Senior Strategy Advisor

About the Department

The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.

The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.

About the Division

Early Learning Practice and Participation Division

The Early Learning Practice and Participation Division guides, supports and inspires high quality educational practice that improves the learning and development outcomes of Victoria's young children in government funded early learning programs. The work of the Division is also underpinned by the central precondition of this, that all children are able to access, be included and engage in early learning. It leads operational policy and program development to deliver high quality, inclusive kindergarten programs. The Division is responsible for the delivery of professional practice supports and quality initiatives aligned to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and National Quality Framework, development and implementation of participation and inclusion supports for all children, practice quality enablers that improve workforce retention and recognition, and the implementation of needs-based funding for kindergartens. 

The Division is comprised of two branches – Early Learning Participation Branch and Professional Practice Branch, each of which carry responsibility for policy development, program delivery, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder engagement to support access to high quality kindergarten programs. Both Branches contribute advice and expertise to the development and implementation of major policy and funding reform projects for early learning programs, including Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and Best Start, Best Life. This role sits within the Professional Practice Branch.

Professional Practice Branch

The Professional Practice Branch is responsible for policy development, program delivery, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder engagement to support high quality practice in government funded early learning programs, with a specific focus on kindergarten programs.

The Branch leads the implementation of the VEYLDF, in partnership with the VCAA, and supports quality improvement in early childhood settings in line with the framework. The Branch has carriage of professional practice supports and key initiatives that support children's learning in the kindergarten system, including the Kindergarten Quality Improvement Program, the Early Years Assessment and Learning Tool, and a range of workforce retention and recognition programs.   

The Branch consists of five units that work in close collaboration:

• Professional Practice Programs Unit
• Assessment for Learning Unit
• Workforce Retention and Recognition Unit
• Leadership and Professional Partnerships Unit

Professional Practice Insights and Coordination Unit.      

Note, while the Professional Practice Insights and Coordination Unit is a key part of the Professional Practice Branch, it has direct reporting line to the Executive Director of the Division.

Professional Practice Insights and Coordination Unit

This role sits within the Professional Practice Insights and Coordination (PPIC) Unit. The Unit leads the development of evidence informed approaches to drive the design and delivery of high-quality professional development supports to the early childhood education sector, with a focus on funded kindergartens. The Unit designs and procures professional practice supports, collects and coordinates research evidence and data, and supports the department to make informed decisions that strengthen the practice supports to improve early childhood quality.

About the Role

The Strategy Advisor role will lead a mix of strategic policy analysis and development. Potential tasks include: preparing policy proposals; drafting governance documents and gaining internal support for policy initiatives; supporting professional and skill development of the team, supervising staff, and providing management support where required; and commissioning and overseeing projects and evaluation of initiatives.

The role requires strong collaboration within a high-performing team that is supportive, friendly and passionate about improving children and young people's outcomes and driving policy reform. The role provides an opportunity for individuals with analytical and policy skills to expand and develop. The Division explores opportunities for people to build their management and leadership skills, in line with individuals' career development objectives.

This is an ongoing role.

About you 

To succeed in this role, you will demonstrate the Victorian Public Sector values, excel in a fast-paced changing environment, exceptional conceptual and analytical skills, and be able to juggle multiple tasks concurrently, even when faced with tight deadlines. You will also enjoy working collaboratively across a wide range of projects as required. 

How to apply 

Applications should include:  

• a resume (no more than 3-pages) and  

• a cover letter that responds to each of the Key Selection Criteria (no more than three pages).  

Attributes

The ideal candidate excels in adaptability, fostering collaborative teamwork, and partnering with stakeholders for co-creation. They exhibit critical thinking, resolving issues within policies and procedures. Proficient in project delivery, they define tasks, coordinate activities, and monitor stakeholder satisfaction for added value.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Tertiary Education or experience in a related field would be desirable.

Further Information

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.

For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Nicole Messer – Manager, Professional Practice Insights and Coordination via (03) 9084 8864 or nicole.messer@education.vic.gov.au.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close 11:59 pm on 11/12/2024