Position Title:Principal Policy Officer

Position Description

Position Title:Principal Policy Officer

Position Number:900117

Group / Office:Policy Development Office

Tenure:Fixed term 2 years

Full Time Equivalent:0.8-1.0 FTE

Classification:VicHealth Grade E (+ Superannuation)

Location:15-31 Pelham Street Carlton 3053

Reports to:Executive Lead Policy Development Office

Further information:Introducing VicHealth

About The Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth)

A world-first health promotion foundation, VicHealth focuses on promoting good health and preventing chronic disease. We pinpoint and prevent the negative influences of ill health and champion the positive influences of good health. Our pioneering work includes creating and funding world-class interventions; conducting vital research to advance Victoria’s population health; producing and supporting public campaigns to promote a healthier Victoria; and providing transformational expertise and insights to government. We work with all levels of government, across political parties and communities, and a range of sectors across health, sports, research, education, the arts and media.

VicHealth takespride in being an equal opportunity employer championing equity and diversity in the workplace.

Purpose of the role

The Principal Policy Officersupports and contributes to the health promotion capacity of VicHealth by:

• supporting a consistent and coordinated approach to strategic policy development across VicHealth’s business, including the five strategic imperatives and key themes of gender, youth and communities
• providing specialist government relations advice and expertise to the organisation
• acting as primary point of contact within VicHealth for technical advice and public enquiries regarding public policy issues of relevance to the Action Agenda
• conducting research to enable effective policy development and implementation
• contributing to the development and delivery of activityundertaken as the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre in Health Promotion Leadership

The Principal Policy Officer works within the Policy Development Office andhas a close working relationship with the Chief Executive Officers office, thePrograms Group,and the Innovation Office and is expected to develop and nurture excellent relationships across program units and key external stakeholders, including staff in government departments and agencies. In order to achieve this, the person in this role must be able to provide efficient and effective liaison; maintain relationships with stakeholders; and represent VicHealth in a professional manner at stakeholder events.

Scope of the role

Financial / As per VicHealth Delegation Policy
People / None

Main Role Responsibilities

Functions / Activities
Policy and strategy /

• Supporting a consistent and coordinated approach to strategic policy development across VicHealth’s business, including the five strategic imperatives and key themes of gender, youth and communities
• Ensuring the development of high quality VicHealth policy positions
• Providing specialist government relations advice and expertise to the organisation
• Contributing to the development and delivery of activity undertaken as the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre in Health Promotion Leadership

Research and evaluation /

• Conducting research to enable effective policy development and implementation
• Keeping up-to-date with a broad range of contemporary policy issues in public health policy and practice
• Ensuringan effective and consistent approach to government relations is embedded across VicHealth

Key liaison /

• Developing and maintaining extensive networks tomaximise VicHealth’s value in the public policy development process
• Acting as primary point of contact within VicHealth for technical advice and public enquiries regarding public policy issues of relevance to the Action Agenda

Executive Office liaison /

• Providing operational support for CEO engagement with senior government and policy stakeholders
• Developing strong connections with key stakeholders

Teamwork / Contributes to the development of a highly effective team by:

• working collaboratively across the organisation
• sharing knowledge and experiences
• participating and contributing in team meetings, strategic and corporate planning meetings, team work plans and relevant cross unit working groups
• applying work practices and approaches consistent with established VicHealth processes, and identifying opportunities for development
• identifying potential opportunities for innovation and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of VicHealth’s operations

Equity and Diversity /

• Contributing to maintaining an environment where differences are valued, encouraged and supported
• MaintainingVicHealth’s ideals of cultural diversity in the workplace at all times

Governance, Risk, Behaviour & Conduct / Acting in accordance with:

• the Code of Conduct for Victorian Public Sector Employees as detailed in the Public Administration Act 2004
• VicHealth Policy, Procedures and Values as outlined on the VicHealth intranet

Occupational Health and Safety /

• Takes reasonable care at all times for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their conduct
• Is responsible at all times for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for all

Key Selection Criteria (Knowledge, experience and skills)

Qualifications and experience /

• Relevant tertiary qualifications, with postgraduate qualifications highly regarded
• Extensive experience developing policy and/or informing policy development at a national or state level
• Experience in a leadership role
• Experience working within the public health orgovernment sectors
• Strong understanding of health promotion

Policy /

• Demonstrates strong understanding of the public policy development process and mechanisms to inform and influence policy
• Formulates and communicates public policy options and recommendations
• Scans for links and potential implications of proposed policy options
• Liaises with key policy stakeholders within and outside government

Research and Evaluation /

• Oversees evidence reviews to ensure that a solid basis for potential investments exists and that replication is avoided
• Ensures effective evaluation of VicHealth’s policy-related activities
• Manages research and ensures that evaluation reports are submitted as required and that contract expectations have been met

Leadership /

• Able to enlist the aid and support of others (both internally and externally) in the accomplishment of work
• Action-oriented, and seeks innovative solutions
• Identifies potential issues and setbacks and guides colleagues to optimise outcomes

Builds and utilises stakeholder relationships /

• Develops and maintains strong, positive partner, stakeholder and supplier relationships both internally and externally
• Identifies and manages a range of complex and often competing needs
• Uses understanding of the stakeholder to ensure outcomes are achieved
• Finds innovative solutions to resolve issues
• Builds trust through consistent actions, values and communication
• Keeps stakeholders up to date with issues and developments
• Constructively deals with stakeholder issues

Written Communication Skills /

• Structures written communications effectively to achieve their purpose, conveys ideas and information in a clear way, with a strong understanding of the information needs of target audiences
• Demonstrates excellent attention to detail
• Communicates technical issues and ideas in plain English, and listens for feedback
• Uses audience feedback to refine communication and ensure communications are understood

Communicates with Influence /

• Communicates and models a vision that generates enthusiasm and commitment
• Listens, understands and adapts to audience
• Negotiates persuasively

This position description was updated on 24/08/2016 and is a guide to the role and responsibilities that are required of this position as of this date. Other duties may be required to be undertaken from time to time. This position may involve limited work related travel to visit other stakeholders or attending conferences, including working from locations other than the VicHealth office. Additionally occasional work outside core business hours may be required.

Policy Development Office Principal Policy Officer-Reviewed 24/08/20161 of 4