Applications will be assessed by a panel at Women of Colour Australia. The panel will make a recommendation of 30 successful candidates. Each application will be assessed by two panel members, using an assessment tool consistent across the panel.
The panel will recommend a shortlist that includes applicants across a range of departments and entities.
The panel will consider applicants’ diverse attributes in their assessment, recognising that experiences of gender inequality may be compounded by other forms of disadvantage or discrimination on the basis of attributes such as disability, age, cultural diversity or LGBTIQ+ identity.
In completing your application, please check the word limits.
Successful applicants will be notified in mid-September.
Applicants who are unsuccessful at this stage will be notified via email after all successful applicants have accepted a place.
The application process does not include an interview.
This guide to writing to key selection criteria in the VPS may be of assistance – while it applies to careers and job applications, the approach may support you to prepare your application: How to write key selection criteria (careers.vic.gov.au)
You do not need to have a letter from your manager attached to your application form. However, it is recommended that you speak to your manager before applying so that they are aware of your interest in the program and the time commitment.
The program is open to Women of Colour working in the Victorian public sector who are aspiring to move into management or leadership roles.
To be eligible, applicants must:
• identify as a Woman of Colour and/or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• identify as a woman or gender diverse person
• work at the VPS5 or equivalent level in their substantive role
• be available to attend all sessions
• complete the application in full, and submit by the due date
If your substantive role is at the VPS4 or equivalent level but you have been acting in a VPS5 level role for at least 12 months, you may also apply.
The program will include a companion component, which is engaging with participants’ workplace managers or a leader or sponsor in the workplace. Workplace ‘sponsors’ will be able to access group coaching on supporting an inclusive workplace for women of colour to thrive. Full details about this component will be communicated to the successful applicants, once the selection process is complete.
This program is open to women and gender diverse people working in the Victorian public sector who self-identify as a Woman of Colour, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The program is open to people who hold a VPS5 or equivalent level role. It is open to applicants who work part of full time, and those who are in ongoing or fixed term roles. The program is specifically designed for Women of Colour, providing a contextualised and culturally safe workshop and coaching program which recognises the distinct situations that Women of Colour navigate in the workplace.
You’ll take part in interactive and collaborative learning activities, delivered by subject-matter experts chosen for their considerable experience working in the diversity and inclusion space. Workshop one will be delivered by esteemed cultural consultant and diversity, equity and inclusion trainer Tasneem Chopra OAM, looking at culture and identity, as a foundation for considering leadership development. Workshop two will be delivered by global inclusion expert Winitha Bonney OAM, looking at authentic communication for Women of Colour.
After each workshop, you’ll take part in small group coaching facilitated by Tasneem Chopra and Winitha Bonney. Coaching will explore topics and issues that emerged during the workshops at a deeper level, and look at practical strategies and tips for the workplace.
Whilst you are encouraged to have conversations about career aspirations and planning with your manager as part of your performance development plan, you do not need formal manager approval to apply. However, we encourage you to have a conversation with your manager about the program and how it relates to your career aspirations and development.
You will need your manager’s engagement and approval to participate in the program and support to arrange coverage of your usual role duties.
If you have accessibility requirements to enable you to participate fully in the program, please contact Women of Colour Australia to discuss, at sana.yousaf@womenofcolour.org.au
