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NEMA Assistant Director, Strategic Policy

Job Req ID

NEMA - 141320

 

Location

ACT 

 

Employment Type

Ongoing, Full-time 

 

Classification

Executive Level 1 - $125,935.00 and $143,531.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

 

Contact Officer

Georgia Hornby on 0456 737 316 or georgia.hornby1@nema.gov.au  

 

Office Arrangements

Flexible  - Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational requirements of the role.
 

Applications close on 01/04/2026 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

 

About our opportunity

This process is being used to fill 1 immediate position/s. 

Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months anywhere in ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA.
 

About the National Emergency Management Agency:

The National Emergency Management Agency's work has a real impact on the lives of Australians, particularly those living in rural and regional areas.


The National Emergency Management Agency's guiding principle is “Locally led, locally understood and locally implemented” and we bring together local communities, government, non-government and key industry representatives to support disaster recovery and resilience across the country.

 

Your work will help people who are recovering from natural disasters and prepare them for the future.

 

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was established on 1 September 2022 as a single, accountable Commonwealth authority that delivers a whole-of-nation approach to reducing disaster risk, planning, preparing for, responding to and recovering from all hazards across the emergency management continuum. 

 

NEMA works closely with states and territories to deliver the best outcome for communities across Australia. To help communities respond and recover, while preparing Australia for future emergencies, we:

    • Fund programs and initiatives, big and small, that help communities in times of emergency, as well as to recover and prepare, including through disaster recovery funding and the Disaster Ready Fund to help reduce the risk and impact of disasters
    • Have officers located across Australia, working in partnership with states and territories to support disaster-affected communities to collectively build resilience, reduce risk and harm, and effectively respond to and recover from disasters
    • Provide national leadership to share knowledge, situational awareness, and trends in disaster efforts to inform, guide and shape the national picture and decision-making at the Commonwealth, state and local government level – including through policy development and strategy to improve risk reduction, resilience and recovery
    • Provide round-the-clock all-hazards monitoring and operational coordination for domestic and international emergencies, including supply chain disruptions, critical infrastructure outages, biosecurity risks and widespread cyber attacks, and through supporting preparedness and response activities, including through the operationalisation of the Australian Government Crisis Management Framework.

 

For further information on NEMA’s purpose, vision and values, please see the NEMA website.

 

Overview of the branch and section:

The Strategy and Capability Section sits within the National Resilience Capability Programs Division. This division brings together the following branches, section and taskforces:

 

  • The Strategy and Capability Section is responsible for emergency management capability strategy and policy development including through New Policy Proposals (NPPs) and costings. The team also manages a small number of programs and grants which support Australia’s emergency management preparedness and response capabilities
  • The Coordination and Planning Branch works with states and territories to support disaster-affected communities to build resilience, reduce risk and harm and effectively respond to and recover from all‑hazard disasters
  • The Operational Capability Branch plans, develops and uplifts national capabilities including the National Emergency Management Stockpile and crisis training
  • The National Messaging System Taskforce develops and implements the National Messaging System, a new message alert system that brings the advantages of cell-broadcast technology to Australian emergency warnings
  • The Public Safety Mobile Broadband Taskforce develops and implements the Public Safety Mobile Broadband, which is a system that will provide public safety agency personnel with prioritised, fast, safe and secure data, video and voice communications.

 

About the role:

The Assistant Director of Strategic Policy reports to the Director of Strategy and Capability Section and leads the development and delivery of a range of high-quality briefing products and advice, including Cabinet submissions, NPPs and Senate estimates briefs. The role works in close collaboration across NEMA, and with key Australian Government, state and territory agencies to further national emergency preparedness. 

 

At times staff within NEMA may be required to work outside of standard business hours, particularly during the higher risk weather season.

 

Our ideal candidate:

The successful candidate will be an experienced and positive leader with a strong working knowledge of budget and Cabinet processes. We are seeking a solution-focused problem solver with well‑developed interpersonal skills. 

 

We encourage applications from First Nations people, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, mature age people and people from other diverse backgrounds. We are committed to providing a working environment that values diversity and inclusion and supports staff to reach their full potential.

 

Specific duties/responsibilities:

The Assistant Director will be responsible for:

  • Delivering NPPs to support the objectives of the Emergency Management and Response Group
  • Contributing to Cabinet submissions
    • Preparing ministerial and departmental correspondence with key stakeholders and the Australian community
    • Developing high-quality briefing products for ministers and senior officials to support executive decision-making
    • Providing support for grant program delivery and reporting
  • Managing of staff and supporting them in developing skills and experience for their career. 

 

Role requirements/qualifications:

    • Experience in policy design, including contributing to NPPs through analysis and consultation across government, and developing costings and impact analyses will be highly regarded
    • The ability to use sound judgement and initiative, work in ambiguous environments under limited guidance, deliver under tight deadlines, and pivot and adjust as required
    • Well-developed analytical and writing skills, and familiarity with the Australian Government Style Manual
    • Well-developed interpersonal and people management skills, and experience in working in partnership with colleagues and stakeholders to deliver a product
    • Experience in writing briefings for ministers and senior officials, including contributing to briefing products to support decision-making on policy issues
    • Availability to surge into the Australian Government Crisis Coordination Team (CCT), which is activated in the event of major crises to ensure a coordinated Australian Government crisis response. All members of the CCT are eligible for restriction allowance. Overtime is available for all levels when excess hours are worked in accordance with the NEMA Enterprise Agreement 2024–2027.

 

Assessment process:

The recruitment selection process for this round may include one or more of the following:

  • Applicant response
  • Interview
  • Reference checks
  •  

Applicant response:

As part of your application, you will be required to prepare a one-page response document (minimum 11pt font in Microsoft Word or PDF format), which you will upload in the next section.

 

Please ensure you read the instructions carefully, noting failure to address identified requirements may lead to your application being deemed ineligible.

 

Please prepare a one-page Applicant Response in relation to the advertised role, outlining:

    • How your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to this role
    • Why you are interested in the role and what you can offer us
    • Any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role. 

How to apply:

Prior to preparing your response it is recommended you review the Work Level Standards relevant to the classification you are applying to. It may also be useful to refer to the Integrated Leadership System information relevant to the classification. You are required to submit your application in the online recruitment system (ourPeople).


As part of your application, you will need to provide:

  • Your CV
  • Your Applicant Response document
  • Details of two referees
  • Include your full name and the Requisition Number - 141320 in the footer of any documents being uploaded.

 

Eligibility and Specific Conditions of Employment

To be eligible to work with the NEMA you must:

  • Be an Australian Citizen
  • Fulfil the Agency's minimum requirements by satisfactorily answering all screening questions during the application process and successfully undergo a National Police Check
  • Obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1 (AGSVA) security clearance
  • Satisfy a probation period (if applicable)
  • Undergo a health assessment (if applicable).
     

Technical Assistance

If you are experiencing problems submitting your application online, please email the nature of the issues you are experiencing to Recruitment (recruitment@homeaffairs.gov.au) including screen captures if necessary. A response will be sent during business hours.

 

Notes

Remuneration: The Agency offers an attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation benefits and flexible working conditions appropriate to the level of the position.

If you have identified as having a disability, please indicate whether you require any support throughout the selection process. For further information please contact Recruitment: recruitment@homeaffairs.gov.au.

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