Strategic Adviser to General Counsel / Executive Director, Legal and Legislation

About the job

The Legal and Legislation Division (LLD) in the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is looking for its next Senior Adviser to join the LLD Executive Team.  The role offers:

• broad responsibilities across strategic leadership and advice; project delivery; performance planning, monitoring and reporting; change management; risk and issue management; continuous improvement and cultural safety
• the opportunity to work with a dynamic, values-driven team committed to making a difference
• flexible working arrangements and a culture that values diversity, inclusion, and professional growth.

The role is available from January 2026 and is an ongoing vacancy at VPS Grade 6.

About you

We think this role might appeal to you if:

• you’re a strategic thinker, a skilled project manager, and an effective communicator
• you thrive in complex environments, bring people together to solve problems, and have a passion for public service
• you’re looking to consolidate your strategic adviser experience or take the next step in your strategic adviser career, in a complex, semi-autonomous and satisfying role.

To succeed in this role, it’s important that:

• you enjoy a work environment where you can propose new ways of working and help make things easier to do and more satisfying
• you thrive on strategic thinking – you have ideas, co-develop them, get buy-in, and implement them
• you value being part of a high-performing culture focused on supporting talented people to do high quality work in an environment where they are enabled to grow their skills, confidence and experience
• you're good with budgets – you’re the key interface between Finance, the Executive Director and the division’s managers on budget matters
• you understand service environments and corporate planning and reporting structures – LLD delivers 13 distinct services in the DEECA Corporate Services Service Catalogue
• you can speak your mind and support others to do so, in a safe, respectful and enjoyable workplace culture.

You’ll be working with a team of senior executives and in-house public sector lawyers who are committed to the Victorian Public Service values – so while you don’t need to be a lawyer, you’ll need to be comfortable working with them.  We also think it’ll help if you like to have fun at work – teamwork and camaraderie is a big part of the dynamic in LLD.

Please refer to the attached position description for details of the accountabilities, key selection criteria and capabilities for the position.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary level business management qualifications together with experience working in large, multi-divisional organisations or government is highly desirable.
• Previous experience in a role providing competency in financial literacy, business planning, workforce planning and strategic advice to senior executives in complex organisations or government is highly desirable.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is Melbourne CBD 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 Sunday, 16 November 2025.

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.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave. For more information visit applying for a role with us.