About Us: 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: Manager, Capability Development and Engagement

The Manager, Capability Development and Engagement will lead a small, high-performing team responsible for designing and delivering capability development programs that strengthen disaster resilience across Australia. This role works closely with the AFAC Engagement and Member Experience Directorate to drive meaningful engagement through national initiatives.

In this varied and strategic role, you will oversee programs including the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference, the Resilience Matters and Spotlight webinar series, professional development masterclasses, the Resilient Australia Awards, and the Volunteer Leadership Program. You will also lead a strategic review of AIDR’s capability offerings, identifying opportunities to evolve and enhance our national impact. You will play a key role in supporting communities of practice and networks. In addition to these responsibilities, the position also includes:

Capability Development & Program Leadership

Lead the design, delivery and evaluation of annual capability development activities.

Oversee AIDR’s professional development masterclass program, including private sessions,

Ensure consistent quality in the delivery of handbook showcase webinars and related knowledge events.

Promote and support the uptake of AIDR knowledge products across stakeholders.

Project Management

Undertake a strategic review of AIDR’s capability offerings and make evidence-based recommendations for improvement.

Manage project planning, budgeting, and reporting in line with AIDR’s strategic priorities.

Oversee contractor deliverables and ensure outcomes are aligned with project goals.

Provide high-quality reporting and contribute to organisational performance tracking.

Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

Work closely with AFAC’s Engagement and Member Experience Directorate and Workforce Development Directorate.

Build and maintain productive relationships with key external stakeholders, including National Emergency Management Agency, Natural Hazards Research Australia, government agencies, and community organisations.

Support key national networks including the Recovery Possibility Lab and the Disaster Resilience Education Strategy Group and other new networks and communities of practice

Represent AIDR at events, forums, and media opportunities as required.

Team and Collaboration

Contribute to a supportive, collaborative and trusted team environment.

Maintain a professional corporate image and support other team initiatives as required.

About You

You're a confident and strategic leader with a strong background in project and program delivery, ideally in capability development, events or the emergency management sector. You’re a natural communicator with the ability to influence and inspire stakeholders at all levels, and you thrive in a small team where initiative, collaboration, and adaptability are key. You will thrive on balancing multiple competing priorities. You enjoy balancing the delivery of engaging public-facing programs with behind-the-scenes coordination and strategic thinking. This role will also be an ideal opportunity for a Senior Project Officer who is looking for a step up in their career.

Key Skills and Experience

Essential:

Tertiary qualification in education, communications, event management, social sciences, health, or emergency management, or equivalent relevant experience.

Strong understanding of the disaster risk reduction or emergency management field.

Experience in event management and public engagement initiatives.

Demonstrated experience in project and program management from planning through to delivery and reporting.

Experience in capability or professional development.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to quickly build rapport and trust with stakeholders.

High level of attention to detail and organisational ability.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office software and familiarity with collaboration tools.

High level of personal integrity and the ability to work independently in a small team environment.

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]

If you would like to request a reasonable adjustment to support your application, this can be done at any stage of the recruitment process, by contacting [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!