences events and promotes ideas.
Translates creative ideas into workplace improvements and reflects on experience and is open to new ways to improve practice.
Flexibility - Remains open to new ideas and adapt to changing priorities effortlessly.
Flexibly adjusts strategies and approaches to achieve the best outcomes.
Evaluates various options and demonstrate the courage to alter strategies when necessary.
Builds commitment in others to embrace and implement new strategies effectively.
Quickly learns and masters new systems and methodologies.
Exhibits flexibility in adapting to changing environments and priorities Integrity - Committed to the public interest and operates in a manner that is consistent with the organisations code of conduct.
Inspires trust by treating all individuals fairly.
Qualifications / Specialist Expertise Qualifications * Tertiary qualifications in public health, evaluation, , psychology, health and social sciences, , , or another discipline with a strong evaluative component would be desirable.
* Applicants with a tertiary qualification in other fields but with work experience in the above fields and experience in qualitative evaluation techniques would also be considered also suitable.
Specialist Expertise * Demonstrated capacity for appropriate and ethical engagement with a range of stakeholders, including service users.
To learn more please click 'Apply' to view the Position Description on the Careers.vic website.
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 & Sector.
* 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 adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at ******.
For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks.
Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence in line with our Privacy Policy.
The Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) Recruitment Policy allows for priority consideration for employees who apply through the Jobs Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs board platform.
As such, these employees are strongly encouraged to submit their application through the JSE.