Senior Policy and Projects Officer

Senior Policy and Projects Officer Victoria Legal Aid Melbourne VIC Full-time, ongoing Salary: $113,668 - $131,153 plus superannuation Work Type: Full-time Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) is seeking a Senior Policy and Projects Officer for a full-time, ongoing position based at its Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country. This role offers a salary range of $113,668 - $131,153 plus superannuation, with up to $15,900 in salary packaging and a flexible hybrid work arrangement.

About the Role As a Senior Policy and Projects Officer within Barring-ga Balert, your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting evidence-based strategic advocacy that prioritises First Peoples client experiences and outcomes.
• Contributing to and drafting policy submissions and briefs.
• Conducting research and analysis.
• Overseeing internal projects.
• Representing VLA in stakeholder meetings.
• Building constructive relationships within VLA and externally to achieve strategic advocacy objectives.
• Collaborating with senior management, internal directorates, practice areas, and First Peoples programs to foster positive change for First Peoples within the justice system.

Note: This is a special measures role. Only First Peoples are eligible to apply, as per the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Non-First Peoples applicants will not be considered.

About You Ideal candidates will possess:

• Lived experience working with Victoria's First Peoples, including an understanding of First Peoples cultures, cultural protocols, and self-determination, with a demonstrated ability to build respectful partnerships and improve outcomes for First Peoples.
• Knowledge and experience in undertaking strategic advocacy, contributing to policy submissions, and project implementation. This includes an understanding of advocacy's role in achieving best practice and culturally safe systemic change.
• Highly developed interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence and negotiate with individuals at all levels, and to develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to produce clear and well-researched reports, briefs, and advice, and to lead projects.
• Excellent organisational skills, the ability to work independently, and the capacity to meet deadlines under pressure.
• A knowledge of VLA's general business and a commitment to its vision and values.

VLA encourages applications from candidates who may not meet every single requirement but whose work and life experiences could be valuable. You may be the right candidate.

About VLA Victoria Legal Aid provides legal representation, family dispute resolution, and non-legal advocacy to individuals in need. With over 1400 staff across 16 offices in Victoria, VLA assists people with legal problems by offering information, advice, and education, with a focus on preventing and resolving legal issues early. VLA values diversity and inclusion, hiring individuals from varied backgrounds to best represent its diverse client base.

Employee Benefits VLA offers a focus on work-life balance, including:

• Flexible working arrangements.
• A hybrid work from home and office model.
• Generous leave benefits:
• Three days paid seasonal leave (between Boxing Day and New Year's Day public holidays).
• Paid gender affirmation leave.
• Five days paid reproductive and fertility leave per calendar year.
• An annual 3% salary increase each December, plus performance-related salary incentives.
• Attractive salary packaging options: General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650, and Novated Leasing.
• Discounted annual Myki public transport passes.
• Individual learning and professional development opportunities tailored to your role and career goals.
• Free annual flu vaccinations.
• Access to gym and end-of-trip facilities at the CBD office.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program, offering confidential counselling and mental health and wellbeing resources.

How to Apply To be considered, please submit your current resume and a cover letter detailing how your experience aligns with the role's expectations.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or an alternative application format, please contact the recruitment team.

For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Jenna Kramme, Manager, Strategic Advocacy and Policy, on 03 •••• •493. For general queries, email recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.

No agency applications will be accepted. Applications close by 11:59 pm on 12 July 2026.

Other Relevant Information Staff are required to attend office-based days at their primary work location. Interstate applicants will be considered only if they are able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community.