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, Knowledge Development

The Manager, Knowledge Development will lead the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience’s (AIDR) knowledge creation and development activities. This key leadership role oversees the delivery of critical knowledge products such as the Australian Disaster Resilience Handbook Collection, What’s New in Knowledge, the Australian Journal of Emergency Management, the Major Incidents Report, Australia’s Riskscape, and emerging outputs such as Knowledge Summaries and Issues Briefs.

You will work closely with a broad range of stakeholders across government, academia, emergency services, and community sectors to ensure AIDR’s knowledge resources are evidence-based, accessible, and strategically aligned with national disaster risk reduction goals.

This is a highly collaborative, fast-paced role ideal for someone with strong research and project management experience, excellent stakeholder engagement skills, and a deep understanding of the emergency management or disaster resilience landscape. In addition to these responsibilities, the position also includes:

Knowledge Development & Content Leadership

Oversee the research and information gathering processes that support the development of handbooks and new knowledge products.

Contribute to the development of AIDR’s knowledge policy submissions as needed.

Project Management

Plan, coordinate and oversee complex multi-stakeholder projects.

Lead project teams, manage consultant engagement, and ensure timely delivery within budget and scope.

Contribute to AIDR’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan, including data collection and reporting.

Support AIDR-wide initiatives and collaborative efforts across the broader organisation.

Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

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

Liaise with subject matter experts, advisory groups, universities, and public sector partners to ensure quality and consensus across knowledge products.

Facilitate multi-stakeholder workshops, meetings, and content development activities.

Represent AIDR at public forums, conferences, and in media engagements as required.

Collaboration & Teamwork

Contribute positively as a manager within AIDR’s small, agile team.

Support a professional, respectful and inclusive team culture.

Lead by example in representing AFAC and AIDR’s mission and values externally.

About You

You are a skilled project and people leader with strong research capabilities and deep subject matter understanding of disaster resilience, risk reduction or emergency management. You thrive in a small team environment and are confident in managing complex content, stakeholder relationships and strategic outcomes. You bring both a critical eye for content quality and the practical skills to deliver real-world results through knowledge products that inform and support resilience outcomes across Australia. 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 qualifications in geography, environmental science, social sciences, emergency management or a related field.

Proven research experience with the ability to distil complex information into practical and accessible outputs.

Demonstrated leadership in team and project management, particularly in content or knowledge development settings.

Strong understanding of the disaster risk reduction/emergency management landscape.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders across sectors.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to quickly adopt new digital tools.

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

Desirable

Experience in policy development or contribution to formal submissions.

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!