Highlights

Help shape the way in which we make communities stronger and more resilient in Australia’s disaster and emergency management landscape

Be part of and contribute to innovative thinking .

2-year fixed term contract

About Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR)

AIDR is the National Institute for disaster risk reduction and resilience and collaborates across sectors to strengthen the resilience of Australian communities to disasters. Our purpose is to strengthen the DRR knowledge, capability and connections of those working in and across communities and systems for them to take action to reduce risk based on the best available knowledge.

We operate as a bridge between research, policy and practice. AIDR seeks to be a single point of knowledge for the system while supporting and advocating for DRR across the social, natural, built, economic, cultural, political and human environments.

We support our stakeholders, including all levels of government, organisations and practitioners, by:

providing opportunities for learning, development, and innovation

developing, curating and sharing good practice, knowledge and resources to enable informed decision making and action

connecting and supporting the diversity of the system

facilitating thought leadership through national conversations.

AIDR contributes to Outcome 2 of the Second National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction; An effective and connected disaster risk reduction knowledge system that provides a solid foundation for action.

AIDR is funded by the National Emergency Management Agency and managed by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC). AFAC is Australia and New Zealand’s National Council for fire and emergency Services and represents 36-member organisations who are totalling over 288,000 firefighters and emergency services workers.

About the Position: Senior Project Officer – Technical Writer

The Technical Writer will support the development and review of Handbooks in the Australian Disaster Resilience Handbook Collection, as well as other knowledge development products, such as Knowledge Summaries, Issues Briefs, and the Australia’s Riskscape Report. The Technical Writer will collaborate with subject matter experts, researchers, and sector stakeholders to ensure that Handbooks within the Handbook Collection include current research, principles and contemporary good practices in disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response and recovery.

The position requires a multi-skilled, proactive and organised person with an eye for detail and the confidence and experience to engage with a range of stakeholders and projects involving a range of sectors working to support disaster risk reduction and resilience. This role is ideal for a generalist with demonstrated ability to synthesise complex and technical information into clear, accessible guidance for a diverse audience of practitioners, policymakers, and emergency management professionals.

Key Responsibilities

Content Writing & Research

Write, edit, and proofread handbook chapters, supporting materials, and related documents in line with the editorial and style standards of the Handbook Collection.

Participate in handbook planning meetings, content reviews, and stakeholder engagement activities as required.

Develop Knowledge Summaries and Issues Briefs as required.

Research and Analysis

Conduct an environmental scan and literature review, identifying gaps, good practice, and emerging trends in disaster risk reduction.

Collate insights from national and international sources to inform handbook content.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

Collaborate with the project manager to plan and participate in working group meetings via videoconference.

Engage with the broader sector to gather consultation input (surveys, workshops) as required.

Project Contribution

Meet agreed milestones and deliverables in line with the project timeline and publishing standards.

Keep accurate records of changes, feedback, and supporting documents throughout the drafting process.

Support the strategic aims of the AIDR Handbook Collection Framework, ensuring all outputs maintain a consistent and professional tone, are appropriately referenced, and meet publication guidelines.

About You

You’re an experienced writer or subject matter expert with a passion for communicating complex ideas in ways that inform, inspire and influence. You have a strong understanding of the disaster resilience landscape and can confidently collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders to produce meaningful, accessible and authoritative knowledge products. This role is ideal for a skilled content writer with a background in emergency management, disaster recovery, community engagement or social policy.

Key Skills and Experience

Essential

Proven experience in professional content writing, editorial work, or technical writing —particularly for complex, policy-driven or subject-matter-intensive documents.

Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesise information from diverse sources into coherent, plain-language guidance.

Understanding of disaster resilience, recovery, or emergency management policy and practice in the Australian context.

Experience engaging with subject matter experts and stakeholders to shape and refine content.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with high attention to detail.

Ability to work independently, manage multiple drafts, and meet key deadlines within a structured project timeline.

High level of personal integrity and professionalism when working with multidisciplinary teams

Desirable

Experience in writing for government or non-government emergency management or recovery agencies.

Familiarity with the Australian Disaster Resilience Handbook Collection, AIDR Style Guide, and related knowledge products.

Background in social policy, community development, disaster recovery, or public health communications.

Project Context

The handbooks are developed in close partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and guided by a multidisciplinary expert working group. It will ultimately serve as the leading national reference for good practice in disaster risk reduction, helping to build interoperability, shared language, and coordinated approaches across jurisdictions and sectors.

How to Apply

The position description and key selection criteria can be found at: https://www.afac.com.au/careers

If you think you meet some of the criteria but not all, that’s okay – we would still love to hear from you. Please apply on-line and provide a detailed cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and skills relevant to this role. Should you have any questions about the position, please email [email protected]

Applications close 8 July 2025 however we will review applications as we receive them so if this position is of interest to you, apply today!