Senior Policy Officers, Aboriginal Water Reforms – Full Time – Applications close COB  9^th July 2025

 

Position number: 50964612 and 50945057

Classification: VPSG5

Salary range: $113,022 – $136,747 + superannuation

Work location: Flexible within Victoria, Hybrid work arrangement available: Yes        No               

Reports to: Josh Atkinson, Senior Manager, Aboriginal Water Reforms

Further information: Sarah Kitchen, A/g Director, First Nations Water Branch, 0419 949 003

 

Identified Position

This position is classified as an “identified position” aimed at increasing employment opportunities for Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People. The position requires an in-depth knowledge of Aboriginal culture and an ability to communicate with Aboriginal communities. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Acknowledgment

We acknowledge and respect Victorian Traditional Owners as the original custodians of Victoria’s land and waters, their unique ability to care for Country and deep spiritual connection to it. We honour Elders past and present whose knowledge and wisdom has ensured the continuation of culture and traditional practices.

We are committed to genuinely partner, and meaningfully engage, with Victoria’s Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities to support the protection of Country, the maintenance of spiritual and cultural practices and their broader aspirations in the 21st century and beyond.

DEECA Aboriginal Employment and Development Support

DEECA is committed to support the self- determination of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians. This is supported by Pupangarli Marnmarnepu ‘Owning Our Future” Aboriginal Self-Determination Reform Strategy 2020-2025 Pupangarli-Marnmarnepu-Owning-Our-Future-Aboriginal-Self-Determination-Reform-Strategy-2020-2025.pdf (delwp.vic.gov.au)

Aboriginal employees are supported, connected, and developed with the assistance of DEECA’s Aboriginal Employment and Development Team. Employees can join the Aboriginal Staff Network (ASN). The ASN hold forums, workshops and development sessions to assist staff on their journey at DEECA.

For any questions/queries please email aboriginal.employment@deeca.vic.gov.au. We can assist you with your application and help to prepare you for this process.

Aboriginal Cultural Safety

Cultural safety of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, as an underpinning principle of self-determination, is embedded in everything we do. Under the Aboriginal Cultural Safety Framework DEECA is committed to creating a culturally safe workplace, where there is space for culture to live and for spiritual and belief systems to exist. For further information, please contact self.determination@deeca.vic.gov.au.

About Traditional Owners and Custodians

For over a thousand generations, Traditional Owners and Custodians have cared for and managed the Countries across what we now refer to as Victoria. Traditional Owners and Custodians have spiritual, physical, and cultural connections to Country that remain unbroken and strong.

We need to learn from their experience and begin bringing traditional and western practices together.

DEECA acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the beautiful land, seas and waterways that make up the State of Victoria and pays respect to Elders past present and future.

Position purpose

The Senior Policy Officer is responsible for managing emerging priorities at the intersection of cultural values, Traditional Owner self-determination and water policy, management, and operations. The position will work collaboratively with Traditional Owners, DEECA, rural water corporations, catchment management authorities and other key stakeholders on key sector reforms, including strengthening consideration and protection of cultural values within water resource management practices. 

This role best suits a person with understanding and experience in working with Aboriginal communities, and government commitments and legislative obligations to Aboriginal people in Victoria, preferably in natural resources or cultural heritage management. 

Context

The Group

The Water and Catchments Group (WCG), in partnership with water corporations, catchment management authorities, Traditional Owners and the community, is responsible for managing Victoria’s water and catchment resources. 

The Division

The Water Sector Strategy and Partnerships Division partners with Traditional Owners and the Water Sector for efficient and effective delivery of water services and outcomes for Victorians. This includes developing sector strategy and policy reform so that the Water Sector can continue to be a strong sector that is able to respond to future opportunities and challenges. The Water Sector Strategy and Partnerships Division works with Traditional Owners, grounded in the principles of Self-Determination to foster a more inclusive approach to water management. The Division applies modern corporate governance and oversight to the sector.

The Branch

The First Nations Water Branch within the Water Sector Strategy and Partnerships Division works to ensure a more inclusive and culturally appropriate approach to water management and governance in the water sector. This Branch partners with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians on water and catchment management, supporting Traditional Owners to progress their self-determined water priorities. It is responsible for driving, consistent with the principle of self-determination, key water reforms and facilitating input of the water sector into whole of government reforms including Treaty readiness activities.   

