An exciting and unique opportunity exists for a talented and passionate individual to join the Community Capability and Infrastructure Branch, in the First Peoples-State Relations Group as a Project and Policy Officer at the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

The Community Capability and Infrastructure Branch sits within the First Peoples-State Relations Group in the Department of Premier and Cabinet and is responsible for a range of governance and capacity-building initiatives, awards and events, and funding support. Key responsibilities include recognising and celebrating the stories, achievements, and cultures of First Peoples in Victoria, strengthening the economic capacity and sustainability of Aboriginal organisations, and overseeing funding relationships with key Aboriginal organisations and RAPs.

The Project and Policy Officer will support the delivery of the Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) Sector Support Program, which supports RAPs to manage and protect Aboriginal cultural heritage and perform statutory functions under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic).

Working closely with the Senior Project and Policy Officer, the Project and Policy Officer will work with RAPs across Victoria and provide high quality grants administration and policy support for the end-to-end management of RAP Operations Program funding agreements. The successful candidate will have strong project management, communication, and relationship building skills, as well as flexibility and enthusiasm to support the broader work of the Community Capability and Infrastructure Branch.

This is a unique opportunity to work in new and innovative ways that recognise First Peoples as the self-determining drivers of First Nations 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.

This is a designated position under Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply for this position.

About You

As our ideal candidate, you will have:

• Demonstrated experience or ability to develop proficiency in, supporting the delivery of grant programs and end-to-end management of funding agreements.
• Demonstrated experience working with First Nations communities, and the ability to establish and maintain effective and culturally safe working relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering projects within agreed timeframes, with the ability to set clear project milestones, objectives and measures.
• Proven written communication skills, including the ability to prepare briefs, correspondence, submissions, and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct language.
• Strong analytical, conceptual and problem-solving skills with experience in policy analysis and advice to inform and shape government policy and programs.

Desirable requirements

• Familiarity with Victorian Common Funding Agreements, Victorian Government grants management policies, and electronic grant management systems.
• A current driver's licence.

This is a designated position under section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply for this position.

The closing date for this position is Wednesday 16 April 2025.

How to apply

Apply before the advertised closing date. All applications should include:

• a resume; and
• a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages).

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Working with us, you can make a difference not just in your career, but in the community where you work and live.

Other relevant information

The department is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act), to support this DPC has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DPC employees be fully vaccinated.

Preferred candidates will be required to complete a Pre-employment Declaration and Consent form. Employment of successful candidates will be subject to a National Police Check. DPC actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace.

We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with disabilities. All roles at DPC can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.