Senior Evidence and Insights Adviser

Occupation: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/DFFH/FSV/716103AUG

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) works hard to create equal opportunities for all Victorians to live a safe, respected and valued life. Our areas of focus are child protection, housing, disability, the prevention of family violence, multicultural affairs, LGBTIQA+ equality, veterans, women and youth. The work we do benefits thousands of Victorians, particularly those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable. We work in a variety of community-based settings, including people's homes, residential facilities and secure settings across metropolitan, rural and regional Victoria. We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated. All jobs can be worked flexibly, and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from diverse backgrounds and abilities. If you're having any trouble viewing this ad and would like it or any attachments in an accessible format (such as large print), please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on the ad.

THE ROLE

The Senior Evidence and Insights Adviser provides strategic leadership for evaluation, research and policy development across the Aboriginal Initiatives Unit. The role supports the implementation, monitoring and future direction of Dhelk Dja: Safe Our Way and related Aboriginal family violence reforms.

The role leads the design, commissioning and oversight of culturally safe, Aboriginal-led and evidence-informed evaluations, reviews and research. It develops evaluation and learning frameworks, assesses qualitative and quantitative evidence, and translates findings, community priorities and practice knowledge into clear policy advice and practical recommendations.

Working in partnership with Dhelk Dja governance structures, Aboriginal communities and organisations, departmental teams, other government agencies, research bodies and service providers, the role ensures evaluation and research approaches uphold Aboriginal self-determination, Aboriginal data sovereignty, cultural safety and ethical practice.

The role operates with a high degree of autonomy, manages complex and sensitive projects, provides advice and influences senior stakeholders to improve policy, program and system outcomes for Aboriginal people, families and communities.

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

• Lead a strategic program of evaluation, research and policy work to support the implementation, monitoring and future direction of Dhelk Dja, associated action plans and Closing the Gap Outcome 13.
• Design, commission and oversee internal and independent evaluations, program reviews and research projects, including the development of scopes, methodologies, governance arrangements, procurement documentation, project plans and quality assurance processes.
• Ensure evaluation and research approaches are culturally safe, Aboriginal-led where appropriate, and uphold Aboriginal self-determination, data sovereignty, community ownership of knowledge and ethical practice.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.

Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.

Applications close Sunday 13 September 2026 at 11.59pm