Principal Policy Adviser (Child Safety Legislative Reforms)

About the role

The Early Childhood Strategy Division of the Department of Education, Victoria is seeking a Principal Policy Adviser to drive complex, high-impact national legislative reforms that improve child safety across the early childhood education and care sector. This is a fixed-term position until 30 June 2027, within a supportive and collaborative team.

Key responsibilities

• Lead complex, high-impact national legislative reforms to improve child safety in early childhood education and care
• Work on child safety reform, connecting government systems across the Children's Portfolio
• Analyse Victorian kindergarten funding settings and the impact of national funding arrangements
• Deliver high-quality analysis and advice to key stakeholders and Ministers

Required profile

• Experience leading complex work programs to deliver policy development and/or legislative or regulatory reform
• Strong written and verbal communication, conceptual and analytical skills
• Refined stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to adapt under shifting priorities and timelines
• A collaborative, strength-based approach and an active leadership role in the division's culture
• Desirable: experience in strategic policy projects, legislative or regulatory reform and/or intergovernmental relations

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks; applications close 11:59pm on 16 November 2026.