NEMA IT Security Advisor

Job Req ID

NEMA - 141165

Location

ACT; QLD 

 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

Brooke Nicholas at Brooke.nicholas@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 09/03/2026 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

About our opportunity

This process is being used to fill 1 immediate position.

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 About us | NEMA 
 
Overview of the branch and section:
The Data, Analytics and Technology Branch is the central IT, cyber, data science and analytics team within NEMA, responsible for a broad range of critical agency functions. These include ICT, information security, data leadership, governance, geographic information capabilities, and statistical analysis related to disaster events, recovery efforts, and mitigation strategies, as well as providing analytical, cyber and technical advice to support agency decision-making.
 
About the role:
The EL1 IT Security Advisor (ITSA) will lead and manage the IT security assurance activities for NEMA. This role is pivotal in maintaining operational stability and advancing NEMA’s cyber security posture. Reporting to the Chief Information Security Officer, the position provides expert guidance on security governance, risk management and compliance with the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF). The role operates in a dynamic environment, requiring flexibility to respond to security incidents and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
 
This role can be based in our Brisbane, QLD or Canberra, ACT offices. Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational requirements of the role.
 
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 agency is looking for people who enjoy working in a rapidly evolving and forward-thinking environment. With a focus on safeguarding NEMA’s assets through governance, compliance and aligning security measures, our ideal candidate will help to maintain and further develop our information security processes.
 
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:

• Lead and manage IT security assurance activities across the agency
• Conduct risk assessments and security audits to ensure compliance with APS and agency-specific security policies
• Provide expert advice on cyber security threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies
• Oversee incident response and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders during security events
• Develop and maintain security documentation, including policies, procedures, and risk registers
• Support accreditation and certification processes for systems and applications
• Liaise with project teams to embed security requirements into system design and delivery.
   

Role requirements/qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in IT security governance and assurance within a complex organisational environment
• Strong knowledge of Australian Government cyber security frameworks and PSPF requirements
• Proven ability to lead security operations and manage risk in cloud and hybrid environments
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Relevant qualifications in information security, cyber security, or related disciplines are desirable.
   

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
• A copy of your information security, cyber security, or related disciplines qualification
• Include your full name and the Requisition Number - 141165 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.