Principal Policy Manager - Flood Risk & Resilience

About this role

Role Summary

This role leads a high‑priority, complex, cross‑government policy initiative to address flood risk in Southbank and inform statewide flood resilience reform.

Operating within VICSES and funded by DEECA, the role works in a dual‑accountability environment and is responsible for negotiating and aligning diverse stakeholder interests to deliver a jointly endorsed, implementation‑ready policy position.

An important component of the role is to develop and formally articulate VICSES' future policy position on flood risk and its role in statutory planning, including documenting clear expectations, contributions and boundaries for VICSES within land use planning and development decision‑making. This will strengthen organisational clarity, support consistent engagement, and position VICSES as a proactive and influential participant in planning processes

This position exercises a high degree of autonomy, judgement and influence, leading policy development in an ambiguous environment with significant strategic, operational and reputational implications. The position requires systems thinking across planning, water and emergency management frameworks, and a strong focus on translating evidence into practical, enforceable outcomes.

The position will work across government, engaging key stakeholders (including DEECA, councils, CMAs, Melbourne Water and DTP) to translate risk evidence into policy, resolve institutional ambiguity, and embed emergency management considerations into statutory planning and water frameworks.

Who We Are

Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) is a volunteer-based emergency service. Our highly skilled and equipped Volunteers are trained comprehensively in a wide range of emergency environments. To minimise the impact of emergencies when they occur and strengthen the community's capacity to recover swiftly and safely, VICSES focuses on working with communities and partners in building resilience to achieve more aware, informed and prepared communities. We support them to understand their risk and the relevance of taking action before, during and after emergency events.

As the largest road rescue network in Australia we have specialist teams that provide a 24/7 response to road accident and trauma incidents. We assist Victoria Police in search and rescue operations, and play an important role in supporting the CFA, FRV, Parks Victoria and DEECA during major bushfire and emergency incidents.

To Apply

Please view the Position Description and submit an application via careers.vic.gov.au

Applications should include a cover letter detailing your relevant skills and experience, along with a current resume.

For further information about the role, please contact Melanie Gill at melanie.gill@ses.vic.gov.au

Applications close 11:59pm, Monday 17 August 2026.

VICSES is an equal opportunity employer committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable people, upholding the highest standards of integrity and community trust, and leading gender equality in the emergency management sector. All applicants are required to complete the relevant screening processes prior to appointment. VICSES also supports flexible working arrangements, subject to operational and business requirements. For more information on our values, benefits, and recruitment process, please visit ses.vic.gov.au/join-us/careers

About risk & resilience roles for ex-police

Risk management, business continuity and emergency-planning roles. Contingency planning, threat assessment and multi-agency coordination experience from policing is directly transferable.