Project Officer

About the job 

The Innovation and Sector Development (ISD) team leads a suite of programs spanning renewable energy supply chain and industry development policy, energy innovation and startup programs, investment support products and research partnerships. Each of these helps to deliver the Victorian Government's objectives for a renewable, affordable and reliable energy system. The team conducts both strategic policy development and delivery activities, using innovative tools and agile work practices which allow team members to work flexibly within a fast-paced environment.

This Project Officer role will manage research partnerships and support the development of the renewable energy industrial precinct policy program. The position also has a key role in updating the Renewable Energy Investment Prospectus. The position requires good analytical, policy development, and project management skills.

Key responsibilities 

• Coordinate and maintain effective relationships with key research bodies and strategic partners to support Energy Group priorities.
• Identify and coordinate research partnership or project opportunities that support Energy Group objectives;
• Provide support to program leads in the management, development, and implementation of team initiatives including the Renewable Energy Investment Prospectus update, renewable energy industrial precincts, energy supply chains, energy tech innovation and industry development;
• Prepare high-quality submissions of reports, briefs, and correspondence to tight timescales for Ministers and executives;
• Develop energy sector knowledge, including expertise on specific emerging energy technologies, and cultivate networks among the department, Victorian and Commonwealth agencies, industries and businesses;
• Support the timely delivery of projects and team outcomes by participating in Agile work practices, including planning, prioritisation, review and continuous improvement activities.
• Adopt and apply OH&S policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment. 
• Practice cultural safety by creating environments, relationships and systems free from racism and discrimination so that people can feel safe, valued and able to participate.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• An appropriate tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in energy, economics, environment or a research background is desirable.
• An understanding of government processes and energy policy is desirable.

This is a fixed term position available for a period of 3 years. The work location for this position is 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers. 

Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on Monday, 12 October 2026. 

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply.  We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace.  If you need support to participate, please contact aboriginal.employment@deeca.vic.gov.au.

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing.  For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.