Policy and Project Officer

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs Reference: VG/DE/ECE/ About the Role This is a fixed term full time position until 30 June 2027. An opportunity for a Policy and Project Officer to contribute to the delivery of a series of new reforms in early childhood education in Victoria. Work in a dynamic environment, lead development of policy and maintain relationships with stakeholders to drive reform among other responsibilities. The purpose of this role is to deliver policy and projects relating to Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and Pre-Prep service delivery. The Service Delivery team is responsible for providing data analysis, including the development of data tools and products, that allow for the identification of risk relating to children's access to kindergarten programs and frequent engagement with area and regional teams to develop responses to the above risk. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to be an integral part of a high-performing team working in a dynamic environment, lead development of policy, including detailed analysis of options, build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders in order to drive the reform, produce high-quality written work, including presentations, reports, submissions and briefings and contribute to a collaborative and productive team culture. About the Division The Early Childhood Education group (ECE) plays a key role in operational policy development, service program design and commissioning to ensure a child and family centred outcomes focused integrated system. ECE oversees and works with partners to support the funded kindergarten sector, regulates early childhood education and care services and implements relevant legislative reforms to create a comprehensive, integrated and equitable system. ECE has lead responsibility for the educational components of the Early Childhood Reform Plan and the transition to Pre-Prep, expansion of the Three-Year-Old Kindergarten program, and Free Kinder. ECE Group is also responsible for the implementation of the Victorian Child Information Sharing Reforms enabling the access to and sharing of information between authorised organisations to improve the wellbeing and safety of children. ECE works closely with partners in other groups in the Department, the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority, the Department of Health, the Department of Fairness, Families and Housing, Municipal Association of Victoria, various statutory authorities, Local Governments and service delivery partners, parents and families. Kindergarten Expansion and Pre-Prep Reform This role is a unique opportunity to be involved in delivering a series of new reforms in early childhood education in Victoria. These reforms include the introduction of 15 hours per week of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten by 2029 and the transition of Four-Year-Old Kindergarten to ‘Pre-Prep', a universal 30-hour-a-week program of play-based learning available to every four-year-old child in Victoria. Kindergarten Expansion and Pre-Prep Reform (KEPPR) works collaboratively across ECE, the Department and with the sector to undertake place-based service delivery and monitoring, support the ongoing supply of early childhood teachers and educators and deliver infrastructure projects to ensure the success of these reforms. About the Department The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services, 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 new early learning centres. Further Information For more details regarding this position please see the 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 Timothy Wooltorton via . 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. We also welcome applications from individuals who require adjustments. Please let us know by 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 7th December 2025. #J-18808-Ljbffr