NEMA Assistant Director - Risk, Governance and Assurance

Job description

Job Details Job Req ID NEMA - 142162 Location ACT Employment Type Ongoing, Full-time Classification Executive Level 1 - $125,935.00 to $143,531.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata) Contact Officer Sharna MacKenzie at Office Arrangements Flexible - Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational requirements of the role. Applications close on 28/10/2026 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted. About our opportunity This process is being used to fill 1 immediate position/s. Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months anywhere in ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA. About the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA plays a central role in supporting Australia's emergency management arrangements. Our people are united by a shared commitment to serving the Australian community and strengthening national resilience. NEMA offers a rewarding and diverse work environment where innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement are valued, and where your expertise can make a tangible difference. For further information on NEMA’s purpose, vision and values, please see the NEMA website. About the role An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced professional to join the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as the Assistant Director - Risk, Governance and Assurance. As an Executive Level 1 leader within the People, Governance and Integrity Branch, you will play a key role in supporting organisational performance, accountability and informed decision-making across the Agency. You will lead a multidisciplinary team delivering NEMA's planning and performance, governance, risk, audit and assurance functions, while providing trusted advice and strategic support to senior leaders and governance committees. Working in a dynamic and evolving environment, you will lead critical corporate governance activities, drive continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to the development of effective frameworks, systems and processes that support organisational success. You will identify emerging risks and opportunities, influence organisational outcomes and foster strong stakeholder relationships across NEMA and with external partners. Success in this role requires strategic thinking, sound judgement, strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a complex environment. You will be a capable people leader who can build team capability, foster collaboration and deliver high-quality outcomes that support NEMA's strategic objectives. Our ideal candidate We are seeking a motivated and experienced professional to fill the role of Assistant Director - Risk, Governance and Assurance. You will bring demonstrated experience in one or more of the following disciplines: corporate planning and performance reporting, enterprise risk management, internal audit and assurance, governance frameworks or executive committee support. You will understand how robust governance and assurance arrangements contribute to organisational performance, accountability and effective decision-making. You will possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret legislation, policy and complex information and translate these into practical business outcomes. You will be confident providing strategic advice to senior executives, supporting governance committees and influencing organisational outcomes in a complex environment. You will have excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build productive relationships across all levels of the Agency and with external stakeholders. You will be comfortable balancing competing priorities, exercising sound judgement and delivering outcomes within tight timeframes. As a leader, you will foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment, support the development of others and contribute to a culture of accountability, innovation, continuous improvement and high performance. Most importantly, you will be a trusted and solutions-focused professional who values integrity, works collaboratively and is committed to supporting NEMA's strategic objectives through strong governance, risk and assurance practices. Duties and responsibilities You will: Lead the delivery of NEMA's Planning and Performance Framework, including the development and coordination of the Corporate Plan, Annual Report, Annual Performance Statement, enterprise performance reporting and Branch Business Plans Lead and continuously improve NEMA's enterprise risk management framework, including risk reporting, oversight, education and awareness activities Manage the development and delivery of the annual Internal Audit Plan, working collaboratively with outsourced service providers and business areas to deliver assurance activities Monitor and report on the implementation of audit, assurance and review recommendations to support organisational improvement and accountability Coordinate NEMA's engagement with the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) and other external assurance providers, including supporting business areas throughout audit activities Deliver high-quality secretariat and governance services to senior executive and governance committees, including the Audit and Risk Committee Prepare strategic briefs, reports, submissions and governance papers to support executive decision-making Manage contracts and service providers to ensure effective service delivery and value-for-money outcomes Build and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, providing authoritative advice on planning, performance, governance, risk and assurance matters Lead and develop a high-performing team, setting clear expectations, building capability and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement. Role requirements/qualifications To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate: Experience leading or delivering corporate planning and performance, governance, enterprise risk management, internal audit or assurance activities Sound knowledge of governance, accountability and regulatory frameworks, including the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act) and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014 (PGPA Rule) Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret legislation, policy and complex information and apply it to practical business outcomes Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to build credibility and influence outcomes at all levels The ability to provide strategic, risk-informed advice and recommendations that support effective and evidence-based decision-making Demonstrated leadership capability, including experience developing staff, driving performance and fostering a positive and inclusive team culture Strong organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes in a fast-paced environment. Desirable qualifications Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or professional certifications in a related and relevant discipline. Assessment Process The recruitment selection process for this round may include one or more of the following: Applicant response Interview Work sample assessment Psychometric testing Reference checks. Applicant response As part of your application, you will be required to prepare a one-page response document (minimum 11pt font in Microsoft Word or PDF format), which you will upload in the next section. Please ensure you read the instructions carefully, noting failure to address identified requirements may lead to your application being deemed ineligible. Please prepare a one-page Applicant Response in relation to the advertised role, outlining: How your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to this role Why you are interested in the role and what you can offer us Any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role. How to apply Prior to preparing your response it is recommended you review the Work Level Standards relevant to the classification you are applying to. It may also be useful to refer to the Integrated Leadership System information relevant to the classification as well as the APSC guidance on Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment . You are required to submit your application in the online recruitment system (ourPeople). As part of your application, you will need to provide: Your CV Your Applicant Response document Details of two referees A copy of your qualification Include your full name and the Requisition Number – NEMA - 142162 in the footer of any documents being uploaded. Diversity and inclusion The Department is committed to workforce diversity and applicants who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, come from a diverse cultural or linguistic background or have a disability are encouraged to apply. RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: Eligibility To be eligible to work with the NEMA you must: Be an Australian Citizen Fulfil the Agency's minimum requirements by satisfactorily answering all screening questions during the application process and successfully undergo a National Police Check Obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance Satisfy a probation period (if applicable) Undergo a health assessment (if applicable). Technical assistance If you are experiencing problems submitting your application online, please email the nature of the issues you are experiencing to including screen captures if necessary. A response will be sent during business hours. Notes The Agency offers an attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation benefits and flexible working conditions appropriate to the level of the position. If you have identified as having a disability, please indicate whether you require any support throughout the selection process. 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