The Department of Health plays a critical role in the Victorian health system and is responsible for shaping it to meet the health needs of all Victorians. We’re focused on supporting Victorians to be as healthy as they can; whether through alerting them to seasonal risks like thunderstorm asthma, notifying them of contact with communicable diseases, safeguarding their drinking water, developing the best health, wellbeing and care facilities in the world, being at the forefront of mental health and wellbeing treatment or accelerating medical research. It’s all part of the way we partner with the community to help every individual lead a healthy life.

About the role: 

The Principal Advisers work together and across DH to support delivery of the suite of savings initiatives approved by Health Finance Board and Cabinet. Actual delivery of the initiatives remains the responsibility of specific DH Divisions, therefore these roles must operate in a highly collaborative and networked manner – influencing and overseeing the work of peers and stakeholders.

The role will be required to lead ongoing operation of the Health Finance Board, including the role of secretariat which will be a significant portion of this role. Oversee implementation and delivery of savings initiatives, track and report on activity and communicate and engage with departmental, government and health system stakeholders.

The role is a great opportunity to demonstrate and build on the full set of public sector leadership skills, including collaborating and influencing across agencies, driving and reporting on performance and managing financial and reputation risk. The role will grant exposure to senior stakeholders and decision-makers, and provide a good view of health system priorities and issues.

Are you

• A structured, analytical and strategic thinker who has experience tackling complex problems?
• Experienced at leading teams to deliver multiple simultaneous streams of priority work?
• Experienced at working with diverse and senior internal and external stakeholders to influence and negotiate outcomes?
• Able to navigate ambiguous, fast-changing and demanding conditions to achieve good results for stakeholders?

About us: 

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.  

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all. 

How you'll make a difference:

Suitable applicants will be able to demonstrate:

Knowledge and Skills

Health Sector Implementation and Delivery - Demonstrated experience taking ideas from initial concepts through to fully realised outcomes; supports delivery partners to understand requirements, plan and successfully execute; is able to understand and interrogate health system financial and budget issues; supports teams to overcome roadblocks to ensure delivery on-time and on-budget.

Conceptual and Analytical Ability - Brings clarity and structure to ambiguous problems; deploys analytical methods to present evidence-based recommendations; is comfortable with quantitative analysis and presentation of data; brings creative approaches to problem solving; is able to comprehend and synthesise health sector information – including financial and operational data. Highly desirable: experience and capability in budget management, financial analysis and health service operations. 

Project Management - Consults, liaises with and influences key stakeholders; produces detailed project plans where objectives are clearly defined and action steps for achieving them are clearly specified; monitors performance against objectives and manages project risks and issues; ensures project objectives are met.  

Personal Qualities

Drive and Commitment - Enthusiastic and committed; demonstrates capacity for sustained effort and hard work; sets high standards of performance for self and others; enjoys a vigorous and dynamic work environment.

Resilience - Perseveres in the face of challenges and opposition and motivates colleagues; celebrates successes and learns from mistakes and setbacks; drives a culture of openness, honestly, feedback, kindness and respect.

Self - Management - Invites feedback on own behaviour and impact; uses new knowledge or information about self to build a broader understanding of own behaviour and the impact it has on others; understands strong emotional reactions and seeks ways to more effectively manage them.

Qualifications and Specialist Expertise

Qualifications - A tertiary qualification in fields related to health, business and/or management would be desirable.

Specialist Expertise - A strong understanding and knowledge of the policy context and direction of the Victorian health system, relevant departmental systems and environments.

A sound understanding of financial management, risk management and governance in health.

To learn more please click ‘Apply' to view the Position Description on the Careers.vic website. 

What we offer: 

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

How to apply: 

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the ‘Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date. 

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at inclusion@health.vic.gov.au. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence in line with our Privacy Policy. 

The Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) Recruitment Policy allows for priority consideration for employees who apply through the Jobs Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs board platform. As such, these employees are strongly encouraged to submit their application through the JSE.