Senior Adviser

Senior Adviser, Capability Reviews

The Senior Adviser, Capability Reviews will play a lead role in delivering a capability review program that assesses departments’ capability and readiness to deliver on future government priorities and challenges. This includes assessing capability in core areas of public sector management and administration including leadership, integrity, community/client engagement, service delivery and improvement, projects and procurement, ministerial engagement, and people and workforce.

The role requires a curious mindset and excellent research, analytical and writing skills, together with strong stakeholder management skills and a commitment to improving the public service.

Are you?

• Skilled in leading policy design/implementation and stakeholder engagement?
• Passionate about the future of the Victorian public service and excited for an opportunity to influence positive outcomes?
• Looking for variety, flexibility and a work/life balance?

Key accountabilities

1. Provide authoritative advice to the Commissioner, senior executive and Special Minister of State on a range of capability, integrity, strategic policy and/or related matters. This includes developing considered policy options by analysing data, synthesising information, considering different perspectives and identifying potential implications and risks.
2. Prepare clear reports about departments’ capability as well as timely, accurate and fit for purpose briefings, presentations, submissions and correspondence to a high standard.
3. Initiate and maintain strong working relationships with other areas of VPSC and other key stakeholders to drive forward government policy and priorities, and to provide effective advice about relevant policy issues.
4. Actively participate in and encourage others to support a positive and inclusive organisational culture and performance excellence, including active mentoring of VPS 3 and 4 colleagues.

Who we're looking for

We welcome applications from professionals who model the Victorian public sector values and can demonstrate the following key selection criteria:

1. Policy design and development: Keeps up to date with a broad range of contemporary issues; formulates and communicates clear, well evidenced public policy options and recommendations; considers impact of policy across the service and factors this into the development and implementation approach; and provides thought leadership to others on area of expertise. Sound appreciation of the pressures to which the organisation has to respond.
2. Interpersonal and stakeholder management skills: Highly developed and demonstrated ability to establish and actively manage effective internal and external stakeholder relationships by identifying and responding to underlying needs and understanding their organisational context to ensure outcomes are achieved.
3. Communicates with impact: Prepares briefs, letters, emails and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct language; identifies and communicates key messages and information required for decision-making; and provides advice on influencing and the needs of target audience.
4. Flexibility and adaptability: Accepts changed priorities without undue discomfort; responds quickly to changes; and comfortable working in collaboration with teams outside of own area or organisation.
5. Project delivery: Translates strategies into programs or projects that enables achievement of outcomes required; monitors performance against objectives and manages project risks and issues; and ensures project objectives are met and effectively evaluated.
6. Critical thinking and problem solving: Considers a broad range of topics (beyond immediate area of work) when considering options to resolve issues, including drawing on a deep understanding of existing guidelines; and delivers tangible business outcomes as a result of critically evaluating problems from multiple perspectives and delivering effective solutions.

Experience and qualifications

The successful candidate will have:

• A tertiary qualification in public policy or related disciplines and/or significant experience in public policy in a government context.

One or more of the following will be highly regarded:

• Experience in working in a consulting or government advisory services environment.

Who we are

The Victorian Public Sector Commission plays a key role in stewardship of the public sector. It works to strengthen the efficiency, effectiveness and capability of the public sector and maintain, and advocate for, public sector professionalism and integrity. Your contribution will help shape and lead strategic government directions across Victoria.

Why you should join us

We are proud to offer you the opportunity to work with purpose and make a positive impact on the Victorian community.

You’ll collaborate with stakeholders across the Victorian public sector to deliver meaningful work supporting the Victorian Government’s strategic priorities.

We offer:

• Flexible and hybrid work
• Learning and development opportunities
• Employee assistance program and wellbeing initiatives
• Inclusive work environment, including workplace adjustments

How to apply

Applications including a cover letter with your resume, outlining your skills, knowledge and qualities that will make you a success within the VPSC are to be submitted online by selecting the ‘Apply Now” button.

For further information and key selection criteria, please see the position description.

Applications close at midnight on Friday 6 November 2026.

Request for reasonable adjustments

The VPSC values the contribution of all employees and fair and equitable treatment of all people is integral to all activities. As such, the VPSC offers reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities on request. It is our policy to provide adjustments for people with disability, mental illness and/or a health condition and carers of people with disability. To request an adjustment, please follow the process on our policy page.

Other relevant information

A position description is attached. For enquiries, please refer to the contact on the position description.

Employment screening, including criminal history, confirmation of experience and stated qualifications, screening of misconduct, Australian working rights and other relevant checks form part of the candidate suitability evaluation process. Where applicable, this applies to current VPS employees.