Opportunity to play a lead role in energy safety policy, manage the governance relationship with the regulator Energy Safe Victoria, and manage a small high performing team!

The Principal Policy Officer will play an integral role in the Energy Safety Policy team, managing a sub-team responsible for governance of Energy Safe Victoria and leading related streams of policy work, as well as providing expert policy and governance advice to the Manager Energy Safety Policy and senior departmental executives. This role involves managing people, working collaboratively with other members of the Energy Safety Policy team, and working with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.

The Principal Policy Officer will play an important leadership role in the team, coaching and developing staff and consistently demonstrating the Departmental values. The role applies management, analytical proficiency and problem-solving capabilities to energy safety policy, legislation and regulations, and governance oversight and relationship management with Energy Safe Victoria.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated people management and policy development experience, as well as a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and constructively with a diverse range of stakeholders to deliver desired outcomes. The successful candidate will apply an outcomes and delivery focused approach to their work, be able to deliver a work program with a high level of complexity and sensitivity and operate under broad direction.
Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• An appropriate tertiary qualification for working in natural resource or energy management, public policy and/or governance would be highly desirable
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing governance, policy and/or legislative reform proposals, including engagement with a broad range of stakeholders, would be highly desirable
• Understanding of the Victorian energy sector including the frameworks governing electricity, solar and gas networks would be desirable.

This is a fixed term position available until 30 June 2027. The work location for this position is 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

For further information please refer to the attached position description.

Applications close at midnight on Wednesday, 16 July 2025.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave.