Program Development Consultant

Program Development Consultant – Parental Leave Cover

Location: Hybrid based from anywhere in the western Victoria region

Employment Type: Full-time, Fixed term (12 months)

Salary: $47.37 per hour + superannuation + salary packaging

Industry: Healthcare and Medical

About Us

At Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN), we are committed to improving the health outcomes and healthcare experience of all communities across Western Victoria.

Working in partnership with community and health industry stakeholders, we strengthen the primary health care system with a focus on people at risk of poor health outcomes. With regional centres in Ballarat, Geelong, Horsham and Warrnambool, we continue to work toward strong rural and regional connections.

Our values guide our work:

Equity: We believe everyone deserves access to quality health care, regardless of where they live, who they are, or the challenges they face

Integrity: We do what is right, even when it’s difficult.

Courage: We are bold in pursuit of change.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Program Development Consultant to support the design, development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of headspace programs and that improve health and wellbeing outcomes for young people across Western Victoria.

Working closely with the Senior Manager of Mental Health and Commissioning Lead Youth Mental Health, you will play a key role in delivering WVPHN’s Outcomes and Place-based Commissioning Strategy, working across the full program lifecycle from service and program development through to commissioning, implementation, contract management, performance monitoring and evaluation.

You will build strong relationships with headspace commissioned service providers, government representatives, community organisations, consumers and internal teams to support high-quality service delivery and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. You will also contribute to co-design, stakeholder engagement, procurement, outcome measurement, risk management and the development of innovative service models.

This is role suited to someone who enjoys working on complex projects, bringing people together, analysing information and turning strategy into practical outcomes for communities.

This role is currently a working from anywhere role. The role requires face-to-face visits to providers within the WVPHN region.

12-month contract commencing October 2026. The contract may conclude earlier if the parental leave period is shortened, with four weeks’ notice provided.

Key Selection Criteria (KSCs)

Essential:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in health, community development, public health, health promotion, health service planning, social sciences or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Strong project management and program development experience, including the ability to coordinate complex projects and deliver against agreed timelines, milestones and outcomes.
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement, communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with service providers, government and community stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and report writing skills, with the ability to interpret information, identify risks and develop practical recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across teams while managing competing priorities with a high level of autonomy.

Desirable:

• Experience in developing and measuring program outcomes and performance measures.
• Knowledge or experience in research, evaluation and/or evaluation methodologies.

Employment requirements

• Be prepared to undergo a National Police Check, prior to appointment

• A current Victorian driver’s licence

• Working rights in Australia (visa, permanent resident, citizen)

Why Join WVPHN

At WVPHN, we don’t just offer a job, we offer a meaningful career in a values-led organisation that celebrates diversity, inclusion and innovation.

We’re proud to foster a supportive and flexible workplace where everyone feels welcome, heard and empowered to lead. Our values – Equity, Integrity and Courage, guide everything we do.

As part of our team, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance:

• Generous salary packaging options (up to $15,900 + $2,650 meals and entertainment)
• Annual professional development allowance ($1,200, pro-rated for part-tiome per dedicated leave
• Family-friendly and flexible working arrangements
• Collaboration with passionate, likeminded professionals
• Option to purchase additional leave.
• Additional paid leave between the Christmas and New Year period
• Employee Assistance Program

How to Apply

Please submit your application to [email protected] until 9am, 9 September 2026

Please include:

• CV

• A cover letter addressing all key selection criteria and employment requirements

To learn more about these opportunities and access the full position description, please visit our website: https://westvicphn.com.au/about-us/wvphn-careers/

For further information about this position, please contact Monica at [email protected]

WVPHN is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. If you require any adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please let us know.

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ communities, and individuals with relevant lived experience.