The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) embrace diversity amongst our staff and welcome applications from people from all cultural backgrounds, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as people with a disability. If you require a copy of this advertisement or any attached documentation in an accessible format, such as large print, please email peopleandculture@vgso.vic.gov.au

Senior Executive Advisor (hybrid)

• Support and advise at Executive Leadership Team (ELT) level

• Diverse role with strategic contribution and impact
• Fixed term (15 months) | Full time | VPS 6 $129,379 - $173,138 + super p.a.

About the VGSO

The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) vision is to be the Victorian Government's trusted legal partner.

The VGSO provides responsive legal services exclusively for the Victorian Government and public sector. Our place within government ensures we are at the centre of legal change, reform and problem-solving. We operate as a service-driven legal professional practice and strive for excellence in this competitive environment. In all aspects of our operations, we aim to role model and live by our values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Insight, Collaboration and Excellence.

About the branch

The key function of the Office of the Victorian Government Solicitor (VGS) is to efficiently and effectively lead and manage VGSO's operations, with a focus on strategic planning, delivering strategic priorities and outcomes, and client relationship management across key Departments and other major stakeholders. The Office of the VGS maintains oversight of VGSO's high profile and/or more complex legal matters and the specialist legal branches manage the day-to-day business unit operations.

The Office of VGS, includes the VGS, the Senior Executive Advisor (SEA), the Executive Assistant (EA), the Business Development and Marketing function and Data Analytics. The VGSO's Executive Leadership Team (ELT) currently consists of the VGS, the Assistant Victorian Government Solicitors (AVGS) of VGSO's six legal branches, the SEA, the EA and the Heads of Finance and Operations and People and Culture.

About the role

Reporting to the Victorian Government Solicitor (VGS), we are seeking an experienced Senior Executive Advisor to provide strategic high level executive support and advice on a wide range of matters within the Office of the VGS, including strategic projects, managing communications and implementing strategies that provide solutions to, and support VGSO's strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

• Provide immediate and timely high level specialist advice to the VGS and/or ELT on issues pertaining to Government, including inquiries and whole of government initiatives and forums
• Develop comprehensive and responsive briefs, papers, high quality presentations and undertake projects in respect to sensitive and complex issues and provide  recommendations and solutions  
• Draft clear and tailored office-wide communications on behalf of the VGS on a range of issues, initiatives, policies and processes
• Oversee and support governance structures, provide quality assurance and review all papers prior to submission to the ELT
• Maintain up to date knowledge of current and emerging issues and respond, investigate and advise in a responsive and concise manner
• Foster and maintain constructive and collaborative relationships, on behalf of the VGS, with key stakeholders, both internally and externally
• Develop and oversee the implementation of administrative practices, systems and procedures to optimise efficiency and continuous improvement across VGSO

Skills and experience

• Prior experience working in the public sector is essential
• Ability to provide specialist assistance and support at executive level on whole of organisational issues, within a social, political and legal context
• Extensive knowledge preparing responsive, clear and concise specialist advice and reports, papers, recommendations and solutions on a range of matters
• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Prior experience developing, maintaining and strengthening stakeholder relationships at the most senior level of an organisation, both internally and externally
• Understanding and awareness of key strategic and operational issues impacting VGSO
• Proven ability to provide executive level support when delivering quality operational and business outcomes, aligned with VGSO's strategic objectives
• Ability to deal with sensitive and highly confidential information with integrity, respect, discretion and exercise professional judgment at all times

Benefits

In exchange for your hard work, you will receive; competitive remuneration, training and development opportunities and 17.5% annual leave loading. The VGSO embraces flexibility and welcomes a conversation to help you achieve work-life balance.

How to apply

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, apply now! Applications must include a cover letter and resume. Candidates will also be required to complete a few questions covering the Key Selection Criteria as part of the online application form.  Please note it is not required to respond to the Key Selection Criteria separately.

To find out more about this role, please view the position description attached. Alternatively, you can contact Tim Morrison, Senior Business Partner - People and Culture on 0409 370 185

Applications close at 11:59pm on 2 April 2023.

Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including but not limited to, reference checks, pre-employment misconduct screening and criminal record checks. 

The VGSO is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees consistent with the VGSO's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic). Therefore, there is a requirement that all VGSO employees possess a COVID-19 Vaccination Status of Up-to-date or Excepted Person  in order to attend a VGSO Workplace or Worksite. Prior to commencement of employment with VGSO you will need to provide evidence of your COVID-19 Vaccination Status as Up-to-date or an Excepted Person. Acceptable evidence includes:

• COVID-19 digital certificate (available via your myGov account); 
• Your immunisation history statement (available via your myGov account); or 
• Acceptable Certification of a Medical Contraindication or a Temporary Medical Exemption