Special Projects Officer

• Full time permanent role (based on 38 hours per week)
• Monthly RDO
• Exciting change agenda and fantastic new team
• Ability to transfer or take LSL (Long Service Leave) within Local Government

About Merri-bek City Council

Merri-bek City Council is a progressive council of 195,125 residents: one community, proudly diverse. Our council area sits within the banks of the Merri Creek and the Moonee Ponds Creek, and includes Brunswick, Coburg, Fawkner, Glenroy, Gowanbrae, Hadfield, Oak Park and Pascoe Vale. Our city is vibrant and energetic, known for its active community, cultural diversity, creative industries and the arts. Our long-term vision has ambitious goals for environmental sustainability, social justice, community wellbeing, and creating great places. With the Civic Centre located in Coburg, 8 kilometres north of Melbourne’s CBD, there are excellent public transport options and great food and cafés right at the doorstep.

Merri-bek Council strives to be a contemporary, innovative and collaborative organisation with a deep commitment to engaging and supporting the Merri-bek community. Our organisational vision is to be one team, brave and diverse, making a difference.

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We offer flexible and hybrid work options and genuinely care about providing our staff work/life balance. With the Civic Centre located in Coburg, 8 kilometres north of Melbourne’s CBD, there are excellent public transport options and great food, cafés, parks and a cinema right at the doorstep. Merri-bek is a great place to live, work and play.

About the role

The Special Projects Officer (Property) sits within Council’s Property Unit, a specialist team responsible for the strategic management of Council’s extensive land and building portfolio to maximise community benefit and organisational effectiveness. Guided by Council’s Strategic Property Framework, the unit oversees land acquisition and disposal, leasing and licensing activities, and provides expert property advice across the organisation to support the delivery of Council’s strategic priorities.

This position plays a key role in leading and delivering complex, high‑level property transactions and special projects, from identification and analysis through to approval and implementation. The role works collaboratively with internal stakeholders, Executive leadership and Councillors to provide clear, risk‑aware advice on strategic land opportunities, while representing Property on cross‑Council projects from inception to completion.

The successful applicant will demonstrate strong judgement, project management capability and a proactive, solutions‑focused approach to achieving organisational and community outcomes through strategic property initiatives.

About you

You bring a strong background in delivering complex property and land transactions within a public sector or highly regulated environment, with the ability to navigate legislative, procedural and stakeholder requirements effectively. You are adept at assessing opportunities, weighing options, and applying sound judgement to progress land‑related initiatives that support Council’s broader priorities.

You communicate clearly and persuasively, with the confidence to brief colleagues and leaders on complex matters to support informed decision‑making. Known for your collaborative approach, you work constructively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders and contribute specialised property knowledge to multi‑disciplinary project teams. Organised and detail‑oriented, you manage competing demands with professionalism and a strong focus on achieving positive outcomes for both Council and the community.

Qualifications and Experience

• A degree or diploma in Local Government, Project Management and/or relevant property field, or a lesser formal qualification with extensive relevant experience.
• Previous experience undertaking land transactions (buying, selling, leasing, and creating easements) within a property‑related Local Government or legislative environment.
• Experience preparing reports, papers, or briefings on strategic land transactions.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgement and apply effective problem‑solving skills to resolve complex issues and deliver solutions.
• Highly developed written, verbal, and active listening communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
• Ability to strategically leverage data and digital capabilities to inform analysis and decision‑making.
• Ability to gain cooperation of clients, members of the public and other employees in the administration of broadly defined activities through research, teamwork and the development of strong stakeholder relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a variety of complex issues and projects concurrently with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with the principles and practices of budgeting and relevant accounting and financial procedures.

Benefits

• Monthly RDO
• Extensive opportunities for training & career development
• Salary sacrifice options
• A real sense of work‑life balance & flexible work options
• Employer‑supported study assistance schemes
• Wellness programs
• Up to 20 weeks primary & up to 5 weeks secondary parental leave
• Purchase leave
• Ceremonial leave
• Gender affirmation leave
• Family violence leave

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Merri-bek City Council is proudly diverse and an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, people with disability, and people from every culture, sexuality and gender identity, age and ethnic background. Merri-bek City Council is a Child Safe organisation.

Merri-bek is focused on diverse representation of the community we serve. With this we value lived experience that could contribute to the shaping of this role and in turn will continue to provide representation and growth of safe and inclusive work culture.

We encourage everyone to apply and discuss opportunities to develop your knowledge and experience. Council is committed to removing barriers and access to employment where possible at any point in the recruitment, onboarding and during your time at Council.

Commitment to Community

In May 2021, Merri-bek Council adopted a revised Statement of Commitment to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of the municipality. The statement recognises the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the traditional owners of the lands and waterways of our municipality.

Merri-bek City Council is committed to being a Child Safe Organisation and has zero tolerance for child abuse. We believe children and young people have the right to be and feel safe and that their safety and wellbeing is the responsibility of everyone.

For further information regarding access or modifications you may require for a recruitment process, please contact Danni Jovanovic, Recruitment Business Partner at