Utilise your expertise in analysis, advocacy and development of policy and legislative advice Fixed-term, full time opportunity to work with a high-performing and passionate team in the Victorian Public Service. VPS Grade 5: $109,730 - $132,764 plus superannuation. The Department of Justice and Community Safety (the department) is seeking a Senior Policy Officer to fill a critical role within the Aboriginal Justice Policy Reform Unit. About the Business Unit The Aboriginal Justice Policy Reform Unit (AJPRU) drives structural and systemic transformation and coordinates efforts across the department to improve justice outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians through policy development, legislative reform and genuine commitment to self-determination. The AJPRU has primary responsibility for coordinating the delivery of the Aboriginal Justice Group's law and policy reform agenda. The AJPRU coordinates the department's involvement in the Victorian Treaty, working closely with the department of Premier and Cabinet, which leads the State's Treaty negotiations. About the Role Reporting to the Manager, AJPRU, you will work within a small team to support the development of policy advice, analysis and initiatives to drive the Aboriginal Justice reform agenda. You may work across a number of AJPRU's projects, including its work on the Victorian treaty process and key reforms identified in the Burra Lotjpa Dunguludja - Aboriginal Justice Agreement Phase 4. Work is driven by close engagement with the Aboriginal Justice Caucus and Forum, ensuring community voice is at the heart of AJPRU's work. The AJRPU is also responsible for administering and promoting the Spent Convictions Act 2021 - legislation introduced in response to the advocacy of the Victorian Aboriginal community. You will be responsible for providing timely, strategic advice to the Attorney-General on the operation of the legislation and applications made under the Spent Convictions Act 2021. You will also: Provide advice in relation to strategic Aboriginal Justice policy matters and apply your experience in reform development, focusing on stakeholder engagement and emerging policy and implementation issues. Prepare advice for the Attorney-General on applications for spent convictions orders and work with a variety of stakeholders to promote awareness and effective implementation of the scheme. Have a demonstrated understanding of the Victorian Government's commitment to Aboriginal self-determination and be able to identify, develop and deliver reforms that align with the overarching Aboriginal self-determination agenda. Provide policy and strategic advice to the senior stakeholders in the delivery of the Aboriginal Justice group's reform agenda. To learn more about this role before applying, please read the attached position description. 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. Applicants are welcome to utilise support from the Aboriginal Recruitment Team throughout the recruitment process. Aboriginal candidates are encouraged to contact Aboriginalrecruitment@justice.vic.gov.au 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 About you To be successful in this role, you will have: Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Victorian Aboriginal communities, both society and culture, and the issues impacting them. Demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and work effectively with the Victorian Aboriginal community. Experience in analysis, advocacy and development of policy and legislative advice and reforms through community consultation and targeted engagement, including knowledge of Victorian criminal, public, administrative and/or human rights law. Demonstrated knowledge of cabinet processes and government decision-making processes. Qualifications/requirements A relevant tertiary qualification in law, public policy, Aboriginal affairs or similar is desired. 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.