Principal Policy Officer

Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time or part-time Grade: VPS 6 Occupation: Policy Location: Melbourne Reference: VG/ The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions is focused on growing Victoria’s prosperity, building the productive capacity of our economy and increasing participation – by creating more opportunities for people through skills and jobs; helping businesses and industries to thrive; and building vibrant communities and regions. Our work spans numerous portfolios, supporting departmental ministers and operating across metropolitan, regional and international offices. The Department welcomes and encourages applications from diverse applicants, including First Peoples, refugees or asylum seekers, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, LGBTIQ+ people and people with disability. All roles at DJSIR can be worked flexibly and we offer reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities. Principal Policy Officer Salary: $138,631 – $185,518 plus superannuation Fixed term role: 2 years Usual hours of work: Full time (flexibility may be available) Usual work location: Melbourne CBD (flexibility may be available) The Role The Principal Policy Officer will lead critical work to develop policy proposals, deliver demonstration projects and drive systemic skills reform across Victoria's vocational education and training (VET) system. The role provides high-quality policy development, analysis and evidence-based advice on complex issues relating to VET, qualifications, and national and state skills systems. The successful candidate will bring strong understanding of the VET system, experience in designing system-level policy, and the ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders to support strategic reform across the national skills system. Main Accountabilities Provide authoritative advice, recommendations and innovative solutions to advance skills reform in vocational education and training. Undertake research, analysis and evaluation of policy options to inform priorities and deliver evidence-based advice to senior officers and executives. Develop strategies and engagement plans to support the skills reform agenda and lead implementation through effective stakeholder engagement. Monitor and report on issues, risks and trends and prepare high-quality briefings, cabinet submissions, reports, policy proposals and correspondence. Build and maintain effective working relationships across the VSA, the department and key external stakeholders. The Team This position forms part of the Engagement and Skills Reform Branch within the Victorian Skills Authority . The Branch leads the VSA's work on skills reform and manages external engagement with industry, regional stakeholders and national partners. It drives statewide and local problem-solving to support effective skills supply and leads policy development and engagement with the national skills system. About You You bring strong capability in policy design and development, with the ability to analyse complex issues, develop far-reaching proposals and provide strategic advice to senior leaders. You excel at partnering and co-creation, building trusted relationships and facilitating effective collaboration to achieve shared outcomes. You also apply systems thinking to diagnose trends and opportunities and understand how broader system linkages shape policy directions. Further Information For a confidential discussion, please contact Jodee Price, Manager – National System Engagement and Reform Unit , at or on . The Department is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to taking necessary steps to protect children from harm by adopting a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety in accordance with the Child Safe Standards. Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check prior to commencing employment with the Department. We are committed to inclusive recruitment. If you require an adjustment to participate in any stage of the recruitment process or have a particular requirement to be communicated with by either telephone or email only, please notify the DJSIR Talent Acquisition Team on or via email at with the position number in the subject line. How to Apply Please click the ‘Apply Now' button. As part of the application process, you will need to provide a copy of your resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria outlined in the position description. Applications close at 23:59pm on 11 January 2026. Applications close Sunday 11 January 2026 at 11.59pm #J-18808-Ljbffr