About the Role An exciting opportunity is available for a highly motivated individual with strong project and program delivery and written communication skills to support the Strategic Projects Unit within the Operations Branch of VECRA. Working as part of a small, dynamic team, the Senior Program & Project Advisor will play a key role in progressing the development and delivery of key ECEC regulatory projects, programs and initiatives, with a focus on supporting the VECRA regional regulatory workforce. The role includes preparing project implementation and stakeholder engagement plans, developing operational policy advice, business rules and guidelines, facilitating consultation and engagement activities with the regional workforce, and contributing to project reporting. Key accountabilities will include: * developing and implementing ECEC regulatory projects, programs and initiatives with an operational focus, including leading strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, designing implementation arrangements, monitoring delivery and reporting on progress and outcomes * providing strategic advice on operational policy issues and developing practical solutions * preparing a range of high-quality written materials for internal and external audiences, including briefings, project and stakeholder engagement plans, presentations, business rules and guidelines, and stakeholder communications * facilitating meetings, workshops and information sessions with the regional regulatory workforce to consult or inform staff about the implementation of key projects and commitments * engaging with internal and external stakeholders to seek input and advice or to update them on key operational changes * developing and maintaining project tracking tools and preparing project reporting for executive audiences * other duties as directed by the Manager. About the Branch Located across the four VECRA regions and the central office, the Operations Branch manages and supports nine area-based regional teams to deliver VECRA's core frontline regulatory work. The regional teams comprise authorised officers, compliance officers and support staff who assess and rate National Quality Framework (NQF) services against the National Quality Standard (NQS), conduct inspections to monitor compliance with the National Law, Children's Services Act and Child Safe Standards, as well as investigating alleged non-compliances. Regional teams engage with the sector to support, educate and guide providers of early childhood services. Centrally, the Branch supports the regulatory workforce through capability and capacity building activities and the provision of policy advice, resources and training to address emerging regulatory practice issues and promote consistent practice. The Branch also supports the leadership of the Regulatory Authority. About the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) The Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) is the statutory authority responsible for regulating early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in Victoria. VECRA works to ensure the safety, wellbeing and development of children through effective regulation, compliance, quality assessment and continuous improvement across the early childhood sector. VECRA plays a critical system management role, providing guidance, oversight and assurance to the sector while supporting high-quality early childhood education outcomes for Victorian children and families. Attributes To be successful in this role, you will: * have demonstrated skills in managing and implementing projects, programs and initiatives, including design, development, delivery and monitoring * have strong critical thinking and problem solving skills, including the ability to use initiative and innovative thinking to shape outcomes, identify and respond to risk, and solve complex operational policy problems * have strong written communication skills, including strong attention to detail and an ability to communicate complex information clearly, accurately and professionally * have facilitation skills and strong verbal communication skills, including an ability to engage a range of audiences on regulation, policy and implementation topics * have exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish positive relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders * be able to work independently under limited guidance to prioritise competing demands and meet timelines * have strong IT skills, be able to navigate a range of applications * have demonstrated knowledge of ECEC regulation theory and practice (or ability to quickly acquire). Desirable Qualifications and Experience Desirable: Relevant qualifications or experience in project and program delivery, facilitation, regulation or policy. Essential: Successful applicants will be required to hold a valid Victorian Working with Children's Check and Victorian driver's licence. Further Information For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application. VECRA values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for VECRA, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the VECRA website and our Diversity and Inclusion page. Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person. Information about VECRA's operations and employment conditions can be located on the VECRA website. For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Jude Nicholson, Senior Manager, Strategic Projects at Jude.Nicholson@education.vic.gov.au Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to VECRA will be treated in the strictest confidence. Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g. large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements. How to apply Applicants are encouraged to include a Curriculum Vitae and a Cover letter addressing the key selection criteria provided in the position description. Applications close 11:59pm on 24/02/2026