Our organisation
The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is the Australian Government's primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety. Our purpose is to protect the Australian people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation, through understanding risks, best practice regulation, research, policy, services, partnerships and engaging with the community.
Section overview
ARPANSA has an important role in national emergency management arrangements for radiological and nuclear incidents. In recent years, the agency has strengthened its planning, coordination and preparedness arrangements to support the Australian Government’s crisis management responsibilities, including through the continued development of the Australian Radiological and Nuclear Event Plan (AUSRNEPLAN) and enhancement of the Radiation Emergency Coordination Centre (RECC). ARPANSA also must build confidence as the Australian Government Coordinating Agency for a radiological and nuclear event and in understanding jurisdictional capability and potential Commonwealth support arrangements.
ARPANSA is seeking a highly experienced Principal Advisor Emergency Management to provide senior strategic advice, mentorship and expert guidance to the emergency management function as ARPANSA continues to mature its role as the Australian Government Coordinating Agency for radiological and nuclear incidents.
This is a key advisory role focused on strengthening strategic direction, enhancing capability maturity and helping position ARPANSA to respond effectively to an evolving national operating environment. The role will support the agency’s engagement with Commonwealth emergency management bodies and committees, assist ARPANSA’s transition to support emerging arrangements associated with nuclear powered warship visits, guide the operationalisation of the Radiation Emergency Coordination Centre, and improve ARPANSA’s understanding of jurisdictional radiological response capability and how the Commonwealth may complement or enhance that capability, including through Commonwealth response capabilities.
Primary purpose of the role
The Principal Advisor Emergency Management provides high-level strategic advice to the Chief Radiation Health Scientist and senior executives on the development, positioning and continuous improvement of ARPANSA’s emergency management capability in support of its responsibilities as the Australian Government Coordinating Agency for radiological and nuclear incidents.
The role is primarily advisory and developmental in nature. It provides expert mentorship to the emergency management team, helping to shape strategic priorities, guide delivery, build capability and strengthen the team’s ability to operate effectively in a complex whole-of-government environment. The role also supports senior leadership in navigating emerging policy, coordination and operational demands across the Australian emergency management framework.
The Principal Advisor brings deep expertise in emergency management systems, national crisis coordination, radiological and nuclear preparedness, and organisational change. The role requires the ability to integrate strategic policy, operational planning, external engagement and capability development to support ARPANSA’s evolving responsibilities in a dynamic national context.
How to apply
Hit the apply button below and follow the application instructions. For your application you will need a resume and a 500-word pitch that considers:
- Key accountabilities
- Job specific capabilities
- Selection criteria
