Senior Project Officer VPS5

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs Reference: VG/DE/VSBA/ This role will be attached to the Make‑Safe Program and requires the successful candidate to have strong project management skills, strong communication skills, a careful eye for detail, an ability to work collaboratively with others, and a proactive and flexible approach. About the Department The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services. The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross‑sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres. About the Victorian School Building Authority The Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) is part of the Department of Education. Established in 2016, it oversees Victoria's largest school building programme since the state introduced free public education in the 1870s. The VSBA upgrades and expands existing schools and plans, designs, and builds new schools to meet enrolment demand. We also support schools to maintain their buildings and grounds by offering expert advice and coordinating maintenance programmes and grants. With Victoria recently introducing two years of funded kindergarten, the VSBA is also working with the early childhood sector on a massive kindergarten construction programme. About the Division The Asset Management Division helps schools maintain and manage their buildings and grounds and ensures they are more energy efficient. The Division trains school leaders as facilities managers and supports them to develop school maintenance plans. They coordinate programmes, assessments, and systems to ensure schools are routinely maintained and cleaned. The Division includes the Asset Management Branch, School Asset Management Support Branch, Facilities Branch, Maintenance Delivery Branch and the Programs Branch. About the Role The Response Programs Unit in the Facilities Branch includes several programmes, including the Make‑Safe Programme, Asbestos Incident Response Programme, Division 5 Audit Programme, Safe Tree Programme, and School Equipment Coverage Scheme. This role will be attached to the Make‑Safe Programme and requires the successful candidate to have strong project management skills, strong communication skills, a careful eye for detail, an ability to work collaboratively with others, and a proactive and flexible approach. Additionally, the candidate must learn and adhere to government policies, procurement, and financial reporting processes. Key Responsibilities Manage a Service Provider for the Make‑Safe Programme on behalf of the Department. Provide strategic and commercial advice. Establish and maintain effective stakeholder relationships to manage risks, resolve issues, and ensure project success. Provide clear advice on project planning, project delivery status, benefits and outcomes for a range of stakeholders, including Ministers, the Secretary, executives, senior managers and project teams. Prioritise and problem‑solve using governance processes to overcome ‘roadblocks’. Build stakeholder confidence in programme implementation for schools, representative groups, and the public. Collaborate internally and externally on planning, procurement, policy, and communications. Support team members in developing skills and knowledge to provide credible advice. Assist the Branch as needed. All VSBA staff have a shared responsibility to meet the same service standards outlined in the VSBA Customer Service Charter. Our goal is to make every interaction with the VSBA a positive one for our customers, colleagues and key partners regardless of our individual role or team. Role‑specific requirements This position may require participation in shift work as the team operates 7 days per week. This position may involve evening or weekend work, including occasional travel. Position will involve visiting school sites during operating hours and therefore requires a Working With Children Check. Comply with all public health requirements. Attributes The ideal candidate should possess strong project management skills and excellent communication abilities to ensure the programme's successful implementation, preferably in incident response or emergency contexts. The role demands meticulous attention to detail, collaborative teamwork, and proactive flexibility. Effective people management and the capability to foster team development are crucial. Candidates must be adept at handling tasks with varying degrees of urgency, including information requests and complex work in procurement, project management, and stakeholder engagement within the field. Desirable Qualifications and Experience At least 3 years proven experience in programme operations and delivery in facilities and/or asset management. Working knowledge and experience in construction, building surveying, facilities and/or asset management industries. Considerable demonstrated experience in similar role within government (highly desirable). Experience working within an incident response‑based or emergency‑related role (highly desirable). Flexible Work Expectations For full‑time employees, the department expects 3 days per week in the office, in line with the VPS Agreement 2024. This role follows those same operational requirements: 3 in‑office days, 2 remote (if full‑time). How to apply Your application will need to include a Current Resume and a Cover Letter (max 2 pages) which addresses the key selection criteria you can find in the Position Description. Further Information For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application. The 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 Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page. Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person. Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Lachlan Hine- Manager Response Unit via phone at or email at . Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre‑employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence. Please 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 requirements. Applications close 11:59pm on Tuesday, 9 December 2025 #J-18808-Ljbffr