• Support the design, delivery, and evaluation of Aboriginal justice programs.
• Ongoing, Full-Time opportunity.
• VPS Grade 5: $113,022 - $136,747 plus superannuation.

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is seeking a Senior Program Officer to provide a critical role within the Koori Justice Unit.

This is a prioritised role 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 the Business Unit

The Aboriginal Justice Group is committed to driving systemic change in the justice system to deliver better outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians. The group works in close partnership with Victorian Aboriginal communities and is guided by principles of Aboriginal self determination.

The Koori Justice Unit (KJU) is responsible for the stewardship, coordination, and implementation of the Aboriginal Justice Agreement (AJA), a formal partnership with Aboriginal communities to reduce Aboriginal overrepresentation and improve justice outcomes. KJU provides coordination and support to the Aboriginal Justice Forum (AJF) and its associated partnership mechanisms, delivering on the goals of the AJA. It leads effective engagement with the Aboriginal Justice Caucus and other Aboriginal stakeholders and manages a community grants program worth around $60 million per annum, predominantly for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

About the Role

Reporting to the Manager of Programs, the role will primarily support the design, delivery, and evaluation of Aboriginal justice programs under the AJA. This includes new pilot initiatives, established programs, and those currently under review or being redesigned. You will be responsible for monitoring the program performance, budgets and milestone reporting to ensure accountability and alignment with contractual and funding requirements. A key part of this role will be working in partnership with Aboriginal Communities, and other identified units within the department to design and support community led programs.

Some of your duties will include:

• Working in partnership with Aboriginal Communities, Evaluation and Insights team, and other identified units within the department to design and support community led programs.
• Lead development of program scope, logic, budget and stakeholder plans, alongside Aboriginal communities.
• Provide advice and operational support to ensure programs meet agreed outcomes, align with AJA priorities, and address community‑identified needs.

To learn more about this role before applying, please read the attached position description.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Aboriginal community, both society and culture and the issues impacting on it.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and work effectively with the Victorian Aboriginal community.
• Demonstrated experience working in the Aboriginal community and designing community programs, including program logics through to managing/development delivery of new programs
• Demonstrated understanding of funding agreements and program budgets, including the ability to track spend and identify financial risks.

Qualifications

• A qualification in project management, public administration or a related discipline is desirable

Applicants are welcome to utilise support from the Aboriginal Recruitment Team throughout the recruitment process. Aboriginal candidates are encouraged to contact [email protected] if they would like cultural support and guidance through the application process.

For Aboriginal Designated and Prioritised positions, a Certificate of Aboriginality (CoA) will be required prior to an offer of employment being made.

How to Apply

Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and misconduct screening.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.