NEMA Program Manager

Job Req ID

NEMA - 141051

Location

ACT 

 Employment Type

Ongoing, Full-time 

Classification

APS Level 6 - $99,734.00 and $111,701.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

Contact Officer

Erin Mcglynn at Erin.Mcglynn@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 02/03/2026 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 Financial Management and Claims Assurance Branch supports effective financial management across NEMA and conducts assurance activities on state and territory Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement (DRFA) claims.

The DRFA Claims and Assurance Section recommends authorisation of payments to state and territory governments under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State DRFA and works closely with Government stakeholders to assess and assure their financial claims. The team conducts risk assessments, supports assurance activities and provides feedback on eligibility and documentation requirements.
 

About the role:
This APS6 Program Manager role offers the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the DRFA and its application to a range of disaster scenarios. You will liaise extensively with Federal, state and territory stakeholders, provide advice on disaster recovery assistance and prepare claims acquittal briefs and assurance reports. The role involves analysing information, making complex decisions, and providing expert advice on DRFA financial and assurance processes. You will work collaboratively in a small team, supporting stakeholder relationships and undertaking complex work with reasonable autonomy and accountability. Flexibility, initiative and good judgement are key.
 
At times staff within NEMA may be required to work outside of standard business hours, particularly during the high-risk weather season.
 
Our ideal candidate:
We are seeking a team player with strong written and oral communication skills, demonstrated stakeholder engagement, attention to detail, and strong analytical and strategic thinking. You will have experience in policy development and/or accounting and assurance, and a good understanding of APS administrative practices. The ability to work both independently and as part of a team is essential. Experience in emergency management or disaster funding programs at Commonwealth, state or local Government level is highly regarded. 
 
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:

• Manage all aspects of the DRFA, including financial systems, risk assessments, claims processing, data analysis, and drafting briefs
• Provide financial expertise, set team priorities, manage risks, and lead assurance activities
• Independently lead claims and assurance work, applying expert judgement to financial decisions
• Engage with stakeholders to improve DRFA compliance and maintain strong relationships
• Represent the branch in various forums, including interstate travel, and complete ad-hoc tasks as required.
   

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

• Applicant response
• Interview
• Work sample assessment
• Psychometric testing
• Reference checks
   

Applicant response:
As part of your application, you will be required to prepare a one page response document (minimum 11pt font in MSWord 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 - 141051 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 Baseline Vetting (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.