Senior Policy Advisor Emergency Management

Full-Time

Total Package $160,624.53 per annum (inclusive of superannuation)

(Base $143,414.76+ 12% Super $17,209.77)

• Influence the development of emergency management policies and submissions from inception to advocacy
• Work with WALGA policy experts to make a difference to local communities
• Develop relationships with Member Councils, Government Agencies and other organisations to drive positive change
• Sector leading 6 weeks’ annual leave

Located:  WALGA HQ West Leederville / on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people.

Diverse policy work that makes a difference

Do you have a strong background in emergency management and want to see tangible outcomes from your work?

At WALGA, we’re looking for an experienced emergency management professional who can bring their expertise to policy, advocacy and legislative reform.

Whether your experience is in bushfire management or broader all-hazards emergency management, this is an opportunity to influence decisions that help Local Governments prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies across Western Australia.

As the Senior Policy Advisor Emergency Management, you’ll focus on shaping and influencing critical policy and legislative reforms 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 aspirations and is highly valued and visible across the organisation, as well as across the broader Western Australian emergency management sector.

While lots of jobs promise variety, there aren’t many policy positions where you’ll get to own the process from inception through to advocacy and tangible sector-wide outcomes.

What do we mean by that?

As an emergency management professional, you’ll be flexible and agile, thriving in an environment marked by constant change and ready to shift your focus to respond to emerging issues and opportunities.

When a challenge is presented, you’ll take the initiative to find creative and innovative solutions, by undertaking consultations, researching best practice or analysing data. You’ll 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.

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

This role is ideally suited to someone who enjoys applying their emergency management expertise to policy, strategy, governance and legislative issues.

What does a typical week look like? 

This fast paced, quick-thinking team provides policy support across the spectrum of emergency management roles, responsibilities and impacts for Local Government, with a significant focus on bushfire policy, legislation and reform, as well as broader emergency management issues ranging from community-led recovery to resilience and preparedness.

With 29 Prescribed State Hazards, a complex State Emergency Management Framework with multiple touch points for local governments, significant bushfire policy reform and the consolidated emergency services legislation on the horizon, there is never a dull moment.

As well as developing policy, you could be contributing to contemporary policy change such as reform of the Local Government Grants Scheme, reforms to Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Funding, or coordinating Local Government consultation on the Consolidated Emergency Services Legislation.

Throughout the year you will represent WALGA at a range of emergency management working groups and committees, and always be there to provide support and advice to our 139 Member Councils with opportunities to travel around Western Australia to work on issues that impact our regional as well as our metropolitan members.

Enough about us. Let’s talk about you.

You’re passionate about emergency management, naturally curious, and motivated by the opportunity to influence policy that leads to real and lasting change. You enjoy engaging with stakeholders, navigating complex issues, and confidently presenting your work to a range of audiences.

We’re looking for someone who can bring established emergency management expertise to policy and advocacy work. Ideally, you’ll have strong knowledge of bushfire policy, legislation and practice in Western Australia. However, we also welcome candidates with broader all-hazards emergency management experience who can demonstrate a deep understanding of the emergency management framework and the issues affecting Local Government.

You will already be comfortable working with policy, strategy, legislation or governance matters, and able to apply your emergency management knowledge to complex and often competing challenges. This role is best suited to someone who enjoys shaping policy solutions and influencing outcomes, rather than delivering operational emergency management functions.

Your outstanding written, analytical and conceptual skills will enable you to unpack complex issues, analyse policy and legislation, and develop evidence-based recommendations. You’ll be someone who can get to the heart of a difficult problem, identify practical solutions, and communicate them clearly and persuasively on behalf of WALGA’s Members.

Why you’ll love working here

At WALGA, we believe success happens at The Sweet Spot, the place where big picture purpose meets local community impact, with perks that come without the trade‑offs. The Sweet Spot is our employee promise. It reflects what you can expect when you work with us: meaningful work, genuine flexibility, and an environment built on curiosity, collaboration and shared purpose.

Employees have the opportunity to work on unique and meaningful projects that deliver real benefits to Local Government and the communities they serve. We foster a culture of positive risk-taking, guided by one of our strategic pillars Explore, and underpinned by our value of Curiosity.

You’ll enjoy six weeks of annual leave plus an extra day off on the anniversary of when you started, because your journey with us is worth celebrating. Our Thrive wellbeing program runs all year and is designed to support every aspect of wellbeing. Mental, physical, and social through education, resources, and practical initiatives.

We’re committed to helping you grow, both personally and professionally, and we’re driving a tech roadmap that’s shaping a data-led future. There are plenty of ways to get involved too, with cross-organisational working groups such as Reconciliation, Artificial Intelligence, and Sustainability.

And that’s just the start. You’ll also find an active social club run by employees, end-of-trip facilities, and a centrally located modern office designed for collaboration. We’re also proud to be recently accredited as a Menopause Friendly Australia employer, because creating an inclusive workplace matters to us!

To find out more about us, please visit www.walga.asn.au

Apply now

If this sounds like the role you have been looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

• Please include a two-page maximum cover letter outlining what sets you apart and why this role represents a meaningful step for both you and WALGA.
• If you have questions that can’t be found in this ad or the position description, please contact Nicole Matthews, Executive Manager Policy on 08 9213 2039
• Applications close at 12:00pm on Tuesday, 29 September 2026. We may commence interviews as applications are received and reserve the right to close the position early.
• To view the position description please visit our careers page https://walga.asn.au/who-we-are/work-at-walga
• Applications via email will not be accepted.

As this role is being sourced directly by WALGA, we respectfully request no agencies approach.

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.