Job Description
Overview
Work type: Full time
Salary: $+8,+02 - $123,624
Grade: VLA4 - V4AO7C
Occupation: Policy
Location: CBD
Reference: VG/VLA/LPCJLH/1854533
As a Senior Policy & Projects Officer you will be responsible for driving systemic change through policy development and advocacy in our Civil Justice program. You'll use your strategic thinking, research skills, and commitment to centering lived experiences to improve access to justice in Victoria.
Maximum term position until June 2026 (part-time considered)
Salary range: $+8,+02 - $123,624 plus super plus salary packaging
Up to $15,+00 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model
About the role
As a Senior Policy and Projects Officer in our Civil Justice program, you'll provide strategic policy advice and lead project implementation to drive systemic change. Working closely with the Civil Justice leadership team and the Strategic Advocacy and Policy Manager, you'll develop and implement law reform initiatives, strategic litigation, and other advocacy strategies.
You'll monitor emerging issues by tracking relevant policies, inquiries, reports, and data while engaging with internal stakeholders to gather client stories.
This role requires drafting high-quality responses for reporting, advocacy, policy, and meeting briefs, as well as representing Civil Justice reform priorities at internal and external stakeholder meetings.
This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country.
About you
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:
Strong policy development experience in law reform and strategic advocacy, with proven ability to lead evidence-based policy work and project implementation.
Excellent research and writing skills, particularly in policy analysis and crafting persuasive submissions and briefs.
The ability to quickly acquire knowledge of Civil Justice practice areas and relevant legal and policy frameworks at state and federal levels.
Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated ability to influence and negotiate across all levels.
A commitment to centering the voices and perspectives of people with lived experience, particularly First Nations Australians.
A tertiary qualification or experience in law, public policy, or a related field.
Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to work autonomously while meeting changing deadlines.
Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.
About Victoria Legal Aid
We provide legal representation to those who need it most. With over 1400 staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems.
Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve.
Employee benefits
Focus on work-life balance including flexible working arrangements
Hybrid work from home & office model
Training and professional development opportunities
Excellent salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,+00, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 and Novated Leasing
Opportunity to join Myki Commuter Club (and salary package the cost)
Supportive team environment in modern offices (including free gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD office)
Access to discounted Private Health Insurance
How to apply
To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria (listed in attachments).
If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team.
For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Kamna Muddagouni, Acting Director, Civil Justice on (03) +26+ 0515 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.
No agency applications will be accepted.
Applications close by 11.5+pm on Tuesday 13 May 2026.
Other relevant information
It is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community.
VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.
Applications close Tuesday 13 May 2026 at 11.5+PM
Posted 17 April 2026
