The National Emergency Management Agency's work has a real impact on the lives of Australians, particularly those living in rural and regional areas. The National Emergency Management Agency's guiding principle is “Locally led, locally understood and locally implemented” and we bring together local communities, government, non-government and key industry representatives to support disaster recovery and resilience across the country.

Your work will help people who are recovering from natural disasters and prepare them for the future.

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was established on 1 September 2022 as a single, accountable Commonwealth authority that delivers a whole-of-nation approach to reducing disaster risk, planning, preparing for, responding to and recovering from all hazards across the emergency management continuum.

NEMA works closely with states and territories to deliver the best outcome for communities across Australia. To help communities respond and recover, while preparing Australia for future emergencies, we:

- Fund programs and initiatives, big and small, that help communities in times of emergency, as well as to recover and prepare, including through disaster recovery funding and the Disaster Ready Fund to help reduce the risk and impact of disasters
- Have officers located across Australia, working in partnership with states and territories to support disaster-affected communities to collectively build resilience, reduce risk and harm, and effectively respond to and recover from disasters
- Provide national leadership to share knowledge, situational awareness, and trends in disaster efforts to inform, guide and shape the national picture and decision-making at the Commonwealth, state and local Government level – including through policy development and strategy to improve risk reduction, resilience and recovery
- Provide round-the-clock all-hazards monitoring and operational coordination for domestic and international emergencies, including supply chain disruptions, critical infrastructure outages, biosecurity risks and widespread cyber-attacks, and through supporting preparedness and response activities, including through the operationalisation of the Australian Government Crisis Management Framework.

For further information on NEMA’s purpose, vision and values, please see the NEMA website.

Overview of the branch and section The Freedom of Information (FOI), Privacy and Compliance team is part of the Strategic Communication and Engagement Section within NEMA’s Media, Communications and Engagement Branch.

The branch provides expert advice on public, internal, executive, stakeholder and media communications to support NEMA’s business, policy and program priorities. It works closely with the Minister’s Office and NEMA executive and is responsible for ministerial, parliamentary and other governance functions, including FOI and privacy.



The branch also supports NEMA to meet the expectations of the Minister’s Office, engage effectively in parliamentary and Cabinet processes, and comply with the requirements of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Framework.

About the role The Freedom of Information (FOI), Privacy and Compliance Officer leads and coordinates activities that support NEMA’s compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the Privacy Act 1988. The position also supports the monitoring and continuous improvement of the agency’s broader legislative compliance framework.

The role requires a self-motivated and adaptable qualified who can exercise sound judgement, show initiative and resolve complex issues in a quick-paced and evolving environment. Working collaboratively across the agency, the officer delivers timely, high-quality outcomes aligned with organisational priorities.

Reporting to the Director, Strategic Communication and Engagement, the officer works within a small team with a broad remit and contributes to related priorities and processes as required.

At times staff within NEMA may be required to work outside of standard business hours, particularly during the high-risk weather season.

Our ideal candidate The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in Freedom of Information (FOI), privacy and compliance functions within a government environment. They will have demonstrated expertise in interpreting and applying the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the Privacy Act 1988, and experience providing strategic and operational advice on complex and sensitive matters.

Experience managing FOI requests, conducting internal reviews and liaising with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) will be highly regarded.

The role requires excellent written and verbal skills, sound judgement and strong stakeholder engagement capabilities, including the ability to work effectively with senior leaders, the Minister’s Office and a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, adaptable and solutions-focused, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

We encourage applications from First Nations people, people with disability, LGBTQIA people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, mature age people and people from other diverse backgrounds. We are committed to providing a working workplace that values diversity and inclusion and supports staff to reach their full potential.

- Provide authoritative,



timely and skilled advice on the application of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the Privacy Act 1988 to NEMA’s activities, exercising sound judgement in managing complex and sensitive matters
- Lead the development and delivery of practical FOI and privacy training, guidance and support for staff across NEMA
- Maintain and apply contemporary FOI and privacy expertise, monitoring legislative, policy and practice developments to inform agency advice and decision-making
- Represent NEMA professionally at whole-of-government forums and meetings, contributing to cross-agency collaboration and policy discussions
- Build productive relationships across NEMA to coordinate outcomes and promote responsive, high-quality service delivery
- Lead and contribute to the continuous improvement of FOI and privacy procedures, systems and service delivery practices.

Role requirements/qualifications

- Strong stakeholder management and engagement experience, with the ability to communicate effectively with external stakeholders and senior leaders
- Demonstrated ability to shape and drive strategy, work collaboratively and deliver practical, high-quality outcomes in a dynamic environment with competing priorities
- Excellent written and verbal communication, facilitation and coaching skills, including the ability to present clear, concise and inclusive information through a range of media for diverse audiences
- Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to guide work, build capability and deliver outcomes
- Sound judgement and strong research, conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills to manage risk and support timely, evidence-based decisions
- Strong knowledge of the legislation, policy and practice relating to the Privacy Act 1988 and the Freedom of Information Act 1982, including their application to Australian Government agencies
- Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying FOI legislation, processing FOI requests, conducting internal reviews, managing reviews before the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, and providing authoritative advice and guidance on complex FOI matters at a senior level.

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).

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. For further information please contact [email protected].

📌 NEMA Assistant Director FOI and Privacy (Australia)
🏢 National Emergency Management Agency
📍 Australia