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. The key duties of the position include 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 .
