Organisational context:

Nutrition Australia – Vic division

Nutrition Australia (NA) operates through a National Board with Divisions in all States and Territories. The National Board is responsible for policy formation and the development of national programs. The State Divisions respond to local needs and opportunities for nutrition education, public health nutrition and health promotion programs, products and services.

The Department of Health and Human Services

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) develops and delivers policies, programs and services that support and enhance the wellbeing of all Victorians. Their services are in line with the government's vision for making Victoria a stronger, more caring and innovative state.

Whilst the successful applicant will be employed by NA, this contract position is based at DHHS.

This role is jointly funded by the Prevention and Population Health branch and Sport and Recreation Victoria, DHHS, and supports policies, programs and initiatives related to healthy eating across both of these areas.

A range of specific project management and policy work is included in the role.

Key accountabilities:

Specific accountabilities within the Senior Project Officer role include, but are not limited to the following:

• Developing a strategic approach to identify leverage points to embed the support and promotion of healthy foods and drinks within government policy processes, contracts and programs, with a focus on the sport and recreation sector.
• Support an evidence informed consultation and planning process with jurisdictional stakeholders at the local, State or Territory and Commonwealth levels of government to identify opportunities for public settings to support and promote healthier eating, particularly with regard to addressing childhood obesity.
• Ongoing review of technical development and implementation of the Healthy Choices guidelines, to support implementation in a variety of settings across the State.
• Supporting the State Public Health Nutritionist with responsibility for providing high level specialist public health nutrition advice to the Minister for Health and to the departmental executive on both state and national level policy issues.

Key selection criteria:

Essential:

• High level conceptual, analytical and critical appraisal skills, specifically applied to assessment of evidence, interpretation and discernment of best practice policy deliverables.
• Detailed understanding of evidence-based research, population health outcomes and program planning in population health nutrition.
• Knowledge and understanding of the relevant policies, guidelines and frameworks of the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments.
• Excellent organisational, project and task management skills, including demonstrated ability to set goals and targets, identify project risks, meet tight deadlines and handle competing demands.
• Demonstrated experience with building and maintaining relationships with relevant stakeholders, particularly across government departments (Commonwealth, State and local), including experience in influencing others.
• Demonstrated high level written and oral communication skills, including preparing complex briefs and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct language, and applying appropriate styles and formats.
• Eligible for Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) and/or Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) or Registered Public Health Nutritionist (RPHNutr) status.
• Tertiary qualifications and a minimum of 4 years’ experience in public health nutrition/nutrition and dietetics/health promotion, preferably at postgraduate level. Experience in the sport and recreation sector would be an advantage.