Senior Policy Officer

The Advocacy, Motor Vehicle and Transport Policy Section is responsible for the development, implementation and continuous improvement of policy frameworks that support veterans and their families in accessing advocacy services and transport-related entitlements.

The Section’s work focuses on policy matters relating to veteran advocacy service, and motor vehicle and transport compensation arrangements. This includes engagement across government and with service providers to align DVA policy settings with broader regulatory, health, and social policy frameworks.

• Lead and contribute to policy development and reform, including analysing complex issues, identifying risks, and developing policy options.
• Provide well-reasoned, evidence-based advice on matters relating to advocacy services, motor vehicle compensation, and transport support.
• Draft high-quality written materials, including ministerial briefs, Cabinet submissions, policy papers, correspondence, and reports.
• Interpret and apply legislation, policy frameworks and program guidelines to support decision-making.
• Undertake research and data analysis, including evaluation of programs and policy outcomes.
• Manage competing priorities and deliver work programs, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met.
• Build and sustain relationships with stakeholders, including representing the Department in consultations, forums and working groups.
• Prepare briefings, presentations and governance materials to support senior executive engagement.

• Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS). 
• Any successful candidate external to DVA offered employment will be required to undergo pre-engagement screening checks, even if they currently have a security clearance. The screening checks are conducted in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework requirements.
• Any successful candidate will be required to obtain and/or maintain, a Baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance as a minimum. 

This recruitment process is being used to fill ongoing and/or non-ongoing position/s. For more information about the role, please see the Candidate Information Pack.

A merit pool of suitable applicants may be created which may be used to fill future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies should they become available over the next 18 months.

Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.

DVA embraces and fosters a culture that supports diversity, inclusion and respect, where people are empowered to fulfil their potential. We welcome people with diverse skills, experiences, perspectives and backgrounds. We are dedicated and committed to attracting and recruiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and encourage applications from people with disability, people that identify as LGBTQIA+ and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Take on a rewarding, varied, and broad career with an Australian Public Service Department that can bring balance and flexibility to your working life, while supporting you to stay connected to your community.

DVA is committed to improving the data skills and capability of our workforce to underpin our goal of becoming a leading data-driven organisation.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) exists to fulfil the nation’s duty to support our serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members and their families. We do this through programs of care, compensation, commemoration, income and Defence support services. Our aim is to enhance self-sufficiency, quality of life, financial wellbeing and community recognition for those we support. DVA is both a policy and service delivery agency. We have strong relationships with Australian ex-service organisations, Federal and State Government agencies and the veteran community. DVA’s vision is to honour veterans, and empower them and their families to continue life after service, within a society that understands and values their military service and their ongoing contribution to the community.