Policy Officer

VPSG3 Salary:-$$76,817 – $93,275

An exciting and unique opportunity exists for a talented and passionate individual to join the Traditional Owner Rights and Land Justice Branch within the First Peoples State Relations Group as Policy Officer – Advancing Traditional Owner Rights, at the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

This is a unique opportunity to work in new and innovative ways that recognise First Peoples as the self-determining drivers of Aboriginal affairs in Victoria. This role will contribute to the ground-breaking work of the Group in the areas of truth, treaty, self-determination and cultural rights.

The First Peoples – State Relations Group supports an extensive program of priority work with First Peoples, applying a strong understanding of self-determination to our work practices and in providing clear and robust advice to the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, the Premier, Cabinet and senior executives within the Group.

The Advancing Traditional Owner Rights Branch is a new branch in the First Peoples – State Relations Group. The branch leads redress and self-determination policy development and ensures alignment between the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic) and future Interim Treaty offers. The branch is responsible for undertaking shadow policy work on whole of Victorian Government programs and reforms impacting Traditional Owners (including planning, land and waters, environment and infrastructure) to ensure Traditional Owner Rights are embedded and considered, and otherwise aligned with Treaty outcomes. The branch is also the contact point for Traditional Owners for operation and funding matters, strategic issues and opportunities, and coordinates with other departments and regional entities to manage engagement pressure on Traditional Owner Groups.

You will thrive in a dynamic environment, be highly strategic and motivated with excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, as well as conceptual and analytical skills.

The First Peoples – State Relations Group recognises the invaluable contribution of existing Aboriginal staff and is committed to promoting Aboriginal leadership as reflected in the Group’s executive team. Our new and innovative ways of working are made possible by the strategic leadership of Aboriginal leaders. The Group welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and strongly encourages all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people interested in these positions to apply. We support flexible working arrangements, including part-time and job share arrangements and strongly encourage people living in both metropolitan and regional areas within Victoria to apply. We are committed to empowering staff from all diverse backgrounds, promoting cultural safety and supporting ongoing learning for staff.

This role is prioritised for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, who will be given priority consideration as per the special measures provision of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

About you

To succeed in this role, you will possess:

• Demonstrated policy and coordination skills to support the development of policies and programs within the Treaty and First Peoples’ portfolio, including an understanding of and willingness to build internal and external stakeholder understanding of and support for Treaty outcomes.
• Excellent Written communication skills, including ability to prepare and edit complex briefs, correspondence, submissions and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct language.
• Highly Developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to express opinions, information and key points clearly and concisely via effective verbal communication.
• Demonstrated willingness to be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities with the ability to meet deadlines while working in pressured situations
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships with people at all levels and from diverse backgrounds and organisations.

Current VPS employees are strongly encouraged to apply via the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) platform.

The closing date for this position is Sunday, 12 January 2025.

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