Principal Advisor

Job Description

Do you want to work for a values-based, emergency service organisation that puts the community at the centre of everything we do? We are proud of the work we do in protecting lives and property, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With over 51,000 volunteers, CFA strives to be an organisation of choice for volunteers and employees. We embrace individuals with diverse skills, experiences, and backgrounds, recognising the unique value they bring to CFA. To learn more about the Country Fire Authority (CFA), we invite you to visit our About Us page. About the Role Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for policy development and a desire to make a meaningful impact? We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Advisor to provide expert policy development, coordination, and strategic support to the Chief Officer within a service delivery context. In this role, you will conduct in-depth research, analyse complex policy issues, and prepare comprehensive policy documents and briefing materials to support high-level decision-making. You will play a key role in addressing emerging risks, shaping strategic responses, and developing frameworks, policies, and service delivery strategies in line with organisational goals. Key responsibilities include providing strategic policy advice, managing emerging risks, developing project plans, and preparing communication strategies for diverse audiences. You will collaborate with both internal teams and external stakeholders to resolve issues and ensure alignment with organisational objectives while also representing CFA and its interests. About You We are looking for a professional with a strong background in policy research, analysis, and strategic advice supported by a relevant qualification or experience. You have a strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and evidence-based approaches, and you are confident in analysing both qualitative and quantitative data. You are skilled at working within complex organisations, offering practical and effective advice on policy, business planning, and project management. You will bring excellent communication and interpersonal skills that enable you to engage with various stakeholders across the organisation and quickly build rapport, resolve challenges, and foster productive relationships. Highly adaptable and organised, you can manage multiple priorities and can lead with initiative. If you are proactive, solutions-oriented, and innovative whilst delivering impactful results to the organisation, we invite you to apply. Why choose CFA Meaningful Purpose: Your contribution truly makes a difference Work-Life Balance: Paid parental leave, generous leave provisions Growth Opportunities: Learning and development Flexibility: Hybrid work options with flexible work arrangements Discounts: Emergency Memberlink discounts on various services Wellbeing Focus: Healthy for Life programs, flu vaccinations Member Assistance Program: Access support across 8 service pathways Your Application Click the 'apply' button to access our online application form. Here you will be asked to provide personal and contact details and respond to employment-related questions. When applying for a position with CFA, please submit a cover letter and resume that demonstrates your qualifications, experience, key attributes, and skills required for the position. Pre-employment Checks Offers of employment will only be made to candidates who: Successfully complete Reference Checks, a National Police History Check, Working Rights Check, and hold a valid Working with Children Check. CFA is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and safe volunteer and work environment. Our aim is to have a volunteer and paid workforce that reflects the community it serves. First Nations people, women, people of all ages, with disabilities, and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply. Applications close: 11:59pm 27th January 2025 If at any stage of the recruitment and selection process you require an alternative format to the application material or reasonable adjustment to the interview arrangements, please don't hesitate to contact the person listed on the ad or alternatively, email The Country Fire Authority (CFA) values your privacy. We will use the information you provide when you are applying for employment with us for the purpose of recruitment, selection, evaluation, and appointment and to report on anonymised key metrics (e.g. diversity). The information we collect will be handled in accordance with privacy laws, including the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 . You can view our Privacy Statement here. For access and correction of the information we have collected, contact #J-18808-Ljbffr