Senior Adviser, Strategic Risks and Improvement

Ready to make a difference where it matters most?

What if your next role gave you the opportunity to shape how one of Victoria's most critical public service groups manages risk, drives improvement, and strengthens resilience across millions of hectares of public land?

We're looking for a curious, strategic thinker to join the Program Management Office as our Senior Adviser, Strategic Risks and Improvement. In this role, you'll help transform the way the Bushfire and Forest Services Group identifies risks, solves complex challenges, and delivers better outcomes for communities, the environment, and emergency management across Victoria.

Why you'll love this role

This isn't a traditional risk management job.

You'll be at the centre of big-picture thinking and real-world impact, partnering with senior leaders, specialists and operational teams to:

• Drive meaningful reform and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Turn complex information into practical solutions and actionable data insights.
• Influence strategic decision-making at the executive level.
• Strengthen governance, assurance and business preparedness.
• Lead initiatives that improve organisational resilience and risk maturity.
• Coach and support emerging talent while helping build a positive, high-performing culture.

What you'll bring

We're looking for someone who loves connecting dots, asking great questions, and finding smarter ways of doing things.

You'll thrive if you:

• Enjoy solving complex problems and seeing the bigger picture.
• Can translate data, trends and evidence into compelling recommendations.
• Build trusted relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Have experience in risk management, audit, assurance, governance or continuous improvement.
• Are energised by influencing change and leading improvement initiatives.
• Communicate with clarity, confidence and impact.

What makes this opportunity special?

You'll join a team that supports Victoria's preparedness and response to bushfires and other emergencies while helping protect our forests, communities and environment. Your work will directly contribute to better governance, stronger risk management and improved organisational performance across the Group. 

The opportunity

If you're excited by strategic thinking, continuous improvement, governance excellence and using evidence-based data insights to solve complex organisational challenges, we'd love to hear from you.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A qualification or suitable experience in risk management, audit management, actuarial studies or a relevant business discipline is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to apply contemporary risk and assurance practices, including coordinating audit actions, supporting attestation processes, and preparing high-quality reporting for senior stakeholders.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria 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, 21 September 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.