About This Role
Collaborate with key stakeholders to develop Aboriginal Justice policy positions in line with Aboriginal community partnership priorities.
Fixed, Full-Time Opportunity to work with a high-performing and passionate team in the Victorian Public Service
VPS Grade 5: $113,022 - $136,747 plus superannuation.
The Department of Justice and Community Safety is seeking a Senior Policy Officer to provide a critical role within 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 Koori Justice Unit (KJU) is a unit within the Aboriginal Justice Group of the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS), which has been established to help realise a clear vision of a fair and accessible justice system for Aboriginal people.
The KJU is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement (AJA) - Burra Lotjpa Dunguludja - currently in its fourth phase (AJA4), in partnership with the Aboriginal community and Victorian government, in line with realising Aboriginal self-determination.
The AJA has established extensive Government and Community networks through the Aboriginal Justice Forum (AJF), Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee Network (RAJAC) and the Local Aboriginal Justice Action Committees (LAJAC) and uses them to effectively deliver initiatives including early intervention and prevention programs, diversion initiatives, and rehabilitation and reintegration support.
About The Role
The Senior Policy Officer will undertake policy functions supporting Victoria's role in Commonwealth-led policy development and long term reform work associated with the National Access to Justice Partnership including initiatives to implement the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
You will lead strategic advice and briefings to senior executives participating in intergovernmental meetings, working groups and committees related to Aboriginal access to justice related reform initiatives.
As the Senior Policy Officer, you will be required to provide policy, project research, analysis and advice to the Aboriginal legal assistance sector.
Some Of Your Responsibilities Will Include
Lead and contribute to policy development processes that require the ability to effectively navigate complex inter-governmental environments, build collaborative relationships, and influence decision-making to achieve desired outcomes.
Support and coordinate processes to oversee the implementation of the NAJP in relation to the Victorian Aboriginal legal assistance sector, ensuring alignment with intergovernmental frameworks and progress towards the Closing the Gap schedule.
Develop advice, briefings, resources, and other written products on a range of complex NAJP and Closing the Gap related policy and project issues.
Operate as part of a team to prepare for and enable Aboriginal Justice representation in various NAJP forums including inter-governmental meetings and working groups.
Informed by policy/project insights and Community partnerships, generate Aboriginal Justice policy positions on Commonwealth-led NAJP policy and longer-term reform work.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:
Experience and capability in navigating complex inter-governmental and stakeholder environments to build productive relationships, influence decision-making, and achieve effective policy and program outcomes.
Experience with and or/knowledge of the Victorian justice system and/or the Aboriginal legal assistance sector would be advantageous.
Demonstrated ability to analyse complex operational, policy and/or legal issues, interpret legislation and provide accurate solutions.
A demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Victorian Aboriginal community and the issues impacting the community.
Aboriginal applicants are welcome to utilise support from the Aboriginal Recruitment Team throughout the recruitment process and are encouraged to contact 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.
To learn more about this role before applying, please read the attached position description.
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.