This is a fixed term opportunity to 28 September 2026 About the role: The Senior Policy Adviser, Maternity and Newborn Policy has responsibility for policy design, development and implementation support, collaborating with departmental partners and the health sector with a focus on: leading/contributing to state/national policy improvement, including development and implementation of new strategies and policy initiatives to drive system improvement evaluating existing policy effectiveness and leading refinement and/or re-design as needed, such as the development of health service partnership governance mechanisms reviewing, evaluating and designing models of care and supporting implementation that aligns with priority policy areas setting policy that guides resource allocation using current funding models and also exploring commissioning reforms. This role requires strong collaboration across the department, the health and social sector as well as academic and research organisations to ensure that health policy and programs: improve equitable access to services for Victorians improve health and wellbeing outcomes for vulnerable Victorians enhance the quality and safety of health services. The Maternity and Newborn policy team has responsibility for statewide/system-wide policy development and implementation to meet the changing needs of Victorian communities (especially those most vulnerable); ensuring the delivery of high quality and safe maternity and newborn care; and ensuring access that is as close to home as possible. The team has a system stewardship role across the pregnancy care pathway (antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care) in hospital and community-based settings. The team works with partners: Safer Care Victoria, Workforce, Commissioning, Access and Reform and System Planning to ensure system settings and policy priorities are clear – so that improvement initiatives are aligned with government direction, system improvement priorities and population need. The team works with partners and the Commonwealth to understand system challenges and drive solutions for a maternity system that is coordinated across the continuum of care (sexual and reproductive health, antenatal /primary care, birth, postnatal care, early childhood) 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. We are looking for someone who can: Provide authoritative advice, reasoned recommendations and innovative solutions to complex and sensitive policy issues based on comprehensive research. Develop policy initiatives that meet government and departmental objectives within resourcing, timeline and budget parameters. Monitor and report on high priority issues, risks and trends and prepare and present reports, ministerial briefs, Cabinet and agency submissions. Establish and maintain effective working relationships and facilitate the flow of information across the department and with key external stakeholders. Maintain an understanding of Commonwealth and State legislative and policy reform directions to influence policy development. Identify current and future health policy trends and provide input into continuous improvement recommendations. Represent the department on key stakeholder committees and groups concerned with achieving government and departmental objectives and contribute to relevant committee and governance processes. Please refer to the position description for more information. Qualifications/Specialist Expertise A tertiary qualification in a health discipline or relevant public policy area is desirable. Sound knowledge of the health service system and current issues, including current and emerging issues at a State, Commonwealth and international level, particularly in relation to maternity and newborn services would be desirable. 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 . If you have any queries in relation to recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email talentacquisition@health.vic.gov.au. Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly. 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 .
