AddressAgency 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.
The Team
The International Engagement (IE) section provides a broad range of services to support the AEC’s international partnerships and programs. IE works in partnership with electoral management bodies (EMBs) in the Indo-Pacific region, supporting them to deliver elections and building their technical capacity.
The AEC is committed to assisting EMBs in our region as part of our broader remit to defend democracy. Section 7(1)(fa) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 directs the AEC to provide international assistance in matters relating to elections and referendums.
The AEC’s electoral assistance programs are built on requests for assistance from partner EMBs and are funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through Australia’s international development program.
The Opportunity
We are looking for a dynamic, collaborative, self-motivated and details-oriented professional to fill a position in the International Engagement section.
As a Senior Engagement Officer, you will support the day-to-day management of the AEC’s International Engagement, including program management associated with the provision of election and referendum assistance to developing democracies.
The role is responsible for undertaking work that is moderately complex and/or sensitive in nature, under limited direction. Participating in section planning for short term tasks and contributing to strategic planning for longer term initiatives also forms part of this role.
On occasion, international travel, work outside of standard business hours, or additional duties at the time of an electoral event, will be a required component of the role.
To excel you’ll have:
- Proven ability to engage and communicate in a complex cross-cultural environment and effectively anticipate international stakeholder needs.
- Knowledge and experience working in international development.
- Knowledge and experience in successfully setting priorities and delivering quality results on time and on budget in a project / program context.
- Proven analytical abilities with the ability to propose and facilitate change and contribute to business improvement strategies.
- Ability to supervise staff, including staff on temporary international deployments while developing capabilities and embedding professionalism.
- Demonstrated personal integrity whilst achieving results within legislative, program and policy parameters.
Desirable
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in international relations, public administration or similar and/or practical experience working in international development, including in-country experience.
- Knowledge of, or ability to quickly gain knowledge of, Australian electoral law and the Commonwealth Resource Framework.
Eligibility
- AEC employees must be Australian citizens.
- Any person who is, and seen to be active in political affairs, and intends to publicly carry on this activity, may compromise the strict neutrality of the AEC and cannot be considered.
- Applicants are required to consent to, undergo, obtain and maintain a character clearance.
- Applicants are required to consent to, undergo, obtain and maintain the security clearance required for this role.
