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 Chief People Officer 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 Chief People Officer (CPO) leads the AEC’s strategic and operational human resources functions, election workforce recruitment and the AEC property services, while embedding an agile and high performing culture across the People and Property Branch.  

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 and stakeholder management and engagement. 

The key duties of the position include: 

  • Lead the Branch in the delivery of People and Property services, including operational support and strategic planning that allows the agency to deliver high-integrity Electoral Events.  
  • Lead the agency in implementing its responsibilities for Work Health and Safety processes
  • Provide timely, accurate and high-quality advice and guidance 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 corporate services responsibilities and assist in any related matters.
  • Lead, manage, and mentor all direct reports, including those who perform specialist or legislated functions.
  • 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.
  • Lead the Branch in building a culture of integrity and professionalism across the AEC through personnel performance.
  • Continually assess and improve the AEC’s strategic approach to human resource functions, including personnel or resource management matters, and implement effective solutions through policy, practices, planning and procedures.
  • Participate in, and lead the Branch in, meeting milestones specified in the election ready road map and broader agency directions.
  • Ensure AEC compliance with relevant legislative obligations.
  • 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:  

  • Deliver the relevant human resource functions, including help-desks and advice which support the engagement, training, and payment of the AEC’s temporary election workforce.
  • Respond to critical issues or incidents during an Electoral Event related to the AEC’s people and property services. 
  • Regularly participate in the meetings of the National Operations and Readiness/National Election Delivery Committee to inform the AEC’s preparation for, and delivery of, Electoral Events.

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 people, finances and information, including change management. 

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. 757. 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.