Vacancy Details

Agency Purpose

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is an independent statutory authority established by the Australian Government to maintain an impartial and independent electoral system for eligible voters through active electoral roll management, efficient delivery of polling services, and targeted education and public awareness programs.

The AEC’s values and commitments

The AEC values and commitments are an essential component of our operating environment and frame how AEC staff work. The AEC's focus is on electoral integrity through the values of quality, agility and professionalism.

Job Summary

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is seeking an experienced and innovative leader to join its leadership team to fill the role of Assistant Commissioner, Design and Improvement Branch at the SES Band 1 level.

The AEC is a central pillar to safeguarding the healthy functioning of our democracy. As a smaller agency, our SES lead a diverse range of projects and deliverables that have the potential to deliver tangible organisational change and shape positive outcomes for the Australian community.   

This is a very exciting time to join the AEC as we prepare to deliver the next federal election. The AEC is also embarking on a large scale modernisation program which will transform the systems and processes that enable elector services, support the formation of government and protect democracy.  The successful candidates through this process will have the opportunity to support this program and influence the way that we do business into the future. 

Further information about the role

The Assistant Commissioner, Design and Improvement Branch leads the design, policy development and planning for the delivery of key operational functions for the AEC including parliamentary events, the electoral roll, and the industrial elections and ballots program.

The key priority in the recruitment of this exciting opportunity will be in identifying a strong leader with a passion for, and strong track record in strategic planning, stakeholder management and engagement. 

The key duties of the position include: 

  • As a member of the senior executive team, lead the development of strategic directions for the agency, including influencing and contributing to major agency initiatives. In doing so, lead the Design and Improvement Branch and agency in:
    • Establishing and maintaining all election materials, doctrines, policies and procedures and manages and implements legislative changes. 
    • Designing and planning policy to support enfranchisement of Australians on the electoral roll.
    • Delivering a range of programs and operational services that support the branches and the state and divisional network to better achieve their program outcomes.
    • Delivering non-parliamentary elections and ballots on behalf of the Commonwealth. 
    • Establish and maintain good working relationships with state based electoral commissions and key stakeholders.
  • Lead and maintain capabilities to effectively perform branch functions within budget parameters.  Provide staff with reasonable development opportunities to ensure an agile workforce is developed enabling succession planning across the agency.  
  • Identify, harness opportunities for, and strengthen collaborative working relationships and strategic partnerships that support the achievement of the AEC’s outcome, key activities, and objectives in the AEC Corporate Plan. This will involve the occupant liaising with, and working in collaboration with, a range of other Senior Executive staff across the AEC and the APS to support positive corporate outcomes.
  • Provide high quality and timely advice, guidance and reporting to the Senior Executive cohort, Executive Leadership Team and the Electoral Commissioner in relation to Branch functional responsibilities.
  • Represent the AEC in dealings with other Government agencies, at Parliamentary Committee hearings, conferences and other meetings dealing with function responsibilities and assist in any related matters.
  • Perform additional duties or assume responsibility of functions as directed by the Electoral Commissioner and the Executive Leadership Team.

Additional responsibilities during an Electoral Event: 

  • This position will assume the role of joint Deputy National Election Manager during an Electoral Event. This involves providing regular and timely advice, reporting and support to the National Election Manager (NEM) and Australian Electoral Officers (AEOs), as required. 
  • During the election period (announcement of election to the return of writ), work closely with the NEM, meeting daily to identify emerging areas of risk, engage with key stakeholders, coordinate communication to the network, and provide day-to-day governance of the National Election Delivery Committee.

The ideal candidate

To be a strong contender for this important and challenging role, you will have an impressive record of leadership in complex operational environments, a strong focus on results and the ability to work to immutable deadlines. You will be forward thinking, self-motivated, resilient and adept at managing competing priorities. You will have the confidence, maturity and capability to participate as a vital member of a senior executive team and have superior representational and communication skills. You will be keen to be a vital part of an agency that is one of Australia’s most important public sector administrations and have proven ability in the contemporary management of design, policy development and planning for the delivery of key operational functions. 

You will also demonstrate that you can contribute to the overall senior leadership of the AEC, supporting the executive leadership team, your colleagues within the AEC’s senior executive team, and the Electoral Commissioner. 

The AEC observes strict impartiality and independence in all electoral processes, and any person in this role must be, and be seen to be, politically neutral. Sensitivity to the needs of a diverse client base is essential.  Any person who is, and is seen to be active in political affairs may compromise the strict neutrality of the AEC and cannot be considered.

Eligibility

  • AEC employees must be Australian citizens.
  • Applicants are required to consent to, undergo, obtain and maintain a character clearance and a Negative Vetting 1 security clearance. 
  • Applicants may be required to undergo psychometric testing.

Before applying

Executive Intelligence Group is coordinating this process on behalf of the AEC. 

Before applying, please obtain selection documentation from the Executive Intelligence Group vacancies page  https://executiveintelligencegroup.com.au/vacancies/ Ref. No. 758. If, after reading the selection documentation, you require further information please contact Tricia Searson or Karina Duffey on (02) 6232 2200. 

Do not apply via the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) website. Any applications submitted via the AEC website will not be considered for this role.  

A merit pool may be created and utilised within 12 months from the position being advertised for similar roles.

Applications close: 11.30pm Friday 4 June 2021.