The CFA are proud of the work we do, 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, experience and backgrounds, recognising the unique value they bring to CFA.

Want to read more about the Country Fire Authority (CFA) click here. 

About the Role

The Senior Officer Community First Partnerships leads the implementation of the Victorian Government's Safer Together approach to bushfire risk reduction. Working within the multi-agency Community First program (CFA, DEECA and local government), the role focuses on enhancing community resilience at state, local and place-based levels in high-risk bushfire areas.

Responsibilities include coordinating community development initiatives, advocating for cultural change in fire agency partnerships, and supporting regional facilitators to empower local communities in bushfire management.

More specifically you will

• Lead strategic coordination and advocacy for community-centred bushfire management across CFA, DEECA, local government and partners.
• Provide policy input, coordinate learning opportunities and support place-based facilitators and stakeholders.
• Administer monitoring and reporting processes, manage budget and financial reporting and prepare advocacy reports for community-centred approaches in bushfire management.

About You

Our ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Tertiary qualifications in community development, social science, or other relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant qualifications and and/or significant experience in a role committed to a place-based community development approach.
• Demonstrated achievements in working collaboratively to build supportive and cooperative team environments.
• Proven leadership in building partnerships and maintaining relationships with multiple stakeholders in a complex environment.
• Demonstrated experience using systems thinking to implement and advocate for strategies that facilitate cultural and behavioural change in a diverse work context.
• Excellent interpersonal skills coupled with an ability to facilitate robust discussion and collaborative decision making on complex and varied issues.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with experience using varied and creative methods to evaluate, report, and convey ideas, insights, and impact.
• Demonstrated experience in evidence-based monitoring, evaluation and reporting for provision of advice to leaders and to inform continuous learning and improvement.

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 Now' 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 a National Police History Check, Working Rights Check and hold a valid Working with Children Check.

A position description is attached.

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.