Policy Advisor Emergency Management

Full-Time

Total Package $107,352.16 per annum (inclusive of superannuation)

Diverse policy work that makes a difference

Do you have a passion for emergency management and want to see tangible outcomes from your work?

At WALGA, the work you do as a Policy Advisor Emergency Management will focus on helping implement critical changes that result in better outcomes for Local Governments and help keep WA communities safe.

Our Emergency Management team is central to delivering on WALGA’s vision to be an authoritative voice and trusted partner for Western Australian Local Government. This role is pivotal to WALGA’s Emergency Management team as you will undertake policy research and analysis, contribute to the development of policy positions and submissions, represent the sector on committees and working groups, and play a key role in coordinating events, workshops and communications which engage the sector.

While lots of jobs promise variety, there aren’t many policy positions where you get to work on prevention, preparedness, response and recovery across our 28 Prescribed State Hazards!

What does a typical week look like?

Join our fast-paced team providing policy support across emergency management for WA local governments—from bushfire management to community-led recovery. With 28 Prescribed State Hazards, a complex State Emergency Management Framework, and new emergency services legislation on the horizon, there's never a dull moment!

One day, you could be visiting the regions to help facilitate a community risk workshop. The next, you could be logging into an emergency briefing and preparing an update for our CEO on an emergency impacting the WA Community. This role comes with a healthy dose of adventure - expect some travel across Western Australia and the occasional after-hours assignment. It's all part of the fun!

You'll develop policy and contribute to changes like the Emergency Management Sector Adaptation plan, the Commonwealth Review on Disaster Funding, and Local Government consultation on new legislation.

You will also represent WALGA at various working groups and committees, offering support and advice to our 139 Member Councils.

So, you’ll be involved in every step in the process - far from just a cog in the wheel

Let's talk about you!

As an emergency management professional, you will be flexible and agile thriving in environment marked by constant change and ready to shift your focus and respond to emerging opportunities to make a difference.

When a challenge is presented, you’ll take the initiative to find creative and innovative solutions. You’ll support WALGA’s work with Member Councils, government departments and emergency management committees and working groups to develop policy positions, and advocate for their adoption by State and Federal Governments.

To be successful in this role you will be passionate about emergency management and policy development and have:

• Excellent stakeholder management and engagement skills, and experience working with influential stakeholders on priority local issues.

• Experience in, or a strong drive to research and learn as much as you can about emergency management.

• Outstanding written, analytical, and conceptual skills.

• Strong administrative skills to help our busy policy team function effectively and efficiently.

• The ability to solve problems, research and analyse policy and legislation

• The drive to be a strong advocate for WALGA’s Members, creating solutions and communicating them with influence.

Why you’ll love working here

In addition to this rare career opportunity, you’ll also get 6 weeks’ (30 days) annual leave and an extra day to celebrate your work anniversary every year. We understand that everyone has a life outside of work, so we provide our employees with a range of flexible working options too.

We pride ourselves on offering a safe and inclusive culture with fantastic workplace benefits and entitlements, including setting budget aside for professional development. What we are most proud of is getting the chance to work on niche projects, with some incredibly talented people, on issues that matter.

WALGA's HQ in West Leederville is centrally located within easy reach of public transport, bike paths and paid parking options. We also provide excellent end of trip facilities for those arriving by alternate methods of transport. Our Thrive wellbeing program means you’ll get to enjoy regular activities and initiatives (in fact we could be at a healthy mind seminar or a enjoying a fitness initiative whilst you’re reading this.) We also have an active social club to cater for all interests and are committed to being a Menopause Friendly Australia employer.

Who are we?

The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) is an independent, member-based, not-for-profit organisation representing and supporting the WA Local Government sector.

Our membership includes all 139 Local Governments in the State. WALGA uses its influence, support and expertise to deliver better outcomes for WA Local Governments and their communities. We do this through effective advocacy to all levels of Government on behalf of our members, and by the provision of expert advice, services and support to Local Governments.

WALGA’s vision is for agile and inclusive Local Governments enhancing community wellbeing and enabling economic prosperity. To find out more about us, please visit www.walga.asn.au

Apply now

• If you’re keen to talk it through first, please contact our Policy Manager Emergency Management, Rachel Armstrong rarmstrong@walga.asn.au
• Applications will close 12:00pm Friday, 27 June 2025, however we may commence interviews upon receipt and reserve the right to close the position early.
• To view the position description please visit our careers page.
• WALGA encourages people from different backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and people with disabilities.
• We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all candidates. If you have any specific needs or require accommodations to participate fully in the interview process, please let us know. This could include, but is not limited to, accessibility requirements, assistive technologies, or any other considerations.
• Applications via email will not be accepted. As this role is being sourced directly by WALGA, we respectfully request no agencies approach.
• As this position involves some travel, a valid class ‘C’ drivers license is required.