About us The Department of Treasury and Finance provides economic, financial and resource management advice to help the Victorian Government deliver its policies. We strive for excellence in financial and economic management to improve the lives of all Victorians. The Social Group sits within Department's Economic Division. It provides economic and policy analysis and advice on education and training, health, justice, Aboriginal Affairs, social housing, market housing and human services. The Group also implements projects including the Victorian Business Growth Fund, the Early Intervention Investment Framework and the Partnerships Addressing Disadvantage initiative. The teams often see ideas through from policy development to implementation and delivery. The Housing and Human Services team is responsible for researching, developing and advising on policy formulation and advice for social housing, market housing and human services in Victoria. Key policy challenges in the Housing and Human Services team include: - improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Victoria's human services support system; - increasing supply of housing and the operation of an affordable housing market; and - reducing homelessness and increasing the supply of affordable rental accommodation including meeting social and affordable rental housing demand. Within this wider team sits the Human Services Policy team which is responsible for helping to improve the lives and outcomes of Victorians through analysis, research and advice on social housing and homelessness policy. This role will be ideal for someone who is passionate about human services policy and delivery and wants to be part of driving positive change to improve Victorian community outcomes. In the role, you will lead a team to deliver influential advice and analysis on policy reform, research policy reform opportunities, create networks across government and other relevant stakeholders, and understand the issues and challenges to the Victorian services system. The position will often be required to deliver products within strict timeframes. The role will also be responsible for supporting and building the wellbeing of the human services team and across the Housing and Human Services team and within DTF generally. The role works in conjunction with the managers of the Housing and Human Services team and will include the collaboration on projects that fall within the team's wider remit. Critical thinking, the ability to absorb information quickly and provide succinct and accurate advice to executives, communicate effectively with and influence government and external stakeholders and effectively manage and deliver projects and policy reforms with multiple and competing priorities are key to success in this role. Key Accountabilities * Work independently and lead the team to deliver: * practical advice on complex economic, social, financial and/or public policy issues for senior management and government. * research on complex economic, social, financial and/or public policy issues. * briefings and policy advice that are timely, accurate, accessible, fit-for-purpose, and support the strategic direction of the Housing and Human Services Team, Social Group and the department. * Support the Department's strategic direction and to provide advice to assist the Government's policy agenda. * Communicate with, negotiate and influence, internal and external stakeholders on difficult and sensitive issues. * Contribute to and take a leadership role in: * fostering a positive team culture including within the Department * management of workflow * mentoring and supporting team members and managing staff * developing the skills and knowledge of team members * planning and setting of direction for the team's work. * Influence: * extensive experience preparing high quality verbal and written briefings and advice; including the ability to convey complex issues persuasively and effectively in plain language * experience in building relationships and working with internal and external stakeholders to negotiate and persuade to achieve results. * Conceptual and problem-solving skills: * demonstrated capacity to solve complex and ambiguous problems * experience in using economic frameworks and principles, and/or experience in policy development and advice is preferred. * Analytical skills: * an eye for detail and ability to interpret and synthesise information, including using data to understand an issue. * Leadership and teamwork: * experience leading successful teams, setting strategic direction and supporting others to pursue common goals, and supporting team wellbeing and capacity building. * Responsiveness: * strong experience in providing timely and fit-for purpose advice and products for key stakeholders: * experience in managing complex projects would be advantageous. * Tertiary qualifications in economics, public policy, econometrics, commerce, statistics, law or a related field are required. Key Selection Criteria * Influence: * extensive experience preparing high quality verbal and written briefings and advice; including the ability to convey complex issues persuasively and effectively in plain language * experience in building relationships and working with internal and external stakeholders to negotiate and persuade to achieve results. * Conceptual and problem-solving skills: * demonstrated capacity to solve complex and ambiguous problems * experience in using economic frameworks and principles, and/or experience in policy development and advice is preferred. * Analytical skills: * an eye for detail and ability to interpret and synthesise information, including using data to understand an issue. * Leadership and teamwork: * experience leading successful teams, setting strategic direction and supporting others to pursue common goals, and supporting team wellbeing and capacity building. * Responsiveness: * strong experience in providing timely and fit-for purpose advice and products for key stakeholders: * experience in managing complex projects would be advantageous. Mandatory requirements * Tertiary qualifications in economics, public policy, econometrics, commerce, statistics, law or a related field are required. About our culture We aim to be a model employer providing an inclusive workplace that is understanding and respectful of differences such as gender, identity, race, disability or age. In addition, we are committed to supporting Aboriginal pathways between education and employment. The Department strives to create an environment that supports a flexible and adaptive workforce. All requests for flexible working arrangements will be considered in line with operational requirements. Further Information For more information about the position and key selection criteria, please refer to the position description. If you have specific questions regarding the role, please contact Craig Vukman, Craig.Vukman@dtf.vic.gov.au How to apply To apply, select the ‘Apply Now' button and provide a copy of your resume and cover letter summarising your skills and relevant experience. Applications close at midnight on 4 January, 2026. If you require a copy of this advertisement in an accessible format, please contact the Recruitment team. Covid-19 Vaccination DTF is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act). To support this DTF has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DTF employees be fully vaccinated.