Senior Advisor| Government Relations

Location: Melbourne | CBD

Job type: Full Time - Fixed Term

Organisation: Rail Projects Victoria

Salary: $10+,730 - $132,764

Occupation: Communications, Marketing and Media

Reference: 5202

About the role
The Metro Tunnel Project Office is seeking a Senior Government Relations Advisor to manage engagement with key government stakeholders such as Members of Parliament. This role is responsible for developing and driving strategies which support MPs in promoting the Metro Tunnel Project in the lead up to the opening in 2025. The Senior Government Relations Advisor provides political analysis and advice to MTPO staff to guide engagement as well as playing a central liaison role for all externally facing MP communications.


MTPO needs a self-starter who can work under pressure in a fast-paced and complex environment. This person will draft and deliver targeted communications, working closely with the Strategic Communications team and project teams within MTPO. You will also be required to build relationships with stakeholders, and present to Ministers, and senior stakeholders.

Key accountabilities
Lead the development and implementation of effective government relations strategies to support the delivery of Metro Tunnel Project (MTP).
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external government stakeholders to engage with state government MPs affected by and with an interest in the project.
Identify and implement innovative and creative initiatives to assist state government MPs to raise community awareness about key elements of MTP
Develop and maintain communications material about the project that is clear, timely and accessible to state government MPs
Monitor public comments and research information relevant to MTPO and provide accurate and up to date reporting on government relations issues and the progress of issues resolution
Support state government MPs and their staff in responding to public enquiries in a timely and appropriate manner, in accordance with established protocols
Monitor, audit and maintain any databases to ensure that all interactions are recorded accurately and in a timely manner
Represent MTPO in briefings and on external stakeholder reference groups as required
Undertake a broad range of administrative support tasks, including preparing documents and reports, taking and preparing meeting minutes, arranging meetings and other general tasks, as required.
Key selection criteria
Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrated capability to build and manage positive relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including within Government, and work with a wide range of people to achieve desired outcomes.
Managing risks: Demonstrated experience in managing sensitive issues with key stakeholders with integrity and discretion. A proactive approach to identifying opportunities and risks, and an ability to identify innovative solutions to complex problems.
Communicate with Impact: Strong written communication skills and experience in the preparation of timely, clear and concise presentations, briefing papers and correspondence. Strong verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to present to a wide variety of audiences.
Time Management: Well-developed organisational and coordination skills with a demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and manage tasks under pressure and to tight deadlines.
Key selection criteria
Personal Attributes

Flexibility and Adaptability: Accept changed priorities without undue discomfort. Responds quickly to changes. Comfortable working in collaboration with teams outside of own organisation.
Working Collaboratively: Build a supportive and cooperative team environment; Engages other teams to share information in order to understand or respond to issues; Support others in challenging situations.
Promote Inclusion: Pays attention to words, expression and body language; Recognises behaviours that promote a culture of inclusion. Hold self and team accountable towards being inclusive to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Takes corrective actions when behaviours displayed do not promote an inclusive work place.

Meaningful Outcomes

Strategic Planning: Ensures that day to day planning and work processes are in line with team/organisation strategy; Identifies and develops own and team objectives linking strategies to actions to achieve these; Guides others in strategic planning process.
Key selection criteria
Enabling Delivery

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Resolves issues through deep understanding or interpretation of existing guidelines. Where guidelines are not available, analyses ideas available and takes action through self, or in consultation with others to resolve problems. If required, determine additional information needed to make informed decisions. Applies critical thinking and problem solving concepts in the right context.
Political and Organisational Context: Understands issues and pressures to which the organisation has to respond; Understands the reasons behind the organisational climate and culture.

Authentic Relationships

Interpersonal Skills: Sees things from another’s point of view and confirms understanding; Understand motivations, needs and wants of stakeholders and their impact on service delivery; Tailor communications according to audience and/or audience preference.
Communicate with Impact: Prepares and delivers logical sequential and succinct presentations; Uses clear and concise language; Uses media appropriate to the audience and presents information to develop the understanding of the topic.
Key selection criteria
People Leadership

Develop Capability: Actively seeks to improve others’ skills and talents by providing knowledge, constructive feedback, coaching and learning opportunities; Consistently develops team capability; Recognise and develop potential in others.
Qualifications

Extensive experience in communications, stakeholder relations and government relations. A tertiary qualification in Communications, Public Policy, Community Engagement or relevant field is desirable.
Conditions of Employment
Non-VPS applicants will be subject to a probation period of six months
Qualification Check
Successful police check
Valid working rights
Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply