Principal Project Officer

Overview

Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time

Salary: $142,790 - $191,084

Grade: VPS 6

Occupation: Projects

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: 11750

About Us

The Department of Government Services (DGS) was established on 1 January 2023 to improve everyone’s experience of doing business and interacting with the Victorian government. We bring important day-to-day services together in one department to make things easy and seamless for Victorians and businesses. We are doing this by connecting and digitising our systems and platforms across state and local government as well as streamlining our corporate and procurement services.

You can find out more about our Ministers, leadership and entities here: Department of Government Services.

About the Branch/Group

The group enables effective engagement between customers, businesses and government by leading strategy, policy, regulatory design, sector support and service delivery for the benefit of Victorians. It focuses on improving customer experiences through efficient, scalable and digitally enabled services. The Portfolio Strategy, Planning and Performance Division provides strategic direction, evidence-based policy, data insights, governance, evaluation and project delivery capability across Consumer Affairs and Local Government portfolios. The Regulator Innovation Branch leads the design, reform and implementation of regulatory functions, working across government and sectors to develop effective regulatory frameworks, support compliance and drive continuous improvement.

About the Role

As a Principal Project Officer, you will lead regulatory policy development and reform activities to support the effective implementation and operation of the LGFJC Regulator. You will design and refine regulatory frameworks, policies and guidance, providing expert advice to ensure regulatory approaches are practical, proportionate and enforceable within the local government context.

You will apply strong analytical and business analysis skills to assess regulatory impacts, identify risks and improve compliance settings. Working with legal, operational and stakeholder teams, you will translate policy intent into effective practice, provide technical leadership, support quality standards and contribute to continuous improvement across regulatory functions.

Key Accountabilities

Contributes advanced expertise and knowledge to strategic planning and decision-making processes.

Innovative thinking and analysis influences developments within area of responsibility.

Is required to use formal and informal channels to influence organisation or program management to achieve goals.

Prepares technical reports at an authoritative level.

Responsible for operational policy or service development impacting on a major functional area.

Manages major projects for the organisation.

About You

We are seeking applicants who have demonstrated experience from the following criteria:

Technical Expertise:

Demonstrated expertise in project management methodologies, regulatory and legislative policy development, human-centred design and operating model design. Ability to develop complex policy positions, interpret legislation and translate requirements into clear drafting instructions for legal instruments.

Personal Attributes:

Adaptable and collaborative, with the ability to navigate change, build stakeholder commitment and foster inclusive environments that value diverse perspectives.

Meaningful Outcomes:

Strong strategic planning and continuous improvement capability, with the ability to guide others, embed quality practices, drive innovation and deliver measurable outcomes.

Enabling Delivery:

Strong critical thinking, problem-solving and project delivery skills, with the ability to assess complex issues, manage risks and balance stakeholder, organisational and community needs.

Authentic Relationships:

Skilled in influencing, negotiating and building trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve shared outcomes.

People Leadership:

Ability to mobilise resources effectively, align capability with priorities and support delivery of strategic objectives.

This role is an ongoing position. This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

You must be an Australian citizen, as this role requires a security clearance.

For more information, please see the Position Description

How to apply

Apply before the advertised closing date 11:59pm on August 6. All applications should include:

a resume; and

a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages).

Other relevant information

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing role is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. Preferred applicants will be required to undertake pre-employment screening. DGS actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. All roles at DGS can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.

Applications close Thursday 6 August 2026 at 11.59pm

Posted

23 July 2026