Accountabilities

• Coordinate the design, development, and implementation of a work program(s) to build the evidence base and approach to supporting the management of Victoria’s water resources in alignment with cultural values and Aboriginal self-determination.
• Prepare high level policy discussion papers, reports and briefs to the Minister for Water and senior government officials on complex issues associated with water resource management and cultural values.
• Provide timely and expert advice to internal and external stakeholders on specific issues associated with water resource management and cultural values.
• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders including Traditional Owner groups, other parts of the Department, across State Government, Water Corporations, Catchment Management Authorities, and other key stakeholders as required.
• Work flexibly and collaboratively across the business to support the delivery of business unit, Group and DEECA priorities and initiatives as required.
• To practice cultural safety by creating environments, relationships and systems free from racism and discrimination so that people can feel safe, valued and able to participate.

 

Key Selection Criteria

The key selection criteria specified below outline the capabilities required for the position.

 

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Demonstrated skills, experience and knowledge of Aboriginal Culture and contemporary issues affecting Aboriginal Victorians today to deliver culturally informed government policies and services is required.

Capabilities

Partnering and Co-creation  

• Champions the importance of partnership through co-creation approaches; Work with stakeholders/users to build prototypes and coordinate testing to validate the strategy, program, or product; Facilitates discussion and navigates differences of opinion to reach decisions.

Project Delivery 

• Translates strategies into programs or projects that enables achievement of outcomes require; Defines governance e.g. success measures, roles and responsibilities, progress monitoring) required to manage risks and maximise probability of success.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving 

• Objectively analyse and evaluate available data, points of view, needs of stakeholders and potential solutions before recommending relevant actions or decisions; 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  

• Accept changed priorities without undue discomfort; Adapts systems & processes quickly to changed priorities & situations; Comfortable working in collaboration with teams outside of own organisation.

 

Position specific requirements

Financial Delegation Value	$0 A declaration of Private Interests will be required for positions with financial delegations of >$20,000
The occupational health and safety    requirements of this position may include, but are not limited to:	Sedentary desk work
DEECA will conduct relevant checks about applicants and the information provided within an application. Checks will include but are not limited to:	A Declaration and Consent form consenting to DEECA contacting current and previous employer(s) to substantiate employment history, past conduct and performance is required. A satisfactory National Police Check will be required (for all non-DEECA employees).
Employment terms and conditions	Are governed by the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024 and the Public Administration Act 2004. Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply. Non-VPS applicants will be subject to a probation period of six months.
Privacy	The department affirms that the collection and handling of applications         and personal information will be consistent with the requirements of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.

About the Department

We employ approximately 6,300 staff, including around 600 seasonal staff, across more than 86 locations throughout Victoria, across energy, environment, climate action, water, agriculture, and resources portfolios.

Our challenge is to maintain Victoria’s liveability, with a population expected to almost double by 2050, while responding to climate change and protecting our natural environment, infrastructure and heritage for future generations. We take a community-centred approach and involve communities and key stakeholders in decisions and policies that affect them and we collaborate across our portfolios to design and deliver services and programs.

 

For further information about the department, please visit our website www.deeca.vic.gov.au

Our values

Our values align with the core Public Sector values – responsiveness, integrity, impartiality, accountability, respect, leadership and human rights. Additionally, we use our Leadership Model to shape the way we work. Using the principles of ‘Work Together’, ‘Do What Matters’ and ‘Make a Difference’ we create a culture that puts our people at the centre of everything we do. The Leadership Model reminds us of what’s important in our daily interactions with each other, and in the actions and decisions we take to deliver our work.

Our Community Charter

We are committed to the Victorian Government Public Engagement Framework that enables meaningful and inclusive engagement to make better decisions and improve the lives of Victorians. Our Community Charter is our promise to be available, be involved and listen, and take action as we deliver services and create opportunities that supports thriving, productive, and sustainable communities, environments and industries.

Emergency Response and Health and Safety Requirements

The department plays a major role in Victoria’s emergency response activities, through an all-hazards, all-emergencies approach. Staff may be directly employed for these roles or may be called upon to support these activities as required following the appropriate training and “fit for work” assessment.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. Our diversity and inclusion outcome pillars:

1. We are connected to liveable, inclusive, sustainable communities
   2. We are diverse
   3. We are inclusive and flexible
   4. We are safe and respectful

DEECA can provide reasonable adjustments for people with a disability. If you need assistance to fully participate in the application or interview process, please use the contact listed under ‘Position Details’.

Balancing your Life / Hybrid Working

We understand that a balanced life is important to our employees and we offer a wide range of flexible options to help you manage family, health, carer responsibilities, study, career or personal interests. Options may include working some days from home or other suitable locations, starting early or late, working part time, job share or accessing paid or unpaid leave in line with our flexible working policy.

To receive this information in an accessible format (such as large print or audio) please call the Customer Service Centre: 136 186, TTY: 133 677, or email customer.service@deeca.vic.gov.au