Highlights

• Australian and New Zealand National Council for fire and emergency services in East Melbourne
• Flexible working environment, supporting a hybrid WFH/Office balance
• Contribute to Australia and New Zealand’s fire and emergency services sector

About AFAC

AFAC is Australia and New Zealand’s Council for Fire and Emergency Services and represents 35-member organisations who are totalling 295,000 firefighters and emergency workers.

AFAC seeks to amplify the collective capability and capacity of emergency management organisations. Through connection, collaboration, and innovation, they support members to advance the safety and resilience of communities.

AFAC has several business units that facilitate a broad range of activities on behalf of its members. These include professional services, aircraft contract management, cross border deployment of emergency services personnel and other nationally significant activities such as management of the national conference and National Emergency Services Memorial.

About the role – Project Consultant (National Heavy Tanker Specification)

The Project Consultant will support AFAC’s Standards and Strategic Procurement function, contributing to the development of the inaugural AFAC National Heavy Tanker Specification (NHTS). This nationally significant initiative will deliver a comprehensive functional specification to support AFAC member agencies when procuring heavy bushfire tankers for deployment across Australia and New Zealand.

Reporting to the Senior Specialist, Standards and Strategic Procurement, this role is a fixed-term, part-time engagement and will work closely with internal AFAC teams and external stakeholders, including the AFAC Collaborative Procurement Strategy Group and the AFAC Fleet Technical Group.

The Project Consultant will provide specialist support across stages 1 and 2 of the NHTS, ensuring the specification reflects operational requirements, promotes national consistency, supports interoperability, and aligns with safety, innovation, and industry capability objectives.

As our Project Consultant, you will:

• Review existing agency-based heavy tanker functional specifications and conduct gap analysis to identify commonalities and differences.
• Contribute to the development of a national perspective report to inform the NHTS.
• Support collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to gather input and feedback throughout the development of specification drafts.
• Undertake research and analysis on heavy tanker operational requirements, sector best practice, and emerging standards.
• Assist in drafting high-quality written materials, including reports, technical documents, presentations, and recommendations aligned to the approved business case.
• Ensure all documentation complies with AFAC organisational standards, including copyright and ethical requirements.
• Work collaboratively across AFAC directorates to support effective consultation and delivery of agreed outcomes.

Interstate travel may be required for this role.

About you

The successful applicant will bring a combination of technical, analytical, and collaboration skills, along with experience working in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

You will possess:

• Demonstrated experience in a consulting, project support, or coordination role, ideally within emergency services, infrastructure, procurement, or technical specification development.
• Strong analytical skills, including experience reviewing technical documentation and conducting gap analysis.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, high-quality reports and briefing materials.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively to deliver outcomes within defined timeframes.
• Experience engaging with diverse stakeholders and supporting collaborative consultation processes.
• A strong understanding of document governance, including copyright compliance and organisational standards.
• Well-developed organisational skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• A proactive, flexible, and solutions-focused approach, with a strong work ethic and commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes.

Are you flexible and available to work around 8 hours a week? We are looking for someone who has the capacity and subject matter expertise to engage with us on a temporary 6 month basis, working a flexible week. Ideally someone who is an independent contractor or is comfortable with working on a casual basis.

Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or professional certifications are highly regarded.

The culture at AFAC

AFAC is a vibrant, active and flexible workplace. AFAC is a not-for-profit organisation based on an all-inclusive collaboration model and office values of respect, communication, results and teamwork.

At AFAC, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture, valuing diversity and ensuring a safe and respectful workplace.

How to apply

The position description and key selection criteria can be found below. Please apply online and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications close 30th April 2026 we will review applications as we receive them so if this position is of interest to you, apply today!