The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.We provide policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria, and lead key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight, and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.About the DivisionThe Early Learning Practice and Participation Division guides, supports, and inspires high-quality educational practice that improves the learning and development outcomes of Victoria's young children in government-funded early learning programs. The work of the Division is also underpinned by the central precondition of this, that all children are able to access, be included, and engage in early learning. It leads operational policy and program development to deliver high-quality, inclusive kindergarten programs. The Division is responsible for the delivery of professional practice supports and quality initiatives aligned to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and National Quality Framework, development and implementation of participation and inclusion supports for all children, practice quality enablers that improve workforce retention and recognition, and the implementation of needs-based funding for kindergartens.The Division is comprised of two branches - Early Learning Participation Branch and Professional Practice Branch, each of which carry responsibility for policy development, program delivery, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder engagement to support access to high-quality kindergarten programs. Both Branches contribute advice and expertise to the development and implementation of major policy and funding reform projects for early learning programs, including Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and Best Start, Best Life. This role sits within the Professional Practice Branch.About the RolesWe are seeking two Project Advisors to join the Professional Practice Branch. One in the Workforce Retention and Recognition Unit and one in the Assessment for Learning Unit. Both fixed-term positions are until 30 June 2027.The Workforce Retention and Recognition Unit supports retention and professional recognition for early childhood teachers and educators through evidence-informed initiatives that recognise the diversity of the sector and support the workforce throughout their careers. This unit delivers a range of professional learning programs, policy guidance, grants, and sector supports for both teachers and educators across the span of their careers. This role will provide an opportunity to plan and deliver projects including stakeholder engagement, financial tracking, and risk management. This role will also provide support with broader team coordination including inbox and enquiry management and processing payments.The Assessment for Learning Unit is responsible for supporting evidence-based practice in the Assessment for Learning and Development Practice Principle, in the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework. A key deliverable for this unit is supporting the roll-out of the Early Years Assessment and Learning Tool (EYALT) to funded kindergarten providers across Victoria. This role will help the unit to collect and analyse data on how services are upskilling teachers and educators to use the tool, how deeply they're engaging with the tool, and prepare advice on how to help the sector to embed the tool in their daily teaching practice. This role also involves the preparation of data sets to support key tasks, for example: facilitating bulk payments to services; notifying regional department of education staff about how their local kindergarten providers are engaging with assessment activities; collating and analysing feedback from teachers and educators who attend EYALT-related professional development.The responsibilities of the Project Advisor include, but are not limited to:Leading program and project delivery, including effective project planning and identifying emerging risks and opportunities.Developing briefings and correspondence related to the initiative, including effective quality assurance.Budgeting and cost management for programs, including tracking expenditure and undertaking procurement consistent with Departmental policies and procedures.Contributing toward performance and contract management, program implementation, local area engagement, and general team support.Collecting and analysing data associated with projects, reporting on project outcomes, and providing general support to ensure successful project delivery.The successful candidates will be expected to proactively collaborate with their colleagues and work autonomously within a fast-paced team. The successful candidates will receive coaching and opportunities to develop their public service skills and knowledge of the early childhood education system.The roles are based at 200 Victoria Parade, Melbourne (with hybrid work arrangements).AttributesTo succeed in the roles, you will be able to confidently adapt when faced with changing priorities and situations. You'll have a demonstrated ability to monitor the progress of projects against plans and take corrective action when required. You'll be confident working with internal and external stakeholders to ensure active collaboration when obtaining ideas, insights, or input.Desirable Qualifications and ExperienceExperience with supporting procurement activity in line with departmental policy including appropriate documentation and risk management.Ability to lead projects and programs including detailed project plans, evaluation and monitoring, communications planning, and risk management.Ability to write and edit complex briefs, letters, emails, and reports using clear, concise, and grammatically correct language and appropriate styles and formats.Ability to respond to and solve stakeholder issues, use organisational context, and build mutually beneficial stakeholder relationships.Ability to use understanding of stakeholders' context to design and implement systems for continuous improvement within the relevant entity. Reviews and analyses internal and external information/data to improve the effectiveness and quality of work.Diversity and Equal Employment OpportunityWe are an equal opportunity employer and the department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability, and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page.Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.Additional InformationFor further information regarding the positions, please refer to the attached position descriptions. The successful applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. All information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.Please contact our office via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process. Such as, an accessible format (e.g., large print) of the advertisement and/or job descriptions, due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Adam Surmacz, Acting Manager, Workforce Retention and Recognition Unit on (03) 9139 7703 or via email ****** close 11:59pm on Tuesday, 01 October 2024.Job type:Full timeJob classification:VPSG4Contact:
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