Principal Adviser * Salary: $142,790 - $191,084 (Plus Superannuation) * Fixed term role: until December 2026, with option to extend * Usual hours of work: Full time (flexibility may be available) * Usual work location: 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne (flexibility may be available) The Role As the Principal Adviser you will have the opportunity to work within a small, high-performing team that works closely with the Secretary and the Department's senior executive in tackling some of the critical challenges facing the State. This is a great opportunity for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual to be involved with and contribute to the provision of high-quality advice across a range of portfolios. Main accountabilities: * Explains highly complex concepts, ideas and issues to an executive (i.e. non-expert) audience * Provides and receives highly complex, contentious or sensitive information where high levels of negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills are required * Provides authoritative expert advice on complex issues within own area * Routinely advises senior stakeholders on policy issues and solutions within a functional area The Team The position of Principal Adviser sits within the Office of the Secretary. The Office of the Secretary provides high-level advice and administrative support to the Secretary, as well as other groups across the organisation, to support the department meet its objectives. About You The successful candidate will ideally have the following skills and experience: * Working Collaboratively: Build a culture of collaboration across the organisation; Looks for and facilitates opportunities to collaborate with external stakeholders; Identifies and overcomes barriers to communication with internal and external stakeholder * Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Considers a broad range of topics (beyond immediate area of work), works across government and at senior levels to develop and deliver sustainable solutions. * Flexibility and Adaptability: Works to find new ways to deliver outcomes. Recognises the merits of different options and acts accordingly. Builds commitment of others to adopt new strategies to deliver against outcomes. * Interpersonal Skills: Builds relationships at senior levels; Acts as a convenor between teams and departments to build collaboration. Further Information For a confidential discussion, please contact Jaffa McKenzie, Director, Office of the Secretary on 0417 815 208 or jaffa.mckenzie@ecodev.vic.gov.au The Department is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to taking the necessary steps to protect children from harm by adopting a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety in accordance with the Child Safe Standards. Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check prior to commencing employment with the Department. For further information on the position, please refer to the attached position description. Please note: We are committed to inclusive recruitment. If you require an adjustment to participate in any stage of the recruitment process or have a particular requirement to be communicated with by either telephone or email only, please notify the DJSIR Talent Acquisition Team on 0472 875 685, or via email at recruitment@ecodev.vic.gov.au with the position number in the subject line. How to Apply Please click the ‘Apply Now' button. As part of the application process, you will need to provide a copy of your resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria outlined in the position description. Applications close at 23:59pm on 2 June 2026.